Quick Answer
The answer is dumping the contents of RAM and capturing active network connections. These are valid methods for acquiring volatile data on Windows because such data resides in system memory and network state information that is irretrievably lost upon shutdown or reboot. RAM contains running processes, open files, and encryption keys, while active connections reveal current communication channels and potential malicious activity. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of the order of volatility, where the most ephemeral data must be collected first during live response. A common trap is confusing persistent data like registry hives with truly volatile artifacts; remember that anything stored only in memory or active network states disappears when power is cut. For a quick memory tip, think “RAM and netstat” — if it vanishes when you pull the plug, it’s volatile.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of evidence acquisition and duplication. 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 of the following are valid methods for acquiring volatile data from a live Windows system? (Choose two.)
Copying the Windows registry
Why wrong: Registry is stored on disk.
Capturing active network connections
Network connections are volatile.
Imaging the hard drive
Why wrong: Hard drive is non-volatile.
Extracting the Master File Table (MFT)
Why wrong: MFT is on disk.
Dumping the contents of RAM
RAM is volatile.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Capturing active network connections
Option B is correct because capturing active network connections (e.g., using `netstat -anob` or `netstat -ano`) retrieves volatile data that is lost when the system is powered off. This data includes current TCP/UDP connections, listening ports, and associated process IDs, which are critical for identifying active network threats or unauthorized communications during incident response.
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.
Copying the Windows registry
Why it's wrong here
Registry is stored on disk.
Capturing active network connections
Why this is correct
Network connections are volatile.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Imaging the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive is non-volatile.
Extracting the Master File Table (MFT)
Why it's wrong here
MFT is on disk.
Dumping the contents of RAM
Why this is correct
RAM is volatile.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between volatile and non-volatile data, trapping candidates who confuse persistent artifacts (registry, MFT, hard drive images) with live system state (RAM, network connections) that disappears on power loss.
Detailed technical explanation
Volatile data acquisition follows the 'Order of Volatility' (RFC 3227), where RAM contents and network connections are collected first due to their extreme volatility. Dumping RAM (Option E) requires tools like `FTK Imager` or `WinPmem` to capture the full memory space, including kernel objects, running processes, and network sockets, which are lost on shutdown. In real-world scenarios, a live response might use `netstat -anob` to capture connections before an attacker kills the process or the system crashes.
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
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FAQ
Evidence Acquisition and Duplication — This question tests Evidence Acquisition and Duplication — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Capturing active network connections — Option B is correct because capturing active network connections (e.g., using `netstat -anob` or `netstat -ano`) retrieves volatile data that is lost when the system is powered off. This data includes current TCP/UDP connections, listening ports, and associated process IDs, which are critical for identifying active network threats or unauthorized communications during incident response.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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