Quick Answer
The answer is the $I file within the $Recycle.bin folder. This artifact is correct because it stores critical metadata for each deleted item, including the original file path and the exact deletion timestamp, while the corresponding $R file contains only the actual data content. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of Windows forensic artifacts and the NTFS file system, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a suspect denies using the Recycle Bin. A common trap is confusing the $R file for metadata, but remember that the $I file is the "info" file holding the forensic gold. To recall this easily, think of the mnemonic "I for Info, R for Raw data"—the $I file always reveals the original path and deletion time you need to disprove a suspect's claim.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a forensic investigation, you encounter a Windows system with an NTFS volume. The suspect claims they never used the recycle bin, but you find files in the $Recycle.bin folder. Which artifact can help you determine the original file path and deletion time?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "never"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
The USN journal
Why wrong: The USN journal records changes but may not preserve original path details.
The file slack space
Why wrong: Slack space may contain remnants but not metadata like path and time.
The $I file in the $Recycle.bin folder
Correct. $I files contain original path and deletion time.
The $MFT entry for the deleted file
Why wrong: The $MFT entry may be overwritten; the $I file is the primary source.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The $I file in the $Recycle.bin folder
The $Recycle.bin contains $I (info) and $R (data) files. The $I file stores metadata including original filename, path, and deletion timestamp.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The USN journal
Why it's wrong here
The USN journal records changes but may not preserve original path details.
The file slack space
Why it's wrong here
Slack space may contain remnants but not metadata like path and time.
The $I file in the $Recycle.bin folder
Why this is correct
Correct. $I files contain original path and deletion time.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
The $MFT entry for the deleted file
Why it's wrong here
The $MFT entry may be overwritten; the $I file is the primary source.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: The $I file in the $Recycle.bin folder — The $Recycle.bin contains $I (info) and $R (data) files. The $I file stores metadata including original filename, path, and deletion timestamp.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "never". Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CHFI exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.