How to Fix RAW Drive Without Format [Quickly & Safely]

Need a way to fix RAW drive without format? In the following content, you can get to know effective solutions to RAW drives without format and data recovery methods as well.

By @Zoey Last Updated December 11, 2024

When a RAW external hard drive surfaces, it points to a file system anomaly within the drive, causing data inaccessibility and disarray. Conventionally, rectifying this conundrum necessitates drive formatting, leading to a loss of prior data.

However, alternative strategies exist to circumvent this situation. We shall explore ways to fix RAW drive without format in the following article.

Common Causes of RAW External Hard Drives

A RAW external hard drive emerges when the file system malfunctions, becomes corrupted, unrecognizable, or vanishes altogether. Upon connecting a RAW external hard drive to your PC, data accessibility becomes an enigma.

This doesn't imply data obliteration while it signifies the file is corrupted and unreadable on your computer. Rectifying this dilemma mandates a conversion to a recognizable file system format such as NTFS or FAT32. Failures leading to a RAW drive vary, consequently influencing the approach to salvage data without resorting to formatting.

Reasons Behind External Hard Drive RAW Status:

Improper Handling: Abrupt disconnections mid-read/write, unplugging sans ejection, or prolonged PC connections inflict file system damage, resulting in a RAW external hard drive.
Power Interruptions: Power glitches during read/write actions impair the file system, rendering the external disk RAW. Unexpected system shutdowns bear analogous consequences.
Malware Intrusion: RAW file systems can stem from malware, which might also delete files. Suspecting malware warrants consulting our virus-induced file recovery guide. Even innocuous third-party software may inadvertently mar the file system.
Format issue: Disruptions during external drive formatting induce the RAW state.
Auto-Formatting: Certain devices auto-format attached drives, displaying format incompatibility prompts. Consequently, the partition appears RAW on a Windows connection.

Feasibility of RAW Drive Repair via CMD (CHKDSK)

The CMD-executed CHKDSK command is a staple for repairing RAW disks without formatting. Nonetheless, CHKDSK's prowess is limited to scenarios where the drive initially adhered to NTFS before adopting RAW status. Here, CHKDSK can revert the file system to NTFS sans formatting, preserving data. CHKDSK's effectiveness is contingent on the drive being formatted to a Windows-recognized structure.

How to Fix RAW Drive Without Format

Initiating RAW partition rectification without data loss mandates procuring a data recovery tool as an initial step. This software facilitates data retrieval, paving the way for subsequent external drive formatting. A plethora of solutions are available. However, the chosen tool must possess the capability to recovering data from RAW drives.

Opting for data recovery precludes data vulnerability during eventual formatting. Among the viable options, MyRecover shines as a premier Windows data recovery software, renowned for its adeptness via two advanced scan modes and stellar file recovery rates.

MyRecover's Attributes:

Retrieve Word documents, Excel files, PPTs, images, videos, compressed files, and 200+ other file types.
Maintain original file format and quality for recovered data.
Opt for specific file or folder recovery during scanning, obviating the need to await scan completion.
Work well with Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server.

Procedure to recover data from RAW drives via MyRecover:

1. Install MyRecover and launch the software.

2. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

3. Scanning unveils all drive files. Utilize filters or expand Other Missing Files for previews or selections.

★Tips: You can use Filter (including Type, Data Modified, and Size) or check the Other Missing Files section to preview or select files.: Type: Include all file types, such as images, videos, documents, mails, webpages, compressed files, etc.; Data Modified: Support today, yesterday, last 7 days, last 30 days, and custom.; Size: Filter file size from less than 128KB to 128KB ~1MB to 1MB ~ 512MB and above, or custom.

4. Opt for desired files and execute recovery via Recover x files.

5. Specify a new storage location for recovered data on the RAW drive. Confirm and recover. Avoid the original location to avert data corruption.

📌Notes:

MyRecover allows users to recover files from flash drive needs formatting for free, up to 500MB. To recover unlimited files, upgrade your MyRecover edition.
You still can use it to recover files from a formatted hard drive, fix RAW drives without losing data, recover data from USB that needs formatting, and other data loss scenarios.

Drive Data Recovery via Quick Format

Recourse to Quick Format of the external drive is viable, followed by data retrieval through MyRecover. Apprehensions regarding data deletion arise. However, Quick Format merely designates space as available, making it possible to recover data from Quick Format. The new file writes imperil prior data. This approach hinges on Quick Format execution.

Quick Format Steps:

1. Search "Disk Management" via Windows Search (Windows Key + S).

2. Choose "Create and format hard disk partitions."

3. Right-click the RAW drive and choose "Format."

4. In Format Options, tick "Perform a Quick Format" and confirm.

5. Follow up with MyRecoverrecovery processes.

FAQs

How can I recover files from a RAW external hard drive?

You can recover files using data recovery software like MyRecover, which enables you to retrieve specific files before considering formatting options.

Will formatting my RAW drive using Quick Format erase all my data?

Quick Format doesn't permanently erase data; it only marks the space as available. You can recover the data using specialized software unless new files are written over it.

Can I use third-party software to fix a RAW drive?

Yes, there are third-party data recovery and repair software options available that can help you fix a RAW drive without formatting.

Is it better to recover data before fixing a RAW drive or after?

It's generally advisable to recover data without backup before attempting any fixes on the RAW drive. This ensures data safety in case the repair process causes unexpected issues.

Wrapping Things Up

To fix RAW drive without format and losing data, you need preliminary data retrieval prior to drive formatting. Preventative measures include understanding RAW drive triggers and developing backup habits. Multiple data backups ensure quick recovery from backup in bad situations.