Which NTFS component stores metadata about files?

• A. Master File Table (MFT)
• B. Master Boot Record (MBR)
• C. File Allocation Table (FAT)
• D. Disk Operating System (DOS)

Answer: (A)

In NTFS, file metadata is kept in the Master File Table, a central metadata store. Each file and directory has a record in the MFT that holds attributes like the file name, timestamps, security permissions, size, and pointers to where the actual data resides. This table acts as the authoritative source of information about every item on the volume, which is why it’s the component that stores metadata about files. The other options relate to different systems or roles: the Master Boot Record contains boot code and partition information, the File Allocation Table belongs to older FAT file systems, and the Disk Operating System is the operating system itself rather than a storage structure.