This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Windows registry hive stores user-specific configuration and is loaded when a user logs in, containing artifacts such as recently accessed files and application settings?
SECURITY
Why wrong: SECURITY hive contains security policies and audit configuration, not user settings.
NTUSER.DAT
NTUSER.DAT is loaded into HKEY_CURRENT_USER and contains user preferences and activity artifacts.
HKLM\SAM
Why wrong: SAM hive stores user account hashes and local security accounts, not user-specific settings.
SYSTEM
Why wrong: SYSTEM hive contains system-wide configuration, not per-user settings.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
NTUSER.DAT
NTUSER.DAT is the registry hive that contains user-specific settings and is loaded into HKEY_CURRENT_USER upon logon. It includes UserAssist, MRU lists, and other user activity artifacts.
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.
SECURITY
Why it's wrong here
SECURITY hive contains security policies and audit configuration, not user settings.
NTUSER.DAT
Why this is correct
NTUSER.DAT is loaded into HKEY_CURRENT_USER and contains user preferences and activity artifacts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
HKLM\SAM
Why it's wrong here
SAM hive stores user account hashes and local security accounts, not user-specific settings.
SYSTEM
Why it's wrong here
SYSTEM hive contains system-wide configuration, not per-user settings.
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: NTUSER.DAT — NTUSER.DAT is the registry hive that contains user-specific settings and is loaded into HKEY_CURRENT_USER upon logon. It includes UserAssist, MRU lists, and other user activity artifacts.
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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