How to Recover Files from RAW External Hard Drive Safely

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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