Quick Answer
The answer is the USBSTOR registry key and the setupapi.dev.log file. These two artifacts are commonly used to identify USB device insertion history on a Windows system because the USBSTOR key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR records every unique USB device that has ever been connected, storing its serial number, class GUID, and first/last connection timestamps, while the setupapi.dev.log file in C:\Windows\inf logs detailed plug-and-play events including device instance IDs and precise insertion and removal times. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to locate persistent evidence of external device usage, often appearing in the Windows Forensics domain where examiners must distinguish between volatile and non-volatile artifacts. A common trap is confusing the USBSTOR key with the MountPoints2 key, which tracks drive letters rather than device hardware. Memory tip: think of USBSTOR as the “permanent guest list” and setupapi.dev.log as the “detailed event diary” for every USB device that ever plugged in.
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.
Which TWO artifacts are commonly used to identify USB device insertion history on a Windows system? (Select TWO.)
NTUSER.DAT
Why wrong: NTUSER.DAT contains user settings, but not USB device history directly.
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
USBSTOR enumerates USB storage devices that have been connected.
prefetch files
Why wrong: Prefetch files track executed programs, not USB devices.
setupapi.dev.log
This log records device installation events, including USB devices.
Event ID 7045
Why wrong: 7045 is service installation, not USB.
Answer choices
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 registry key and setupapi.dev.log contain information about USB devices connected to the system, including device IDs and timestamps.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
NTUSER.DAT
Why it's wrong here
NTUSER.DAT contains user settings, but not USB device history directly.
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
Why this is correct
USBSTOR enumerates USB storage devices that have been connected.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
prefetch files
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch files track executed programs, not USB devices.
setupapi.dev.log
Why this is correct
This log records device installation events, including USB devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Event ID 7045
Why it's wrong here
7045 is service installation, not USB.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR — The USBSTOR registry key and setupapi.dev.log contain information about USB devices connected to the system, including device IDs and timestamps.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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