≡× MENU

• Utilities
• Tools
• Optimization
• Internet
• Downloads

Windows 7 raw file system. RAW file system and how to return NTFS, FAT32

Every operating system contains storage devices, and for them to work, a file system is required. With its help, the computer converts information (photos, music, videos) into a binary system, in other words, into a language that it understands. After this, the data is organized and further transformed for viewing by the user.

Storage devices- This is very vulnerable technical equipment. Damage occurs in both the logical partition and the physical partition. Most hard drive problems are fatal and require hardware replacement, but there are also solvable problems. The RAW file system is of this type.

Raw file system - what is it?

As previously said, a hard drive has a file system. The most popular are NTFS and FAT, which can be used for both hard drives and flash drives.

But what is the RAW file system? No matter how contradictory it may sound, this is the absence of any system at all! In other words, this is a critical error in the existing file system and Windows does not recognize it. It occurs due to the inoperability of the file system. As a result, technical information about the media is not displayed and access to files is impaired.

Let's look at the features of the RAW system
1. Access to the device is denied, and if the file system on your computer or laptop is faulty, Windows will not boot and you will see an error.
2. If such an incident occurs with a removable drive, an advertisement will pop up telling you about the need for formatting.
3. Open the “properties” of the drive and in the displayed information column, you will see “File system type – RAW”.

Why does the flash drive have the RAW file system?
For such dramatic changes to occur in the file system, one reason from the “gentleman’s set” is enough:

• Incorrect shutdown of the computer, power surge and disconnection of the computer from the network with a USB flash drive connected! Such treatment can also affect the computer’s file system and cause fatal problems with other components.
• Operating system failures can also cause this problem.
• The most common cause is viral infection. After all, it was not fools who came up with the idea of ​​​​installing anti-virus programs.
• Physical damage to the drive, which can also cause loss of information.
• Processes occurring at the file system structure level. Problems with the boot sector, broken partition geometry values, etc.

The appearance of a RAW file system is not fatal in most cases, and recovery of user data is possible. There are exceptions, this is due to physical damage incompatible with life.
It is recommended to contact a service center, where specialists will carry out the necessary operations to restore the flash drive and the data on it. This can be done with your own efforts, but you should be very careful not to aggravate the situation and not lose all the information.

To return the NTFS file system, you can use one of these programs:

• Hard DISK Format Tool,
• Recovery Tool,
• Acronis Disk Director.
• Online service – RecoveryOnLine.
• Reformat the disk to NTFS using MS Windows.

If using these programs did not help solve the problem, then in the global storage you need to find out which controller the drive has and reflash it, but this is a very difficult procedure and even experienced users may not be able to cope. If even such manipulations did not help, then your flash card is dead.

3 more useful articles:

If you do not know how to fix the RAW error on your hard drive, USB or SD card, if the CHKDSK utility does not cope with the task of fixing the PC file system problem, then this article will help you solve this issue.

How to fix the problem

Let's look at a classic example in which, most likely, you can see the situation with your drive.

Regarding USB flash drives, a situation may occur in which the computer stops recognizing the logical partitions of the disk and even CHKDSK is powerless to help restore the RAW file system on the external drive. Perhaps formatting would solve the issue, but not in a situation where the information on the disk is extremely important for the user and should under no circumstances be lost. This applies to all storage devices, be it a USB flash drive or a hard drive.

Typically, when USB or other storage devices become RAW, the main solution to the issue, as mentioned above, is to completely format the disk, since CHKDSK does not work with drives that have this status.

Use the following instructions to troubleshoot the problem.

Useful articles

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  Effective upgrade - how to update your computer...
• 
  How to recover data and make it work...

Step 1. Recover data from RAW, USB or SD card.

To recover RAW storage device data, you will need the help of specialized software. Starus Partition Recovery will be an excellent choice and will help you move from a question to its immediate solution in two clicks. The program will conduct a deep scan of any physical disk you select and eliminate any logical errors in them.

1. If you have a problem with your USB or SD card, connect it to your computer. Launch Starus Partition Recovery and locate the RAW device you need to scan.

2. Depending on the mode you choose, Quick Scan or Full analysis, a computer scan will be performed to help detect lost and hidden RAW files. The difference between the modes lies in the amount of information that will be detected. A full analysis will reveal much more data.

