Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CHFI Practice Questions and Comprehensive Study Guide

The hidden swap file in Windows is located at C:\pagefile.sys. This file serves as virtual memory, allowing the operating system to store data that does not fit into the physical RAM. When the system runs low on RAM, it uses the page file to transfer data from the memory to disk storage. This capability enhances system performance and stability by efficiently managing memory resources, especially during heavy multitasking or when running resource-intensive applications.

The choice of C:\hiberfil.sys is related to the system’s hibernation feature, which saves the contents of RAM to disk when a computer enters hibernation mode, allowing for a quick resume without losing data. C:\config.sys is a system file used in DOS and older versions of Windows to configure hardware settings, while C:\system32.log does not pertain to swap space and is not utilized for virtual memory management. Understanding the purpose and location of the pagefile helps with tasks like system optimization and forensics, as it can carry information regarding processes and memory usage during active sessions.