Quick Answer
The correct answer is FTK Imager and WinPmem, as both are valid techniques for acquiring RAM on Windows systems. FTK Imager is a versatile forensic tool that can capture a physical memory dump from a live Windows machine, while WinPmem is a dedicated memory acquisition driver that creates a raw image of the system’s volatile memory. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of platform-specific memory acquisition tools—a common trap is confusing LiME, which is designed for Linux environments, with Windows-compatible tools. Remember that examiners often pair FTK Imager with WinPmem as the standard Windows duo, whereas LiME and fmem are Linux-specific. A helpful memory tip: “Windows loves WinPmem and FTK; LiME is for Linux, not for PC.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. 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 techniques for acquiring RAM in a Windows system?
WinPmem
WinPmem is a memory acquisition tool for Windows.
Sleuth Kit
Why wrong: Sleuth Kit is for file system analysis, not RAM acquisition.
LiME
Why wrong: LiME is for Linux memory acquisition.
dd
Why wrong: dd is a disk imaging tool, not specialized for RAM.
FTK Imager
FTK Imager can acquire physical memory on Windows.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
WinPmem
WinPmem and FTK Imager are both capable of acquiring RAM on Windows systems. LiME is for Linux.
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.
WinPmem
Why this is correct
WinPmem is a memory acquisition tool for Windows.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Sleuth Kit
Why it's wrong here
Sleuth Kit is for file system analysis, not RAM acquisition.
LiME
Why it's wrong here
LiME is for Linux memory acquisition.
dd
Why it's wrong here
dd is a disk imaging tool, not specialized for RAM.
FTK Imager
Why this is correct
FTK Imager can acquire physical memory on Windows.
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.
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
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: WinPmem — WinPmem and FTK Imager are both capable of acquiring RAM on Windows systems. LiME is for Linux.
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. A forensic examiner needs to acquire the RAM from a Windows 10 system without altering the contents. Which tool is MOST appropriate for this task?
easyWhy A: WinPmem is a memory acquisition tool for Windows that supports capturing RAM. It is widely used in forensics. LiME is for Linux, FTK Imager can acquire disk images but not RAM.
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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