How does the master file table work?

The NTFS file system contains a file called the master file table, or MFT. As files are added to an NTFS file system volume, more entries are added to the MFT and the MFT increases in size. When files are deleted from an NTFS file system volume, their MFT entries are marked as free and may be reused.

What is the master file table in NTFS?

A master file table is a database in which information about every file and directory on an NT File System (NTFS) volume is kept. An MFT will have a minimum one record for every file and directory on the NTFS logical volume.

What is the difference between a master file and a transaction file?

Master file: contains records of permanent data types. Transaction file: contains data which is used to update the records of master file for example address of the costumer etc.

What is the space on a drive called when a file is deleted quizlet?

246 sectors. What is the space on a drive called when a file is deleted? Unallocated space or Free space. List two features NTFS has that FAT does not.

Why would someone put data in unallocated space?

Unallocated space on the computer is where deleted documents, file system information, and other electronic artifacts reside on the hard drive, which is often able to be recovered and analyzed through a forensic investigation.

What do you mean by Master File Table?

What Is Master File Table. The master file table is also short for MFT. It is a database that stores every file’s information including file name, creation date, access permissions, data content and size on an NTFS volume. A file may have one or more MFT records.

How are records deleted in the Master File Table?

MFT records are not deleted once they have been created; new records are added to the MFT as needed, and records for deleted files are reused. As mentioned previously, only the first 42 bytes are structured; after that, the rest of the MFT entry consists of one or more attribute fields.

How many records are in the NTFS Master File Table?

NTFS reserves the first 16 records of the table for special information. The first record of this table describes the master file table itself, followed by a MFT mirror record. If the first MFT record is corrupted, NTFS reads the second record to find the MFT mirror file, whose first record is identical to the first record of the MFT.

How is space allocated in the Master File Table?

If the unreserved space is completely allocated, space for user files and directories will be allocated from the MFT zone. If the MFT zone is completely allocated, space for new MFT entries will be allocated from the unreserved space. The MFT itself can be defragmented.