Are you struggling with a RAW hard drive and fearing the loss of your valuable data? Don't worry, you're not alone. Dealing with a RAW hard drive can be a frustrating experience, but the good news is that data recovery is possible. This helpful article will help you recover your data from a RAW hard drive using proven methods. For quick and safe data recovery from RAW drives, try Remo Recover for free.
User Query: Hello, I'm facing an issue with an external hard drive that has turned into a RAW drive. While I used TestDisk to retrieve the files, I lost their original names and folders. I'm looking for a solution that retains file names and directories, as some suggested methods like CHKDSK or conversion to exFAT don't apply to RAW drives. Any guidance on how I can recover data from a RAW hard drive with filenames intact would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
One of the major reasons your Windows cannot recognize your hard drive or the partition is that it might have become RAW. Don't worry; data recovery from a RAW hard drive is possible. In this article, we will explain how you can not only recover data from your RAW hard drive but also fix or repair your RAW disk using 5 proven methods. Keep reading to learn more.
A RAW drive refers to a hard drive or a storage device that does not have a recognized file system structure. In simple terms, it's like having a blank or unformatted partition on your computer. To understand this better, let's break down the concept with an example:
Imagine you have a new external hard drive that you've just connected to your computer. When you buy it, it doesn't come pre-formatted with a file system, like NTFS or FAT32, which are common file systems used in Windows. Instead, it's in a RAW state.
Here's why a drive might become RAW and how it can happen:
If your disk or partition becomes corrupted or shows up as RAW in Disk Management, there's no need to panic because your data is likely still on the drive or partition. The key question is whether recovering data from a RAW drive is possible. Let's explore that further.
Yes, you can recover data from a RAW partition or drive without any data loss, but there are essential steps to consider before performing RAW hard drive recovery. Here are some key points:
Once you recover your data from the RAW hard drive, you might reformat your hard drive with a new file system to fix the RAW drive issue. But as of now, your focus must be to access your data from the RAW drive and recover it.
We have added three proven solutions to recover data from a RAW hard drive. Among these solutions, one is free and specifically tailored for users seeking to retrieve data from the RAW drive without cost. The other two methods are paid but are considered highly valuable and worth the investment.
When faced with a RAW drive, your initial response should prioritize data recovery. Data recovery software comes to the rescue in such situations, as it can identify and salvage files from a damaged file system. These applications work by detecting unique data signatures and other recoverable traces.
Remo Recover is a standout choice for RAW data recovery, a user-friendly tool designed to recognize an extensive range of file formats—over 500, including videos, images, Excel files, PowerPoint presentations, ZIP archives, and many more.
The best part? You can explore the power of this software for free and effortlessly restore your RAW drive in just a few straightforward steps. Download this tool for free now and follow the below steps to start the RAW drive recovery process.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to recover data from the RAW hard drive:
Step 1: Download and Install the Remo Recover Software on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the software, select the RAW drive from which you want to recover data, and click the Scan button to initiate the scanning process.
Note: Since your drive is in RAW format, you may need to manually identify the drive. To do this, you can click on the "Can't find the drive?" option.
Step 3: Once the scanning process is completed, you can view your recovered files from the RAW drive under the Lost and Found or Lost Partition folders.
Step 4: Double-click on any file to Preview the files for free. You can search and sort the files using the Advanced filter and Search box.
Step 5: Select the files you want to recover and click the Recover button. This tool will prompt you to choose a location where you want to save the files. Select a safe location and save the files by clicking the OK button.
Users can restore damaged file systems or recover lost partitions with TestDisk, a free and open-source data recovery tool. When working with a RAW hard disk or any other storage device, it is really helpful. To begin using TestDisk to recover a RAW drive, follow the following procedures.
If the data on your RAW hard disk is very important, you should think about hiring a professional data recovery service. This way, you won't risk making things worse due to a beginner's mistake. To prevent you from spending a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts, most data recovery centers provide free assessments and only charge you if they manage to successfully recover your data. Simply send your RAW hard disk in a package to the data recovery center you select to begin the process.
Your drive can still be used even if it has changed to RAW status. This section outlines two proven methods to help you repair your RAW hard drive without losing data.
Windows offers a valuable tool called CHKDSK, designed to check the file system and file system metadata for logical and physical errors on a volume. Using the "/f" parameter, you can repair errors on the specified drive without formatting. Here's how to do it:
The next method will be useful if your RAW drive lacks a drive letter, making CHKDSK inaccessible.
Also Read: How to recover files deleted by CHKDSK.
Since RAW drives lack a functioning file system, you can quickly restore it by reformatting your drive. To avoid losing your data, you first need to recover the data from your RAW drive using Remo Recover, as mentioned above. Then, you can follow the steps below:
While RAW file system recovery is possible, it's best to avoid ending up with a RAW drive in the first place. Follow these tips to safeguard your data:
1. Avoid Suspicious Software: The internet is rife with questionable software that may harm your system. Download only from reputable sources and established developers to minimize risk.
2. Exercise Caution During Formatting: Always double-check the drive you're about to format. A simple mistake can lead to data loss.
3. Create Backups: Data loss can occur for various reasons. Safeguard your important files by regularly taking backups of your computer.
4. Scan for Malware: Malware can cause severe damage, including turning a functional drive into a RAW one. Install reliable anti-malware software and practice safe internet browsing to stay protected.
5. Monitor Drive Health: Storage devices have a finite lifespan. Use disk health monitoring tools to assess your drive's condition proactively and prevent unexpected data loss.
We have guided you through the five most effective methods for recovering data from a raw hard drive and repairing it. Following the provided steps, you can retrieve your files quickly. Remember, formatting should be considered only as a last option, and always choose trusted raw file recovery software, such as Remo Recover, that can efficiently help you recover your data.