What should an administrator record when taking a system image to ensure file integrity?

Recording a checksum hash of the drive image or files is essential for ensuring file integrity when taking a system image. A checksum is a unique digital fingerprint generated by a hashing algorithm, which calculates a fixed-size string based on the contents of the file or image. By creating a checksum before and after the imaging process, an administrator can verify that the data has not been altered or corrupted during the transfer or storage process. If the checksums match, it confirms that the original data remains intact. This aspect is critical for maintaining the integrity of backups and system images, especially in environments where data accuracy and reliability are paramount.

The other choices, while related to system management, do not specifically serve the purpose of verifying the integrity of the files during the imaging process. For instance, copies of the system logs may provide insights into system operations but do not contribute to verifying data integrity. A snapshot of the file system might capture the current state but does not offer a verification method for ensuring that it is unchanged. Recording user credentials and permissions can be important for access control but does not pertain to safeguarding the integrity of the system image itself.