Quick Answer
The answer is the $I file within the $Recycle.bin directory. This metadata artifact, specifically named $I followed by a unique identifier, stores critical forensic details about each deleted file, including the original file path, deletion timestamp, and original file size. On an NTFS volume, when a file is sent to the Recycle Bin, Windows creates two companion files: the $R file containing the actual deleted data and the $I info file holding this metadata. For the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this distinction is a frequent test point—candidates must remember that the $I file, not the $R file, is the key artifact for recovering deletion timelines and original locations. A common trap is confusing the two, so a simple memory tip is to think of “I” for “Info” and “R” for “Remains.”
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.
A forensic analyst is investigating a Windows system and needs to examine the contents of the Recycle Bin. Which file artifact contains metadata about deleted files, including original file paths and deletion times?
$Recycle.bin\$I
$I stores the metadata including original path, deletion time, and size.
C:\Windows\System32\winevt\Logs
Why wrong: Windows Event Logs contain system events but not Recycle Bin metadata.
$Recycle.bin\$R
Why wrong: $R contains the actual deleted file data, not metadata.
C:\Windows\Prefetch
Why wrong: Prefetch stores application launch information, not Recycle Bin data.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
$Recycle.bin\$I
The $Recycle.bin directory contains a file named $R (deleted file) and $I (info file). The $I file stores metadata such as original path, deletion time, and size. This is the standard Recycle Bin artifact in NTFS.
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.
$Recycle.bin\$I
Why this is correct
$I stores the metadata including original path, deletion time, and size.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
C:\Windows\System32\winevt\Logs
Why it's wrong here
Windows Event Logs contain system events but not Recycle Bin metadata.
$Recycle.bin\$R
Why it's wrong here
$R contains the actual deleted file data, not metadata.
C:\Windows\Prefetch
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch stores application launch information, not Recycle Bin data.
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
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: $Recycle.bin\$I — The $Recycle.bin directory contains a file named $R (deleted file) and $I (info file). The $I file stores metadata such as original path, deletion time, and size. This is the standard Recycle Bin artifact in NTFS.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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