3. The software offers the user a preview of the information found and its recovery from the RAW device (selectively or completely). To restore important data, select the necessary files, right-click on any of them and press the Recover button.

4. Starus Partition Recovery provides ample opportunities for saving files.

You can:

• Save data to hard drive.
• Burn to CD/DVD.
• Create a virtual ISO image.
• Upload via FTP.

Complete the process of exporting data in a convenient format to a location convenient for you.

Step 2. Fix the problem “CHKDSK is not available for RAW disks, USB and SD cards.”

After restoring data from the disk, it’s time to move on to correcting the cause of the error due to which the computer cannot read the device information.

Method one. Run an error check to fix the CHKDSK problem.

• 1. Open Windows Explorer and right-click on the drive you want to recover and select Properties.
• 2. Now go to the tab Service, it is available in the top menu.
• 3. Press the key Check to launch the utility.

Wait until the scanning process is completed and then you will be able to use the functioning disk again.

Method two. An alternative way to recover a disk.
Another equally effective way to format a disk or flash drive is recovery using the command line. Follow the steps below to fix the RAW error:

• 1. Enter at the command line diskpart.
  This is a utility that manages disk space.
• 2. Next, type list disk.
  A list of all disks will appear in front of you. Select the one you need.
• 3. Dial select disk N.
  Here under N we have designated a conditional number that corresponds to the disk number. You can install the one that suits your case.
• 4. Write attributes disk clear readonly.
  This command will clear the attributes.
• 5. Enter clean.
  The command will clean the flash drive or disk that you are scanning.
• 6. Dial create partition primary.
  This command will create a primary partition on the disk.
• 7. Finally, you can enter format fs=ntfs or fs=fat32, if there is a need for a second file system.

You can also try quick formatting using the command:
format fs=ntfs quick.

Step 3. Format and reboot the RAW disk.

After recovering logical bad sectors and restoring the file system of the RAW disk, use the following instructions to reset and format RAW to NTFS.

• 1. Connect the RAW file system drive to your PC.
• 2. Open Explorer, right-click on the desired drive and press the key Format.
• 3. Reset RAW to NTFS or FAT32 system and click OK to confirm the operation.

Once the process is complete, your media will be ready for use.

A number of users may be unable to access their hard drive (or flash drive). In the operating system, such devices receive the “Raw” status, and their file structure becomes inaccessible to the user. In this article, I will examine this dysfunction in detail, tell you what to do in a situation where the file system is RAW, as well as how to return NTFS, FAT32, what tools will help us with this, and how to use them.

To understand that this is a RAW file system and how to return the NTFS, FAT32 format, you need to determine the meaning of the term “RAW” itself. Translated from Shakespeare’s language, the lexeme “Raw” means “raw”, “raw material”. Accordingly, in our case, this term refers to disks that are either not yet formatted, or the data structure on them is damaged (errors in the MBR partition table and MFT file table, viruses, PC hardware problems, and so on.).

Simply put, RAW disks are disks that are not recognized by Windows for various reasons. Typically, in this case, Windows recommends formatting such a disk, which should not be done, since the data on the disk will be lost as a result of formatting.

Reasons why a disk from NTFS and FAT32 becomes RAW

The reasons for the appearance of RAW disks instead of the usual NTFS and FAT32 file systems are as follows:

• Sudden shutdown of such disks (loss of voltage in the network, physical disconnection by the user, problems with the power supply, etc.), as a result of which the integrity and structure of the data on the disk is disrupted;
• Problems with cables connecting the motherboard and hard drive;
• The operation of virus programs that violate the integrity of the bootloader, partition table, file structure, and so on;
• Bad sectors on the hard drive, as a result of which the system structure on the hard drive is damaged;
• Error in installing or updating the operating system;
• Errors when working with various hard disk partition managers;
• Not a tight connection between the flash drive and the USB connector of the PC (in the case of a flash drive);
• Problems with the computer motherboard and so on.

