Which is a function of the registry summary report?

The correct response indicates that one of the primary functions of the registry summary report is to display values in a registry key. This function is crucial for forensic investigators as it provides a concise overview of the important data stored within the Windows registry, which can include system configuration settings, application settings, and user preferences. Understanding these values can give insight into the state of the system at the time of analysis, helping to reconstruct user activities or system behavior.

When a forensic tool generates a registry summary report, it systematically presents the key information in an organized manner. This allows investigators to quickly assess and analyze relevant details without having to delve into the raw registry itself, which can be complex and challenging to navigate.

In contrast, other choices concern functions not typically associated with a registry summary report. For example, exporting to CSV format, while useful, is not a primary purpose of the summary report—it serves mainly as an overview. Deleting registry keys typically falls outside the capabilities of a report, as reports are primarily for observation rather than manipulation. Lastly, encrypting summary reports is not a standard feature, as reports should remain accessible for analysis and validation without additional encryption barriers.