447 - File Systems - Content - Slone. B

What is the header that comes before each MFT entry?

Before each MFT entry FILE is shown in ASCII to make up the header of the entry.

What is the max size allowed for a MFT Entry?

A MFT entry may contain up to 1024 bytes of metadata or resident.

What are the two different things that can be contained within the $DATA attribute of a MFT entry?

If the file is below around 700 bytes in size the $DATA attribute can hold the data for the file itself creating resident data. The $DATA attribute normally contains the cluster runs for data that is not stored within the MFT itself.

How does the master file table handle itself?

Just like all other data stored on the partition, the master file table treats itself like a file. Even directories in the NTFS partition is treated like a file, and only the attribute in the MFT entry is what contains information on if a file is a directory or not.

What does MFT stand for?

Master File Table

What is a notable difference between FAT and NTFS as far as file metadata is concerned?

NTFS is actually set up to allow for as much metadata to be stored as the files program would create. The $ATTRIBUTE_LIST allows for a program listed in the MFT to give a location of more attribute then what can be stored in the MFT itself. Although since the attributes added aren't necessary to file storage, the attributes within the MFT may not even show up or left blank.

What are the three benefits that NTFS offers over FAT?

NTFS performs its tasks much faster than with FAT, has the ability to recover from errors, and has stronger security when compared to how FAT handles its files.

What does NTFS stand for?

New Technology File System

How has all the information been gathered on NTFS?

Since NTFS is a proprietary system developed by Microsoft, the structure of the file system has never officially been released for public knowledge. Everything that is known about the files in the NTFS file system and their behaviors is due to reverse engineering.

What attribute is only filled for directories being stored on a NTFS partition?

The $INDEX_ROOT attribute will only be filled in if the file that the MFT entry is referencing is a directory.

When information is deleted from the NTFS file system what is actually occurring?

The MFT doesn't actually change, but the file system does change the information within the $INDEX_ROOT and $INDEX_ALLOCATION attributes to remove the file from the file tree. The file system then goes into the $BITMAP file to change the bit for the file's cluster to 0 for unallocated.

List the first two entries that will always show up in the MFT.

The first two entries are always the MFT itself and $MFTMirr. The MFTMirr is a copy of the first four entries contained with in the MFT to provide a way of recovering from MFT corruption.

What is one common trait that attributes share when compared to files that NTFS uses?

The one most common trait of attributes is the fact that they are always in capital letters. This is useful if you commonly loose sight of what you are actually talking about between the files the NTFS uses and the attributes contained within a MFT record.

What is the purpose of the journaling function built into NTFS?

The purpose of the journaling function is to improve system stability. It is to keep the files from becoming corrupt during the rewrite process. If a system failure would occur during the process causing the write or rewrite process to be interrupt without completion the journal file allows the file system to finish the processes written to the journal file.

How does the MFT entry store cluster runs for files when the number of runs exceeds the size of the entry itself?

When a file is stored in more run than what can be stored within a entry the MFT entry marks a new location in the $ATTRIBUTE_LIST. The $ATTRIBUTE_LIST will mark a new MFT entry with 0x80 to signify that the mft entry being pointed too contains information to extend onto the $DATA attribute.