Introduction to E01 image File – How to Analyze, View and Open E01 File?
In this post, we cover everything about E01 data files. That’s why we explain what an E01 file is, where it is located and how to parse and open the E01 file. This blog is very helpful for users who don’t know anything about E01 files.
Table of Content
What is the Encase Image File?
If the EnCase software for the examined hard disk image is provided, then the generated data is saved in a file format named EO1. EO1 is essentially a file extension that specifies Encase image files. During the disk imaging process, a stream of physical data is generated. When Encase creates an image of the hard disk, the data is divided into blocks of 640 MB each.
The names of the created files do not change even if the file extension changes. For example, the first block of 640 MB of data is “A01. E01 data file”, the second block is “A01.E02”, “A01.E03”, etc. To view image files with the E01 file, you must understand the basic structure of E01 files. An E01 file is a file that is used in digital forensics to create a replica of the evidence such as USB drives, hard drives, pen drives, memory cards etc. These files not only store the raw data but also the metadata and the essential information that is required in digital forensics.
Reasons Behind Not Opening E01 Files
- In the procedure of generating a new E01 file, the file might get corrupted or incomplete.
- There might be fewer permissions to open the E01 file. If this is saved in a restricted destination then users won’t be able to read the file properly.
- If the path where users saved the E01 file has any special characters, spaces, etc. Then it could lead to errors.
- There might be a PC issue (precisely the OS issue) that might be the cause for getting an error while opening the EO1 file.
Structure of E01 File
To view image files using the E01 file viewer, you need to know the basic structure of the E01 files:
Header
- Name of the Investigator
- Description of the Case
- Details of the media device from which the evidence is acquired
- Time and Date of EnCase image creation
- Version Of EnCase
- The operating system that is being currently used
- CRC:- RC checks for errors if any, To ensure that no changes have been made to the original data in the E01 file.
- Data Blocks:- The data blocks in the E01 file are divided into 32 KB blocks. These blocks contain CRC to verify the consistency of data.
- Footer:- The footer of the E01 file contains an MD5 and has a value of the data stored in the file. If the MD5 value of the image differs from the MD5 value of the file created by another tool, it becomes clear that the image is tampered with.
How to Open E01 File Using an Automated Solution
E01 files are an important source of information for a forensic investigator. However, the Files can only be viewed with the EnCase Image file. If the EnCase platform is not available, these files are unusable. Therefore, in such cases when the investigator does not have access to EnCase, they can deploy the professional software named E01 file viewer tool. This application allows users to find out how to analyze and open an E01 file. Which can be produced when creating an image from a system.
Moreover, file will scan the E01 file to preview EDB, OST, and PST files and Supported: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and all below Windows versions. E01 File Reader software provides a platform to view the E01 files in the absence of EnCase and preview the full data stored in the file. Being a standalone application it does not require EnCase and hence gives the fornicators the facility to extract data from E01 files without any issue.
if you want to preview and extract the E01 file you can also go for the E01 File Extractor. This solution has some advanced features which is used in digital forensic to extract the data from the E01 files to the local computer.
Working Steps to Open E01 Image File
So, here are the steps to open, view and analyze forensic Encase E01 image files without losing any personal data
1. Step: Initially, download & install the viewer application on your Machine. 
2. Step:- After that, scan and preview the Encase E01 file
3. Step: Then, hit on view content button
4. Step: Finally, open & preview chosen file
So, after following and applying all the steps user will be able to know how to analyze and open the E01 file.
System Specifications
Processor:Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU E4600 @ 2.40GHz 2.39GHz
RAM: 4 GB is recommended
Hard Disk Space: 100 MB of free hard disk space required
Key Features of the E01 Image Software
- This tool offers to view & mount multiple E01 image files
- Complete analysis of the E01 file with OST, PST or EDB files
- This utility is accessible in 20 different languages for users.
- Additionally, preview metadata for 20 supported file formats is available.
- Scan & preview files such as MDB/.ICS/VCF/EDB/MBOX/ZIP/OLK/SQLITE/MDF from E01 file.
- Software is 100% safe & secure
- No file size and data loss issues
- Open, Read, & View Encase E01 Image File
Conclusion:
Here we explained what the E01 file is and how to analyze and open the E01 file, we have described the professional solution in this blog, you can also choose it, and you can use the Encase E01 viewer to view your E01 file easily. We have also mentioned a special solution to extract your E01 files data. The user can open it easily without losing any data.
Few Questions Asked by Users
Q.1 Can I open & analyze the E01 file generated by Encase, FTK Imager and other digital forensic imaging tools?
Ans. Yes, users can open and analyze the E01 files generated by EnCase, FTK imager and other digital forensic imaging tools.
Q.2 I have a corrupted E01 file can I view the corrupted & damaged E01 file?
Ans. Yes, by using the above software users can view corrupted & damaged E01 files without losing any data.