How to Recover Files from RAW External Hard Drive Safely

We will show you how to recover files from RAW external hard drive safely in 3 simple and effective methods. Scroll down to explore more.

By @Ivy Last Updated November 1, 2024

If your external hard drives suddenly become RAW, take a deep breath and calm down. This is a common issue caused by hardware failures, malware infections, file system errors, etc.

Fortunately, there are many ways to recover files from RAW external hard drives. We will introduce you to some of the most effective methods in the following including powerful recovery tool.

🔥Recommended software - MyRecover
  • It has a free edition that recovers up to 500MB.
  • Has a high success rate and fast recovery.
  • Recover files from RAW/formatted/corrupted external hard drive.
  • In uphold of 1000+ formats, from documents to images, audios, videos, compressed files, etc.
  • Preview files before recovering.
  • ... Learn More >>
✅How-to Steps You need to download and install Windows data recovery software - MyRecover. Then, open it. Hover the mouse over ... Full Guide

Why Does My External Hard Drive Become RAW?

Like other file systems, RAW is a file system, but not recognized by the Windows system. It often indicates a file system error. Also, there are some other reasons for this RAW drive. 

  • incompatible or corrupted file system
  • improper format
  • malware infection
  • exhausted reserve of write/rewrite cycles
  • aging of the device
  • sudden power failure, or abrupt removal
  • long unplugged/untouched power supply

Is It Possible to Recover Files from RAW External Hard Drive?

When your external drive becomes RAW, you are not able to access your drive as normal, along with its data. While trying to access it, you will receive the “F:\ is not accessible. The volume does not contain a recognized file system.” error message.

Fortunately, if your disk is still showing up in Disk Management, you can try to access this external disk and recover data from it using professional data recovery software. In addition, you need to be sure your data is not overwritten. Please be sure:

  • Avoid using the RAW external hard drive.
  • Don't re-format the RAW drive.
  • Employ reliable software or services and act swiftly.

If not, you can't recover files from RAW external hard drive. At this time, your system may not recognize memory cells, causing the external hard drive not showing up in Disk Management.

How to Recover Files RAW External Hard Drive Recovery Safely 

If your external hard drive still exists in Disk Management, try reliable Windows data recovery software or services to recover files from RAW external hard drive. Here are the top 3 options.

Way 1: Recover Data from RAW External Hard Drive using Software

MyRecover is one of the best Windows data recovery software, which can be used on Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Servers. With two advanced scanning methods, it will scan the selected disk quickly and deeply to find out all recoverable data. 

MyRecover
Why Choose MyRecover?
  • Apply to: recover data RAW/formatted/damaged external hard drive, USB drive, memory card, etc.
  • The free version recovers data up to 500MB.
  • Search or filter files quickly through data type, file name, extension, etc. 
  • Preview and recover deleted files while scanning.
  • Recover specific files instead of all.
  • In uphold 1000+ formats, such asrecover deleted Word/Excel/PPT documents, JPG/PNG/TIF images, MP4/MOV/AVI/WMV videos, and more.
  • Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems.
  • Handle data loss due to accidental deletion, disk formatting, virus infection, etc.
Download Software Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7& Windows Server
100% Secure

In addition, MyRecover still has a clear and straightforward interface, even novices can understand it easily and quickly.

Please download it to have a try. 

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

Step 1: Scan the RAW external hard disk

Launch powerful data recovery software - MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the RAW external hard drive, and click Scan. It will run two advanced scanning methods - Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically and display all the found files on the selected disk.

Step 2: Filter and preview files

Click Filter and select a file type, such as Documents. Then, type the file name or extension in the search box. Or expand the Other Missing Files tab on the left panel. Once found, double-click them to preview and confirm.

Step 3: Recover data from RAW external hard drive

Select all the deleted or lost files on the RAW external disk and click the Recover x files button. You will then be asked to select a location. Please select a new location instead of the original location.

⚠️Notes:

  • The restore button will display the number of selected files and their full size.

  • Saving the recovered files to their original location may cause data corruption.

  • You can recover data from RAW external hard drive for free, up to 500MB. To recover all files on it, try advanced editions.

Except for recovering files from RAW external hard drive, you can also use it to recover data from uninitialized disk, recover files from formatted hard drive, recover files from damaged disk, etc.

Way 2: Use Microsoft's Windows File Recovery 

Also, it’s worth trying Windows File Recovery, a free file recovery software from Microsoft, to recover data from RAW external hard drive in Windows 10 version 2004 and above. It’s a command line software, which requires you to learn the syntax as well as recovery modes & parameters.

