Quick Answer
The answer is the UserAssist key, which is the correct artifact for tracking recently executed programs on a per-user basis in Windows forensics. This is because UserAssist keys, stored within the NTUSER.DAT hive for each user profile, log every program launched via Windows Explorer, recording both the run count and the last execution time in a Rot13-encoded format. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your ability to locate user-specific execution history, often appearing in questions about identifying malware persistence or user activity patterns. A common trap is confusing UserAssist with the Prefetch files, which track system-wide program launches rather than per-user data; remember that UserAssist lives in the registry hive tied to individual user accounts. For a memory tip, think of UserAssist as the user’s personal “assistant” that remembers every program they clicked—just decode the Rot13 to reveal the true file path.
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.
In Windows forensics, which artifact is used to track recently executed programs on a per-user basis?
Jump lists
Why wrong: Jump lists show recently accessed files for pinned applications, but not all executed programs.
UserAssist
UserAssist in NTUSER.DAT logs program executions per user.
ShellBags
Why wrong: ShellBags store folder view settings, not program execution.
Prefetch files
Why wrong: Prefetch tracks application launch to speed up boot, but is system-wide, not per-user.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
UserAssist
UserAssist keys in the NTUSER.DAT hive store information about programs executed via Windows Explorer, including run count and last execution time.
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.
Jump lists
Why it's wrong here
Jump lists show recently accessed files for pinned applications, but not all executed programs.
UserAssist
Why this is correct
UserAssist in NTUSER.DAT logs program executions per user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ShellBags
Why it's wrong here
ShellBags store folder view settings, not program execution.
Prefetch files
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch tracks application launch to speed up boot, but is system-wide, not per-user.
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
Jump lists show recently accessed files for pinned applications, but not all executed programs.
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: UserAssist — UserAssist keys in the NTUSER.DAT hive store information about programs executed via Windows Explorer, including run count and last execution time.
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.
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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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