How to return NTFS, FAT32 from RAW

• Just try restarting your computer, the problem may be random;
• Check the tightness of the cable connections to the hard drive, try using a different connector for connecting the hard drive on the motherboard, as well as a different USB connector on the computer when connecting an external flash drive;
• Use the built-in CHKDSK() utility. Launch a command prompt as administrator and type

chkdsk X: /f (where X is the RAW drive letter)

The “f” parameter means correcting errors on the disk, that is, the CHKDSK utility not only looks for problems, but also fixes them.

I also note that this command is relevant, first of all, for those disks that were formatted in the NTFS file system. Moreover, if you cannot boot the operating system, then boot using a bootable system disk or flash drive (you can use various “Live CD” builds), select “System Restore” there, go to “Advanced options” and then to “Command Prompt” , and there type the above command.

If you cannot access the command line from your PC, then it is recommended to connect your hard drive to another computer and check your disk for errors from it.

• Use the capabilities of another system utility, sfc, created to check the integrity of system files. Also run the command line as administrator and write in it:

sfc /scannow

and press enter.

• If you have access to the operating system, then it is worth checking your computer for viruses using special anti-virus programs (for example, Web CureIt! or Malware-AntiMalware);
• If there is no important information on the problem disk (or it is not significant), then the problem disk (or flash drive) can be formatted. Click on the “Start” key and type diskmgmt.msc in the search bar, the Disk Control Panel will appear. Right-click on the raw disk and select “Format” from the menu that appears.

If you have a RAW file system, return NTFS, FAT32 - using third-party programs

If you want to restore the NFTS and FAT32 file system, then you should use the functionality of special programs that will help us with this. I suggest programs such as Recuva and TestDisk.

Recuva

One of the popular programs for recovering lost files is Recuva. Download, install and run this product, select the option to restore all files, indicate the problem disk, enable the in-depth analysis option and click on “Start”.

After the scan is completed, the program will display a list of found files, mark them with checkboxes and click on “Recover”.

TestDisk

The second program that can help with the issue of the RAW file system is TestDisk.

1. Download and install this program, run it as administrator.
2. Select the “Create” command and press enter, select the raw disk with the cursor and press “Enter”.
3. After selecting the desired type of partition table, press enter, then select “Analyze” and “Quick Search” (a quick search for problematic partitions will be carried out).
4. After TestDisk finds the problematic volumes, click on “Write” to record the structure of the found partition.

How to change the file system of a flash drive [video]

Above I analyzed the problem when the file system is RAW. The most optimal tool for returning NTFS, FAT32 is to use the CHKDSK system command, as well as special programs that can restore the file structure of the problem disk. If none of the tips I suggested turned out to be effective for you, then I recommend contacting a service center - perhaps your hard drive has problems not of a software, but of a hardware nature, and it needs a thorough repair.

In contact with

What is the RAW file system and how to return the NTFS format without data loss - in this article we will look at these issues in detail, as well as recovery methods.

It often happens that after an incorrect shutdown of your computer, for example, if you unplug the cord from the socket or the power in your house is suddenly turned off, or your computer has experienced a virus attack, an unpleasant situation may occur. The file system of the disk on your computer or laptop changes its format to RAW and for the device to function properly (as a rule, you want to do this as quickly as possible), you need to return it to the NTFS format.

What is a RAW disc?

So, RAW file system type, let's figure out what it is. The RAW system is a non-existent system. If the computer indicates that the storage medium has this format, then the drivers cannot determine the type of its file system (FAT, FAT32 OR NTFS).

If the media has received the RAW format, Windows 10 OS will display it among the hard drive partitions, but any actions with it will be impossible, such as defragmentation, checking for errors, and, of course, viewing the data on the disk. The computer will constantly give an error and prompt you to format the disk, and “RAW” will appear in the “logical disk properties” line. So how do you restore a file system from RAW to NTFS format on a hard drive?

Restoring a file system from RAW to NTFS

The system will offer you the easiest way - to format the disk. But don’t rush to do this, because your data is not lost, now there is simply no access to it. If you format a RAW disk to convert the file system back to NTFS, you will have to spend a long time recovering data from the media using special programs. We offer several ways to restore a disk from RAW to NTFS without losing data.