  • The syntax: winfr source-drive: destination-folder/mode /switches

  • source drive and destination folder: paths contain deleted files and recovered paths, respectively.

  • recovery mode: specific algorithms for different file systems and data loss scenarios.

  • switches: decide the file or file types to search.

For more details, please check: how to use Windows File Recovery.

Step 1. Type Microsoft Store on the search box and select the top result. In the Microsoft Store, search for Windows File Recovery and press Enter. Then, click Get to download and install Windows File Recovery.

Step 2. After the installation process completes, click the Open button. You will have access to its command-line interface.

Step 3. Identify the drive letter of AW external disk. Then, type the command: Winfr D: E: /regular /n *.docx and press Y to start the RAW external hard drive recovery. 

The recovered files will be stored in a directory named “Recovery_[date and time]” in the destination folder. This process is slightly cumbersome, which confuses many users. 

Way 3: Employ a Professional Data Recovery Service

If your disk has a hardware issue or controller failure, which prevents your system from recognizing memory cells. In this case, you need to seek help from a professional data recovery service. It usually has professional equipment and data recovery experts. However, you should also be prepared that the price will be higher.

Seek Help from Data Recovery Service
Geek Squad Data Recovery

You need to visit the Best Buy store or other Geek Squad agents to evaluate your RAW external hard drive and get a quote. If you feel comfortable, you can agree to proceed with TPL file recovery. Learn More >>

How to Fix RAW External Hard Drive without Losing Data

After recovering files from a RAW external hard drive, you can format it to fix any disk errors. Here 3 easy and quick ways in the following. 

Way 1: Format RAW External Disk in File Explorer

Step 1. Open Windows Explorer. Locate the RAW external drive, right-click on it, and select Format.

Step 2. Select a compatible file system, such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, etc.

Step 3. Be sure the Quick format option is checked and click Start to format this RAW external disk. You can also set a new volume label as well. 

Way 2: Format RAW External Disk With Disk Management

Step 1. Press Win + R and type diskmgmt.msc in the Run box. Then, click OK to open Disk Management.

⚠️Or search for disk management in the Start menu and select Create and format hard disk partitions.

Step 2. It will display all the available disks here. Locate your RAW external drive and select the Format disk option.

Step 3. Select a compatible file system (eg: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, etc)

Step 4. Be sure the Perform a quick format option is checked. You can also set a new name in the Volume label. Finally, click the “OK” button.

Way 3:  Format RAW External Disk using CMD

Step 1. Be sure your RAW external hard drive is recognized. Click the Start button, search for cmd, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Type diskpart and press Enter. It will navigate you to the DiskPart tool. 

Step 3. Type the following commands and press Enter after each line.

  • list volume
  • select volume x (x is the drive letter of your RAW external hard drive)
  • format fs=ntfs quick (or format fs=fat32 quick)
  • exit

Wrapping Up

If your disk suddenly becomes RAW, the first thing is to recover files from RAW external hard drive. Because any operation on this disk may cause data loss. MyRecover is one of the best Windows data recovery software, with a high success rate and over1000+ file formats.

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

However, it is not guaranteed that all of your desired data will be recovered successfully every time. The best practice to protect your files safely is using reliable Windows backup software. We strongly recommend you use AOMEI Backupper Standard.

FAQs

✍ Can data be recovered from a RAW external hard drive?
 
Yes, you can easily recover data from RAW external hard drive if you act quickly. Please don't add new data to RAW drive or continue using it. Otherwise, your data will be overwritten and make data recovery more difficult.
✍ How do I fix a RAW external hard drive without losing data?
 
Formatting is the quickest method to fix a RAW external hard drive. However, it will cause data loss. To avoid any loss, you’d better recover data from RAW external hard drive first. We recommend you use data recovery software like MyRecover.
✍ How can I fix my RAW hard drive without formatting?
 
 Your drive becomes RAW due to various reasons, such as outdate drivers, virus infection, file system error, etc. So you can choose to update drivers, scan for viruses, etc., before formatting. Here's how:
  • Type device manager in the search box and select it.
  • Locate and expand the RAW hard drive. Then, select Update driver.

  • Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Your system will automatically search for the latest driver.
✍ How do I recover files from RAW external hard drive without software?
 
If your disk has a file system error, you can try the chkdsk E: /f or chkdsk E: /f /r command. It will scan the file system and metadata of this disk and repair the found error.