What’s a master file table?

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Core file tables are file tracking systems used in the function of a Windows NT filing system. Considered an important part of metadata files, they help define the volume of an NTFS volume. Often referred to as the MFT, the table contains information about every file and directory found in the file system.

In actual operation, the master file table serves as the starting point for the management process related to the NT file system. In this respect, the MFT functions as a relational-style database table, containing valuable information needed to run various files hosted on the system. By accessing the master file table, the system is able to examine the contents and identify the files needed for the specified action. The table provides enough detail for the system to choose the correct files and then locate the actual file on the hard drive.

Using an MFT includes the FAT table functionality found in many other storage systems. However, the master file table goes beyond that function by serving as a starting point and providing an easy resource for identifying the files needed for a given run. The MFT will also expand as new applications are loaded onto the hard drive. To efficiently manage the disk space allocated for the file table, organizing the table limits the actual size of the record that is created.

Creating new records in the master file table is desirable, as having the records helps maximize performance. For this reason, a hard drive configured for Windows NT typically reserves about twelve percent of the space for the MFT. Should the size of the table eventually exceed this allocation, the system can be adjusted to increase the amount of disk space allocated. However, the extra space will not necessarily be accommodated in a sector adjacent to the original master file table. The presence of other directories and files between sectors can lead to a slight decrease in efficiency.

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