- A
Use win32dd to capture the contents of RAM to an external drive, then use FTK Imager to create a physical image of the SSD over the network to a secure share.
This captures memory first (volatile data) and then acquires a disk image while the system is still running, preserving evidence.
- B
Perform a graceful shutdown via the operating system, then remove the SSD and image it using a hardware write-blocker.
Why wrong: Graceful shutdown modifies the disk (writes log files, etc.) and loses memory evidence.
- C
Boot the workstation from a forensic live CD, then use 'dd' to image the SSD to an external USB drive.
Why wrong: Booting from a live CD will overwrite some memory and may not capture the current state of running processes.
- D
Immediately shut down the workstation by unplugging the power cord, remove the SSD, and create a forensic image using a write-blocker on a forensic workstation.
Why wrong: Unplugging loses volatile memory and may cause filesystem damage; also, memory evidence is lost.
CHFI Computer Forensics Investigation Process Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of computer forensics investigation process. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
You are a CHFI analyst responding to a security incident at a medium-sized financial firm. The IT team reports that an employee's workstation (Windows 10, single SSD) was used to access sensitive customer data without authorization. The workstation is still running, and the employee is currently logged in. The IT team has isolated the machine from the network but has not powered it off. You have been called to perform forensic acquisition. The company policy requires preservation of volatile data and a full disk image. The machine has 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. You have a forensic toolkit including FTK Imager, win32dd (for memory acquisition), and a write-blocker. Which of the following is the best course of action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use win32dd to capture the contents of RAM to an external drive, then use FTK Imager to create a physical image of the SSD over the network to a secure share.
Option A is correct because it follows the proper order of volatility: capturing RAM first (volatile data) using win32dd, then imaging the SSD with FTK Imager. Since the machine is still running and isolated, network imaging is acceptable and preserves the disk state without risking data loss from a shutdown. This approach complies with the requirement to preserve volatile data and create a full disk image.
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.
- ✓
Use win32dd to capture the contents of RAM to an external drive, then use FTK Imager to create a physical image of the SSD over the network to a secure share.
Why this is correct
This captures memory first (volatile data) and then acquires a disk image while the system is still running, preserving evidence.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Perform a graceful shutdown via the operating system, then remove the SSD and image it using a hardware write-blocker.
Why it's wrong here
Graceful shutdown modifies the disk (writes log files, etc.) and loses memory evidence.
- ✗
Boot the workstation from a forensic live CD, then use 'dd' to image the SSD to an external USB drive.
Why it's wrong here
Booting from a live CD will overwrite some memory and may not capture the current state of running processes.
- ✗
Immediately shut down the workstation by unplugging the power cord, remove the SSD, and create a forensic image using a write-blocker on a forensic workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Unplugging loses volatile memory and may cause filesystem damage; also, memory evidence is lost.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the order of volatility (RFC 3227) and the misconception that a graceful shutdown is safe, when in fact it destroys volatile data and alters disk state.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
win32dd (now part of the DumpIt family) uses the Windows API (e.g., \\.\PhysicalMemory) to read RAM pages directly, avoiding OS-level interference. FTK Imager can acquire a physical image over the network via SMB or CIFS, but the write-blocker is not needed for network acquisition because the source drive is not physically connected to the imaging tool; however, a write-blocker would be essential if the drive were removed and attached to a forensic workstation. In real-world scenarios, network imaging is slower than local imaging but avoids the risk of hardware write-blocker misconfiguration.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
Computer Forensics Investigation Process — This question tests Computer Forensics Investigation Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use win32dd to capture the contents of RAM to an external drive, then use FTK Imager to create a physical image of the SSD over the network to a secure share. — Option A is correct because it follows the proper order of volatility: capturing RAM first (volatile data) using win32dd, then imaging the SSD with FTK Imager. Since the machine is still running and isolated, network imaging is acceptable and preserves the disk state without risking data loss from a shutdown. This approach complies with the requirement to preserve volatile data and create a full disk image.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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