What does the NTFS file system use to store information about file locations and names?

The Master File Table (MFT) is a crucial component of the NTFS file system, serving as a comprehensive database that contains information about all files and directories on the volume. Each file and directory has an entry in the MFT that includes critical attributes such as the file's size, location on the disk, and permissions.

The MFT allows for efficient management of file storage and quick retrieval of file metadata, which is essential for the overall functionality of the NTFS system. It is organized in a way that supports complex file system features such as security, compression, and auditing.

Other options like file allocation tables, inodes, and volume labels are utilized in different file systems. File allocation tables are associated with older file systems like FAT. Inodes are primarily used in Unix/Linux file systems to store information about files and directories. Volume labels, on the other hand, simply serve as a name for a volume and do not provide the in-depth storage information found in the MFT. Thus, the MFT is the correct answer as it directly relates to how NTFS organizes and manages file data.