What type of tools enables an investigator to reconstruct file fragments?

The correct choice focuses on bit-level tools, which are integral for reconstructing file fragments. These tools operate at the most granular level of data storage, directly examining the binary data that composes files on storage devices. When a file is deleted or partially damaged, it may leave behind fragments of data scattered across the storage medium.

Bit-level tools analyze these fragments and piece them together based on the structure and signature of the original file types. This capability is essential for digital forensics because it allows investigators to recover lost, deleted, or corrupted files, thereby providing vital evidence that may otherwise be inaccessible. The detailed examination of bits enables forensic professionals to reconstruct files accurately, even if only partial data remains.

In contrast, the other choices do not specifically address this level of analysis. Forensic toolkits may encompass a variety of purposes and functions, not limited to fragment reconstruction. General principles provide a foundational understanding but lack the specificity needed for practical application. Software, while it could encompass any type of program, does not imply the focus or functionality that bit-level tools provide in the context of file fragment reconstruction.