ShellBags Explorer¶
What ShellBags Explorer does¶
Using this tool
ShellBags Explorer supports Windows artefact analysis. In this guide, you will use it to identify a folder interaction record and explain its evidential limitation. Follow the steps below and keep the output with your notes.
Tool guide at a glance¶
Identify a folder interaction record and explain its evidential limitation.
A verified copy of the relevant Windows artefact from a training image you have obtained or created.
A parsed observation with source path, parser version, timestamp meaning, and corroboration note.
Evidence and safety
Retain the original artefact and parser output. Treat a parsed record as an observation, not automatic proof. Record the input identifier, tool version, relevant commands or settings, time and time zone, output location, and any errors or limitations as you work.
Choose your journey¶
01Understand the evidenceLearn the Windows artefact analysis concepts and limitations.Complete when you can explain what the evidence can and cannot show.Beginner · No tool required 02Follow the ShellBags Explorer guideFollow the steps and screenshots below.Complete when the documented workflow produces its expected output.Guided · SUSA workstation · Time varies 03Interactive labPractise the tool workflow in a safe browser simulation.Complete when the guided result is supported by the case evidence.Beginner · Browser only 04Full LabUse your own training data, keep the output and explain what you found.Complete when another analyst can reproduce and verify the outcome.Intermediate · Isolated lab
How the labs complement this guide
The Interactive Lab uses example records to practise investigation decisions. It does not run the installed tool or establish how that version behaves. The Full Lab uses your own training environment and evidence. Obtain or create the required input before starting; a case name in an exercise is not a download.
Accessing ShellBags Explorer in SUSA¶
ShellBags Explorer is a tool created by Eric Zimmerman that helps investigators analyse Windows ShellBag artefacts, a useful source of user activity evidence.
ShellBag data can indicate that folders were represented in Windows Explorer, including folders that no longer exist. Treat this as contextual evidence rather than proof that a particular file was opened, and correlate the result with link files, Jump Lists, Registry ownership and file system timestamps.
The tool is available in C:\Tools\Zimmerman Tools\net9\ShellBagsExplorer.