What is the purpose of the Expand Compound Files processing option?

The purpose of the Expand Compound Files processing option is to extract embedded files. Compound files, often used in formats such as Microsoft Office documents, can contain multiple streams of data, including text, images, and other files. The Expand Compound Files option is specifically designed to identify these embedded files and extract them for further analysis.

This extraction is essential in digital forensics and data recovery because it allows investigators to access all the components within a compound file that might be relevant to an investigation or review. By utilizing this option, forensic examiners can ensure they capture all pertinent data that could be hidden within larger file structures, thus providing a comprehensive view of the information present in the original documents.