Navigate to the key: ControlSet001\Control\ComputerName\ActiveComputerName .

: Compare the ComputerName found in the SYSTEM hive with the Hostname found in the SOFTWARE hive under Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion .

This hive can contain traces of the machine's environment and previous names. Flag Discovery

Extracting the ZIP file typically reveals a disk image or specific Windows system files (Registry hives).

The most reliable method to find the computer name is by examining the SYSTEM hive: Open the SYSTEM hive using a tool like Registry Explorer .

The string value contains the hostname assigned at the time the system was last active. 3. Alternative Identification (AmCache)

: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ComputerName\ComputerName Secondary Evidence : AmCache.hve entries. 🛠 Step-by-Step Investigation 1. File Triage

If the primary registry key is unavailable, the AmCache artifact provides a history of program execution and system metadata. : C:\Windows\AppCompat\Programs\Amcache.hve .