Restoring a file system to NTFS from RAW without formatting

Method 1: Windows Tools

Mainly, to change the file system from RAW to NTFS, the standard utility from the operating system chkdsk helps. Follow these steps:

• Right click "Start" and select "command prompt"
• Type the command chkdsk drive_letter: /f
• The computer will begin a scan, after which it will repair the damage and the NTFS system in the problem area

Chkdsk will also help if the system disk is damaged. For this you will need a flash drive or boot disk.

Here are your steps:

• Start your computer from a flash drive or disk, and then select “Recovery”
• Then open “advanced options”, and then “command prompt”. There, enter chkdsk drive_letter: /f

Important!

When restoring, the partition letters may differ from the disk names. In order to prevent errors in operation, open the list of computer partitions in the command line, then enter diskpart, Then listvolume and you will see which drive is the system one. This will be indicated in the list.

You can also try from previously saved backups.

Method 2: Using special programs

Here's how to make NTFS from a RAW file system using third-party programs.

First of all, we recommend using the free Testdisk program. This is a utility that interacts with hard disk partitions. She will help correct the situation. The disadvantage of working with the Testdisk program is that it does not work with Russian names and they may not be displayed correctly.

Here's how to convert RAW to NTFS using Testdisk:

RAW format on your flash drive

Reasons for conversion:

1. When the flash drive is connected, the computer is turned off incorrectly or there is a voltage drop
2. Windows crashes
3. Banal viruses
4. External damage to the flash drive, from impact or fall

How to change the wrong system format to the correct one:

The MiniTool Power Data Recovery converter gives good results. The principle of its operation is that the program does not convert RAW to the desired format, but makes all the files on your flash drive visible, which makes working with them possible. The disadvantage of the program is that only the trial version is free, which works with files no larger than 1 GB.

How to use the program:

Also on our website you can familiarize yourself with the following topics:

• Merging hard drive partitions on Windows 10
• How to change hard drive partitions
• How to change the page file in Windows 10

A “healthy” storage device has an NTFS file system (if it is a hard drive or external storage device) or FAT (if it is a flash drive). The corresponding entry can be seen in the properties. When it fails, you can see the RAW mark in this place, which means “raw, raw.” This data format has become generally accepted. It allows you to save files, but does not allow you to work with them normally.

Reasons for the appearance of RAW

Errors leading to loss of data of various formats and types:

• Power surges, improper shutdown of the computer, malfunctions of the uninterruptible power supply unit, other hardware,
• The consequences of a virus infection, which are rare, but can destroy the NTFS file system,
• Failure caused by physical damage. After scanning, in this case it is necessary to identify bad sectors with a special program (MHDD, Victoria).

What to do with a RAW file system

If such a problem became relevant for you when the partitions of the previously existing NTFS were destroyed, then the OS denies access, stops displaying information about the equipment: “it doesn’t see”, and also requires you to format the disk. Under no circumstances should you do this, at least until all methods of saving data have been tried.

Methods for restoring the hard drive file system

We recommend that you first try the standard method of resuscitating the hard drive:

(Checkingdisk - disk check). This is a Windows tool for testing and repairing NTFS partition table. Since it's possible that Windows won't start in case of a crash, CHKDSK is activated by typing on the command line:

• Press the key combination Cntrl + R,
• In the Run window that appears, type CMD
• At the command prompt, enter: chkdsk (drive name): /f
  
• You will receive a message stating that verification cannot be performed. Agree to perform a reboot check (Y) and reboot the PC.
  

These actions start scanning for errors and correcting them on the hard drive. If you need to overcome RAW on an external drive, then enter “chkdsk (name): /f” into the search bar that appears when you click the “Start” button.

The process of finding and correcting errors will definitely take a lot of time. How much is difficult to say. This depends on the size of the hard drive, the formats used and the extent of the damage. We recommend not to fuss and wait for another PC reboot, which will happen without your participation. If the file system has been successfully restored, then it is now possible to boot the computer in normal mode.

Next you should check the integrity of Windows itself:

Alternative Ways to Deal with RAW

If you have done all of the above, but the result is not marked as NTFS in the properties, then still do not rush to format. There are several programs that, in many cases, will be more effective than the standard CHKDSK.

1. Try TestDisk, a free data recovery utility. This program will be able to adjust the partition table and restore “lost” partitions, rebuild the NTFS boot sector. It works with almost any operating system and any format. When working with TestDisk, you will need administrator rights.