Prepare for the Digital Forensic Certification Exam with our comprehensive quiz featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions, all accompanied by insightful hints and explanations. Elevate your readiness for success!

Practice this question and more.


What type of file is stored in the $mft system file?

  1. Backup files

  2. File system metadata

  3. File records

  4. System logs

The correct answer is: File records

The $MFT, or Master File Table, is a critical component of the NTFS file system used by Windows operating systems. This file contains file records that hold detailed information about every file and directory on an NTFS volume. Each record consists of metadata necessary for the file system to manage files, such as file names, timestamps, permissions, and the physical location of the file's data on the disk. Choosing file records as the answer is correct because the $MFT is specifically designed to organize and store these records in a structured way, thereby enabling quick access and efficient management of files on the storage medium. Understanding that the $MFT serves this primary function is key to grasping how NTFS operates and its significance in digital forensics, as it is often where investigators look to understand file system activity and properties.