X-Ways Investigator

X-Ways Investigator is based on X-Ways Forensics and is a subset thereof. It's simplified user interface offers much fewer technical options and less technical functionality than WinHex and X-Ways Forensics, so that investigators can better concentrate on the matter at hand. 

X-Ways Investigator is a powerful investigation/document analysis/report generation application for law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the private sector. It runs under Windows. It was designed for investigators who are specialized in areas such as accounting, building laws, money laundering, corruption, homicide, child pornography, etc., also for investigative analysts, agents, attorneys, paralegals, prosecutors, internal and external auditors, for the analysis part of computer forensics and electronic discovery.

X-Ways Investigator is part of a certain philosophy: Splitting up the workload into preparatory work done by forensic computing specialists (computer forensic examiners) with X-Ways Forensics and investigative work done by investigators can be a pivotal change, greatly accelerate the forensic process and improve its quality. It reduces the computer specialists' workload by allowing the investigators to take over much earlier.

Feature overview:

•     Case management, logging
•     Automated reports that can be imported and further processed by any other application that understands HTML, such as MS Word
•     File viewer for hundreds of file formats included
•     Ability to print documents with all file metadata on a cover page
•     Can natively read media/images with these file systems: FAT12/16/32, TFAT, exFAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, CDFS, UDF, HFS, HFS+, APFS, XFS, BtrFS, QNX, ReiserFS, Reiser4, UFS, UFS2
•     Can interpret raw image files and .e01 evidence files
•     A natural choice to examine the files assorted in evidence file containers with X-Ways Forensics
•     Ability to run powerful keyword searches, both conventional and index searches (indexes created with X-Ways Forensics)
•     Search hit listings with context preview, e.g. like “all search hits for the search terms A, B, and D in MS Word and MS PowerPoint files below \Documents and Settings with last access date in 2004”
•     Gallery view for pictures, Calendar view for timestamps
•     Ability to associate comments about files for inclusion in the report or for filtering
•     Ability to tag files and add them to customized report tables of notable items
•     Directory tree on the left, ability to explore and tag directories including all their subdirectories
•     Powerful dynamic filters based on filename, true file type, timestamps, file size, comments, report tables...
•     Recursive view of all existing and deleted files in all subdirectories
•     Skin color detection (e.g. a gallery view sorted by skin tone contents greatly accelerates a search for traces of child pornography)
•     Interface for PhotoDNA (only for law enforcement), which can recognize known pictures (even if stored in a different format or altered!) and can return the classification (“CP”, “relevant”, “irrelevant”) to X-Ways Investigator
•     ... and much more

The manufacturer or company responsible for introducing the product:

X-Ways Software Technology AG Carl-Diem-Str. 32 32257 Bünde Germany, e-mail: mail@x-ways.com

Warnings and Safety Guidelines for Software Use

Based on the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR), we present a list of safety warnings. The purpose is to protect users from potential hazards resulting from improper use of products/devices/software. The warnings are formulated in a simple and understandable way to ensure accessibility for a wide audience, including elderly people and individuals with mobility limitations.

List of hazards and safety precautions for software use

1. Risk of data loss or system damage
* Hazard: improper installation, deletion of system files, or lack of backups.
* Precautions: always perform regular backups; install software only from trusted sources.

2. Exposure to cyberattacks (viruses, malware)
* Hazard: downloading files from unverified websites, lack of antivirus protection.
* Precautions: use up-to-date antivirus programs, avoid opening suspicious email attachments, enable automatic updates.

3. Hardware overload and overheating
* Hazard: intensive software use (e.g., graphics processing, floating-point calculations, BF) may lead to device overheating.
* Precautions: use the device in a well-ventilated area, do not cover ventilation openings. If overheating occurs – turn off the device and wait several minutes for it to cool down.

4. Risk of electric shock and cuts (indirect)
* Hazard: although software itself poses no physical risk, improper use of computer equipment (e.g., touching cables in a damp environment) while using programs can be hazardous.
* Precautions: never operate computer devices with wet hands, avoid working in damp rooms, and regularly check cables and casings.

5. Health risks from prolonged use
* Hazard: eye strain, back pain, wrist and shoulder discomfort caused by long hours of computer work using office software.
* Precautions: take regular breaks every 45–60 minutes, use an ergonomic chair and keyboard, and position the monitor at eye level.

6. Dangers for children and inexperienced users
* Hazard: children may accidentally download harmful programs or share personal data.
* Precautions: enable parental controls, do not leave children unattended at the computer, and educate them about safe online behavior.

7. Problems in high-humidity or high-temperature environments
* Hazard: using software in high-temperature conditions (e.g., laptop on the lap in direct sunlight) or in humid environments (e.g., kitchen, bathroom) can cause hardware failure and indirect user risks.
* Precautions: use the equipment in suitable climate conditions, avoid using it near heat sources or in high-humidity areas.

8. Risks related to maintenance and updates
* Hazard: lack of software updates may create security vulnerabilities – unskilled attempts to modify the system may result in data loss.
* Precautions: always install official updates; do not modify system files without technical knowledge. Use authorized service support.

Importance of Following Warnings
Adhering to the above warnings minimizes the risk of bodily injury, equipment failure, and material loss. Ignoring these recommendations may lead to serious health and property hazards. Ensure your safety and that of others by following the indicated precautions. Detailed warnings or safety information about the product can be found in the user manual included with the product or available as a PDF on the manufacturer’s/supplier’s website.