The correct course of action is to reconstruct the RAID array using the same controller model in the lab, then image the logical volume via a write-blocker. This is essential because RAID 5 relies on a specific controller’s proprietary metadata and parity striping algorithm; using an identical controller ensures the logical volume is assembled correctly without data corruption. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this scenario tests your understanding that forensic imaging of a RAID 5 array must preserve the logical structure, not just acquire raw drives individually—a common trap is attempting to image each disk separately and then reconstruct in software, which can lose critical controller-specific striping information. Remember the key principle: the controller is the key to the puzzle. A useful memory tip is “Same controller, logical image”—if the controller is available and the array is intact, always rebuild and image the logical volume through a write-blocker to maintain forensic integrity.
CHFI Computer Forensics Lab Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of computer forensics lab. 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.
You are a forensic analyst in a corporate lab. A compromised server was taken offline and brought to the lab. The server runs Windows Server 2019 with a RAID 5 array of three 1TB SATA drives. The drives are hot-swappable. The server was shut down properly before removal. The lab has a forensic workstation with write-blockers, a hardware RAID controller, and imaging software. The analyst needs to acquire a forensic image of the RAID array. What is the correct course of action?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reconstruct the RAID array using the same controller model in the lab, then image the logical volume via a write-blocker
Option A is correct because the RAID 5 array must be reconstructed using the same controller model (or an identical one) to correctly interpret the parity and striping metadata. Imaging the logical volume via a write-blocker preserves the integrity of the file system and ensures a forensically sound acquisition of the live data, which is the standard practice when the controller is available and the array is intact.
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.
✓
Reconstruct the RAID array using the same controller model in the lab, then image the logical volume via a write-blocker
Why this is correct
This preserves the logical structure and ensures integrity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Send the drives to a vendor for specialized RAID recovery
Why it's wrong here
Outsourcing risks chain of custody and is not necessary.
✗
Image each drive individually using a write-blocker and then combine the images in software
Why it's wrong here
Individual images lack RAID metadata and cannot be combined correctly.
✗
Connect all drives to the forensic workstation and use a software RAID tool to assemble the array
Why it's wrong here
Software RAID may not correctly parse hardware RAID metadata.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume imaging individual drives and software reconstruction is acceptable, but the CHFI exam emphasizes that hardware RAID controllers require identical hardware to preserve the array’s logical structure and forensic integrity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RAID 5 uses distributed parity across all drives, and the controller stores metadata (e.g., stripe size, parity rotation) in a reserved area on each disk. Using the same controller model ensures that the logical volume is presented exactly as the original server saw it, avoiding misalignment or parity errors. In real-world scenarios, even a different firmware version on the same controller model can cause reconstruction failures, so matching the exact model and firmware is critical.
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.
Computer Forensics Lab — This question tests Computer Forensics Lab — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Reconstruct the RAID array using the same controller model in the lab, then image the logical volume via a write-blocker — Option A is correct because the RAID 5 array must be reconstructed using the same controller model (or an identical one) to correctly interpret the parity and striping metadata. Imaging the logical volume via a write-blocker preserves the integrity of the file system and ensures a forensically sound acquisition of the live data, which is the standard practice when the controller is available and the array is intact.
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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