Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which Windows file contains information regarding updates that could cause abnormal behavior in a machine?

1. DataStore.edb

2. WindowsUpdate.log

3. System32.log

4. EventLog.txt

The correct answer is: DataStore.edb

The correct answer is DataStore.edb. This file is a part of the Windows Update infrastructure and is located in the SoftwareDistribution folder. DataStore.edb contains the database for Windows updates, including metadata about installed updates, their status, and any connectivity issues that may arise during the update process. Abnormal behavior on a machine can often be traced back to updates that did not install correctly or were problematic. When analyzing issues related to Windows updates, forensic investigators can examine the DataStore.edb file to gather crucial information regarding which updates have been applied, failed, or caused instability. In comparison, WindowsUpdate.log provides a chronological record of Windows Update operations but does not contain the structured data that can lead to diagnosing systemic problems as seen in DataStore.edb. The System32.log and EventLog.txt files are less relevant in this context, as they serve different purposes. System32.log typically contains system-specific logs, while EventLog.txt captures various system events that may or may not relate specifically to Windows Update activities. Thus, DataStore.edb stands out as the key file for understanding updates that may have caused abnormal behavior in a Windows machine.