IT Forensics – Windows

In-depth forensic analysis of the Windows pagefile.sys – Reconstructing paged-out memory contents

The pagefile.sys file serves as virtual memory for Windows. Whilst the system is running, sections of RAM can be swapped out to this file. As a result – depending on usage, memory management and the system’s state – it may contain information that is not immediately visible during a standard file system analysis.

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As part of a professional IT forensic investigation, the pagefile.sys is analysed alongside other memory and file system artefacts. Only by correlating all the evidence is it possible to arrive at a reliable technical assessment.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is carried out exclusively on a forensic copy or a forensic image. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its evidential integrity.

Our services

Analysis of the pagefile.sys for document fragments, process remnants, memory objects and other relevant artefacts; correlation with RAM images, hiberfil.sys, the registry, file system and user artefacts; and full documentation of all investigation steps.

Typical areas of application

•Incident Response
•Malware and rootkit investigations
•Reconstruction of user activities
•Analysis of volatile data
•Employment law proceedings
•Expert reports for the courts

This is how the analysis works

Once a forensic image has been created, the pagefile.sys file is extracted and analysed using specialised forensic tools. The results are then cross-referenced with other digital evidence.

Why is pagefile.sys important?

The swap file may contain information that is no longer in main memory. As such, it can be an important complement to RAM analysis and traditional file system forensics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of information might be contained in the pagefile.sys file?+
Depending on the system status, this may include, amongst other things, fragments of documents, memory contents, processes or other application data.
Is the swap file always present?+
Not necessarily. The size and usage depend on the Windows configuration and the amount of RAM available.
Is the original system being examined?+
No. Only a forensic copy or forensic image is analysed.
Is the pagefile.sys file alone sufficient for an expert report?+
No. It is always analysed alongside other Windows artefacts.

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LanCologne – Windows Forensics in Cologne

Do you need a professional analysis of the Windows page file or other Windows artefacts? LanCologne can assist you with the forensically sound preservation of digital evidence and the objective analysis of complex Windows systems.

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