How to Recover Data from RAW File System Drive [Free]

Can RAW Data Be Recovered?

What is a RAW Partition?

A RAW partition is a storage volume (e.g., on a hard drive, SSD, or USB) that lacks a recognizable file system (such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, or ext4). When a partition is labeled as RAWfile system, the operating system cannot interpret its structure, making stored data inaccessible through standard methods. This state often triggers system prompts like "You need to format the disk" (Windows) or "Disk not initialized".

Common Causes and Signs of the RAW Drive Issue

The RAW drive issue occurs when the system fails to recognize or access the drive properly. This can be caused by several factors, which include:

• File System Corruption: Sudden power loss, improper ejection of drives, or system crashes during read/write operations.Malware or viruses targeting partition tables or file system structures.
• Partition Table Damage: Corruption in the Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT) due to disk errors or misconfigured partitioning tools.
• Disk errors or bad sectors: Bad sectors in the file system area can cause a hard drive to malfunction and mark the file system as RAW .
• Human Error: Accidental deletion of partitions or improper use of disk management tools (e.g., Diskpart, GParted).
• Unformatted Drives: New drives or freshly created partitions that have not been formatted with a file system.

When your hard drive becomes RAW, it can manifest in several noticeable signs. These symptoms indicate that the disk is likely damaged or experiencing problems, often leading to the drive being marked as RAW or inaccessible:

1. Error Messages: You may receive messages like "You need to format the disk before you can use it" or "The volume does not contain a recognized file system," signaling that the system cannot read the drive correctly.

2. Missing Drive Letter: The drive may appear in Disk Management but lack an assigned letter or mount point, making it inaccessible through File Explorer.

3. Inaccessible Data: Files and folders may become invisible or unreadable. Attempting to open the drive may result in errors like "Location is unavailable."

4. Capacity Displayed as "0 Bytes" or "RAW": In disk management tools, the partition might show 0 bytes free or display "RAW" as its file system type, indicating the file system is unreadable.

5. Slow or Unresponsive System: The system may freeze or become unresponsive when trying to access the RAW drive, signaling a deeper issue with the drive.

How to Recover Data from RAW File System?

When your partition is of RAW file system, it is important to take immediate actions to recover your data from the RAW drive. To recover files from RAW drive (either internal or external hard drive), the most effective way is to employ a professional data recovery tool. MyRecover is our premier recommendation for the following advantages:

1. High Success Rate with Advanced Algorithms

MyRecover employs cutting-edge algorithms to scan RAW drives thoroughly, identifying recoverable files even in complex scenarios. Its deep-scan technology digs into the drive’s sectors, ensuring fragmented or hidden files aren’t overlooked.

2. Multi-Scenario Data Recovery

MyRecover is designed for a wide range of data recovery scenarios, from accidentally deleted files, formatted, corrupted drive, system crash, virus attacks and so on.

3. Unlimited File Formats

It can recover various file formatslike images, videos, audios, documents, archive and more, ensuring that no matter your data type, it can be restored efficiently and reliably.

4. Preview Functionality

Before recovery, preview files (photos, documents, videos, etc.) to verify their integrity. This selective approach saves time and storage space, allowing you to prioritize critical data.

5. Wide File System & Device Compatibility

Whether your RAW drive is an internal HDD, external SSD, USB, or memory card, MyRecover supports NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and more. It also works seamlessly across Windows environments.

Steps to Recover Data from RAW Partition

1. Download and Install MyRecover on a healthy drive (not the RAW one).

2. Select the RAW Drive from the software’s interface.

3. Initiate Scan (Quick or Deep) to locate files.

4. Preview and select files for recovery.

5. Recover to a Secure Location (e.g., another healthy drive).

MyRecover offers a free trial to scan and preview recoverable files, allowing users to evaluate success rates before purchasing a license—a budget-friendly alternative to expensive professional services.

Further Reading : How to Fix RAW Partition without Data Loss?

To fix RAW file system without losing inside data, the only way you can try is running CHKDSK command (a Windows utility), which can fix file system errors. Here’s how to run CHKDSK in Windows 10:

Step 1. Type cmd (or command prompt) in the search box in your taskbar.

Step 2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

Step 3. Type “chkdsk g: /f /r”and hit Enter (replace g with your actual drive letter). This command will make the CHKDSK utility scan the G drive for problems and fix them if found.

If this method does not work in your situation and you have restored data from the RAW file system using the MyRecover, you can reformat it to NTFS, FAT32 or other compatible file systems.

Conclusion

Yes, data from a RAW partition can be recovered! While encountering a RAW drive error—such as the one caused by a faulty Windows update—can be alarming, tools like MyRecover provide a reliable pathway torecover files from RAW file systemwithout risking further damage. However, it's always a great idea to have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss issuesin future.