The answer is the SetupAPI.dev.log file and the USBSTOR registry key under SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum. These are the two primary forensic artifacts for USB device forensics on a Windows system because the USBSTOR key records every USB storage device ever connected, storing persistent details like vendor ID, product ID, and serial number even after removal, while the SetupAPI.dev.log captures the plug-and-play installation timeline, including device class GUIDs and driver setup events. On the CHFI exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between volatile and non-volatile evidence sources; a common trap is confusing the USBSTOR key with the MountedDevices registry hive, which only tracks drive letters and is less reliable. For memory, remember that USBSTOR stores the “who” (device identity) and SetupAPI.dev.log stores the “when” (connection history).
CHFI OS and File System Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and file system 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 of the following are valid locations in a Windows system where forensic evidence of USB device connection can be found?
The SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR registry key is a primary location where Windows records every USB storage device that has been connected to the system. Each device is listed under this key with a unique instance ID, including the vendor ID, product ID, and serial number, providing persistent evidence of USB connections even after the device is removed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
This key enumerates all USB storage devices that have been connected to the system.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Amcache.hve file
Why it's wrong here
Amcache stores application execution artifacts, not device connection history.
✓
SetupAPI.dev.log file
Why this is correct
This log file records Plug and Play device installations, including USB devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Event Logs with source 'Device Setup'
Why it's wrong here
Device installation events are logged under Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-PnP/Configuration, not 'Device Setup'.
✗
C:\Windows\Prefetch folder
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch stores execution traces of applications, not USB device connections.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between persistent device enumeration records (USBSTOR) and installation logs (SetupAPI.dev.log) versus volatile or indirect artifacts like prefetch files or misnamed event sources, leading candidates to incorrectly select Amcache.hve or Prefetch as valid USB connection evidence.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, when a USB device is inserted, Windows Plug and Play (PnP) manager queries the device descriptor and writes a subkey under USBSTOR with the format 'Disk&Ven_<vendor>&Prod_<product>&Rev_<revision>\<serial>'. The SetupAPI.dev.log file captures detailed device installation operations, including driver staging and configuration, with timestamps and error codes, making it invaluable for correlating device first-connection times. In a real-world forensic investigation, an examiner can cross-reference the serial number from USBSTOR with the log entries in SetupAPI.dev.log to establish a timeline of device usage.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
OS and File System Forensics — This question tests OS and File System Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR registry key — The SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR registry key is a primary location where Windows records every USB storage device that has been connected to the system. Each device is listed under this key with a unique instance ID, including the vendor ID, product ID, and serial number, providing persistent evidence of USB connections even after the device is removed.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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