The answer is the USBSTOR registry key located at HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR. This key is examined in USB device forensics because it maintains a persistent, timestamped record of every USB mass storage device that has ever been connected to a Windows system, including the device’s serial number, vendor ID, and product ID. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your ability to trace data exfiltration or unauthorized device usage by correlating USBSTOR entries with other artifacts like setupapi.dev.log or the MountPoints2 key. A common trap is confusing USBSTOR with the USB key under the same path—USBSTOR only logs storage-class devices (flash drives, external hard drives), not mice or keyboards. For memory, remember that STOR in USBSTOR stands for storage, so if it stores data, it stores here.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. 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.
In Windows registry forensics, which key is examined to identify USB devices that were connected to the system?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
The USBSTOR key under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR contains a list of all USB storage devices that have been connected, including their serial numbers.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
MountPoints2 shows mounted drives but not USB device details like serial numbers.
✗
HKLM\SAM\SAM\Domains\Account\Users
Why it's wrong here
SAM stores user account information, not USB devices.
✓
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
Why this is correct
USBSTOR enumerates USB storage devices connected to the system.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
MountPoints2 shows mounted drives but not USB device details like serial numbers.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR — The USBSTOR key under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR contains a list of all USB storage devices that have been connected, including their serial numbers.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which Windows registry hive should be examined to determine the last time a specific external USB drive was connected to a system?
easy
A.HKLM\SAM
✓ B.HKLM\SYSTEM
C.HKLM\SOFTWARE
D.HKLM\SECURITY
Why B: The SYSTEM hive (specifically HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR) contains identifiers and timestamps for every USB device that has been attached.
Variation 2. A forensic tool parses the Windows registry and reveals that a USB device with VID_0781&PID_5583 was last connected on 2023-10-01. Which registry key is the MOST likely source of this information?
Why A: USB device history is stored in the USBSTOR registry key, which enumerates devices by their Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID).
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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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.
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