Quick Answer
The answer is Registry Run keys, scheduled tasks, and service installations. These three mechanisms are commonly used for persistence on a Windows system because they allow malware or unauthorized code to automatically execute each time the system boots or a user logs in, leveraging core Windows components that are designed for legitimate administrative or software functionality. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between active persistence methods and passive forensic artifacts; a common trap is confusing Prefetch files or LNK files—which are valuable for timeline analysis and evidence of execution—with actual persistence mechanisms. Remember that persistence requires an automatic trigger for re-execution, not just a record of past activity. A useful memory tip is to think of the three S’s: Startup keys (Registry Run), Scheduler (tasks), and Services—each ensures code runs again without user intervention.
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 THREE of the following are commonly used for persistence on a Windows system? (Choose THREE.)
LNK files
Why wrong: LNK files are shortcuts for file access, not persistence.
Registry Run keys
Common persistence via auto-start programs.
Service installations
Services can be configured to start automatically.
Prefetch files
Why wrong: Prefetch shows execution history, not persistence.
Scheduled tasks
Tasks can run at system startup or on a schedule.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Registry Run keys
Registry Run keys, scheduled tasks, and service installations are common persistence mechanisms. Prefetch files and LNK files are forensic artifacts but not persistence mechanisms.
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.
LNK files
Why it's wrong here
LNK files are shortcuts for file access, not persistence.
Registry Run keys
Why this is correct
Common persistence via auto-start programs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Service installations
Why this is correct
Services can be configured to start automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Prefetch files
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch shows execution history, not persistence.
Scheduled tasks
Why this is correct
Tasks can run at system startup or on a schedule.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Prefetch shows execution history, not persistence.
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: Registry Run keys — Registry Run keys, scheduled tasks, and service installations are common persistence mechanisms. Prefetch files and LNK files are forensic artifacts but not persistence mechanisms.
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.
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 →
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. Which TWO of the following are common persistence mechanisms used by malware on Windows systems? (Select two.)
easyWhy C: Run keys in the registry and scheduled tasks are standard persistence techniques. Prefetch and LNK files are forensic artifacts, not persistence mechanisms. USBSTOR tracks devices.
Variation 2. Which TWO of the following are persistence mechanisms commonly found in Windows forensics? (Select two.)
easyWhy C: Registry Run keys and Scheduled Tasks are common persistence techniques that allow malware to automatically execute on system startup or at scheduled times.
Variation 3. Which TWO of the following registry keys are commonly used to maintain persistence on Windows systems by automatically starting programs?
hardWhy D: The Run key under both HKCU and HKLM is a standard autorun location. The RunOnce key also starts programs but runs them once at next logon.
Variation 4. Which of the following Windows registry keys is commonly used by malware to achieve persistence by executing a program at user logon?
mediumWhy C: The Run key under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run is a common persistence location; it runs the specified program when the user logs in.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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