The answer is the HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR registry key. This key is the definitive source for a comprehensive list of USB storage devices that have ever been attached to a Windows system because it stores a subkey for each unique device instance, and within those subkeys, the Properties folder contains binary data that forensic tools parse to extract the first and last connection timestamps. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between the USBSTOR key, which logs storage devices with timestamps, and the broader Enum\USB key, which contains device descriptors but no connection history. A common trap is confusing USBSTOR with the SetupAPI.dev.log files, which track driver installations but not device-level timestamps. Remember the mnemonic: USBSTOR Stores Time On Record—the key that holds both the device list and the connection timeline.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
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.
A forensic analyst is investigating a Windows 10 system and needs to determine if a USB device was ever connected. Which registry key would provide a comprehensive list of USB devices that have been attached, including the first and last connection times?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
The USBSTOR key records all USB storage devices with timestamps. Enum/USB contains device descriptors but not timestamps. SetupAPI logs are in a different location.
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.
✗
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB
Why it's wrong here
Enum/USB shows device descriptors but not connection timestamps.
✓
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
Why this is correct
USBSTOR lists all USB storage devices with first/last connection times under Properties.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
This key is related to driver lockdown, not USB history.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
Enum/USB shows device descriptors but not connection timestamps.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR — The USBSTOR key records all USB storage devices with timestamps. Enum/USB contains device descriptors but not timestamps. SetupAPI logs are in a different location.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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. In a Windows forensic investigation, the analyst wants to determine which USB devices were connected to the system, including the device serial number and first/last connection times. Which registry hive and key should be examined?
Why D: USB device history is stored in the SYSTEM registry hive under USBSTOR, which records device class, serial number, and timestamps.
Variation 2. A forensic analyst is examining a Windows 10 system for evidence of USB device usage. Which registry hive and key path should she check to find a list of USB devices that have been connected to the system?
Why B: USB device history is stored in the SYSTEM hive under CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR. This key lists all USB storage devices that have been connected.
Variation 3. A forensic analyst is examining a Windows system for evidence of USB device usage. Which TWO registry locations are known to store USB device history?
Why A: USB device history is stored in USBSTOR and MountPoints2 keys.
Variation 4. A forensic analyst is investigating a Windows system for evidence of USB device usage. Which registry key is MOST useful for determining the first time a USB device was connected and its serial number?
Why A: The USBSTOR registry key under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR contains subkeys for each USB device, with properties like serial number and first install date.
Variation 5. An analyst reviews Windows Registry for USB device usage history. Which registry hive and key contain the 'USBSTOR' key that logs unique serial numbers of connected USB drives?
Why C: USBSTOR is located under SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR, which records USB storage device identifiers.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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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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