Where are the NTFS system (metadata) files?

[Rodion15]

In my study of NTFS I understood that the NTFS metadata files are stored in the MFT file if they're small enogh, othewise they're stored just like any other files, where are they? I cannot find them (such as $mftmirr, $badclus and $mft itself).

 

[Rodion15]

I mean: I know that all files are stored in the $mft file and any big attribute that won't fit inside its 1KB record will be stored as data extents, but anyway, I can't find $mft, $mftmirr etc using Windows explorer, they should be in the root directory shouldn't they?.

 

[zhihao50]

Try using Windows NT File System (NTFS) File Sector Information Utility from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/253066/en-us

I would be very careful with those file as they are hidden for good reasons.