Quick Answer
The answer is ShellBags and LNK files. ShellBags store folder view settings and paths, recording every folder a user has accessed, while LNK files are shortcuts that log the target file path, creation, modification, and last access timestamps, making both artifacts critical for tracing recent file or folder access. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between artifacts that record user activity versus system-level operations; a common trap is confusing ShellBags with Registry-based MRU lists, which track only file opens, not folder navigation. Memory tip: think of ShellBags as the "folder footprint" and LNK files as the "file fingerprint"—together, they map the user's digital journey.
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 Windows artifacts can be used to identify recently accessed files or folders on a system? (Select the two best answers.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Event ID 4624
Why wrong: 4624 is logon, not file access.
SAM hive
Why wrong: SAM stores user password hashes.
Prefetch files
Why wrong: Prefetch records application launches, not file accesses.
LNK files
Correct. LNK files point to recently opened files.
ShellBags
Correct. ShellBags record folder navigation history.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
LNK files
ShellBags store folder view settings and paths, while LNK files are shortcuts that record the target file path and timestamps. Both can indicate accessed locations.
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.
Event ID 4624
Why it's wrong here
4624 is logon, not file access.
SAM hive
Why it's wrong here
SAM stores user password hashes.
Prefetch files
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch records application launches, not file accesses.
LNK files
Why this is correct
Correct. LNK files point to recently opened files.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
ShellBags
Why this is correct
Correct. ShellBags record folder navigation history.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: LNK files — ShellBags store folder view settings and paths, while LNK files are shortcuts that record the target file path and timestamps. Both can indicate accessed locations.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
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. In Windows forensics, which artifact is used to track recently accessed files and folders via the 'Recent Items' feature?
easyWhy D: LNK files (shortcuts) are created automatically when a user opens a file, and they contain metadata such as the target path and timestamps.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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