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Hibernation Recon

What Hibernation Recon does

Hibernation reconstruction and artefact recovery

Hibernation Recon processes an acquired Windows hiberfil.sys to reconstruct active memory and, where supported by the selected mode and licence, recover additional hibernation slack and NTFS metadata. The reconstructed output can then be examined with an approved memory-forensics or carving tool.

It does not make the hibernation file a complete or atomic record of everything that happened. Fast Startup, resume behaviour, Windows version, storage state and overwriting can materially change what remains recoverable.

Choose your journey

01Install and open

Obtain the recorded package, preserve its identity and launch the correct executable.

Complete when the application opens and the version and mode are recorded.Beginner · Windows · 10–20 min 02Process and review

Choose a verified hibernation file, preserve the processing log and validate the reconstructed output.

Complete when ActiveMemory.bin and HibRec.log are attributable and integrity recorded.Practical · Evidence storage · 20–45 min 03Hands-on Labs

Practise the interface in a browser or complete an evidence-driven Full Lab.

Complete when another analyst can reproduce the processing decision and output trail.Guided · 20–90 min

Evidence workflow

  1. 1IdentifyRecord the source image, original hibernation path and case question.
  2. 2VerifyHash the protected acquisition copy and the working copy.
  3. 3ProcessSelect `hiberfil.sys`, a separate output directory and the authorised mode.
  4. 4ReviewRetain `HibRec.log`, output names, sizes, errors and hashes.
  5. 5AnalyseUse a verified working copy and state recovery limits.
Primary input

A verified working copy of the acquired Windows hiberfil.sys, with its source path and host/image identity.

Free-mode output

ActiveMemory.bin reconstructs supported active memory for downstream analysis.

Supporting record

HibRec.log, output hashes, tool version, mode, times, warnings and inaccessible data.

Hibernation evidence is time-bounded

A reconstructed image reflects recoverable pages associated with the hibernation state. It does not prove that a process, command or user action occurred without corroborating artefacts.

Before you begin

  • Work only from an acquired image or protected evidence copy.
  • Keep hiberfil.sys, page files and related system metadata linked to the same source and session where known.
  • Write all reconstructed output to separate controlled storage with sufficient free space.
  • Record whether the file represents full hibernation or Fast Startup where the evidence supports that distinction.
  • Review the current Arsenal Recon FAQ for supported platforms, output and licence-mode differences.