RAW format of HDD-disks: how to fix, disk recovery, instruction

Unfortunately, sometimes you can find a situation where a user turns on a computer or a laptop, and instead of some logical partition, a disc with an incomprehensible RAW format is displayed. What is this, let's try to find out. At the same time we will consider some of the simplest ways to convert this format to a normal form.

RAW format: what is it?

If we talk about a format of this type, we need to clearly imagine that, in fact, this is not even a format in the usual sense. This is a modified file system type.

When accessing this section, two types of problems can be noted. First, in the file manager, the volume may not be displayed at all. And secondly, even if it is visible, then it either does not have files, or the system suggests immediate formatting, since the file system is incompatible with the operating system (RAW-format of HDD-disks). How to fix this situation? You need to choose the right approach, because the formatting of the partition with the destruction of even not displayed data is not the best option.

Why are HDD formats changing?

Before proceeding to solve the problem directly, it is necessary to clarify the reasons for changing the structure of the section. In general, among experts, it is commonly believed that the RAW format of HDD disks (how to fix it on the readable one, will be told later), as a consequence, may appear, for example, when certain viruses that change the file system purposefully, with a sudden power failure Electricity) at the time of performing any operations that imply direct access to the section, etc.

Actually, after that sometimes the disk can be seen even with the folders and files present on it, but to perform operations, say, by changing the volume label, formatting it by standard means, changing the size and much more becomes simply impossible. This is because, roughly speaking, there is a change in the file system or there are unrecoverable errors in the partition table. Nevertheless, there are several solutions as to what to do if the RAW format of HDD-disks appears in the system. How to fix this situation, we will consider in more detail.

Method of correction

Now let's look at the main aspects of the process of correcting the situation. As it is already clear, HDD recovery as the main task uses a solution that allows to bring the file system of the partition into a kind that would be perceived by the operating system itself (FAT32, NTFS, etc.). Note, in most cases, even rolling back the system to the previous state does not give the desired result, so it's not worth it. It's just a waste of time.

For starters, you can try to make files and folders appear in the section, which in some cases makes it possible to copy them to another location, for example, to the same removable media.

How to make the files visible and copy them to another location?

RAW format processing in this case is performed with the help of a very interesting utility called MiniTool Power Data Recovery (the program belongs to the class of shareware).

After installation in the application, you must run the Lost Partition Recovery module, select the necessary partition and run the full scan. When the process is completed, a list of all available files will be displayed in the program window. It remains to mark the necessary data and press the Save button. The application prompts you to select the location where the selected files will be copied. Specify it and activate the process. After that, you can do partition formatting. If the procedure is not available, proceed to the next step.

The simplest way to restore a format using the system

Now let's look at how to convert RAW to NTFS using Windows native tools (especially for the NTFS file system, this solution works best).

First, start the command line (cmd) from the "Run" menu (Win + R). Note that HDD recovery can be done only in this way, the standard check of the partition in the Windows environment will not result.

Now it all comes down to just chkdsk the "drive letter": / f (for example, in the case of drive D, it will look like chkdsk d: / f) - and press the enter key. It remains to wait until the process is completed, during which the file system will be restored, and reboot the system.

Incidentally, this way is exactly in file systems that previously had the structure of NTFS, perfectly suited for system drives. Only when using this technique will the computer terminal or laptop be loaded from the boot or recovery disc.

Formatting using the TestDisk utility

At this stage, consider another aspect of the topic "RAW-format HDD-disks: how to fix it." TestDisk (utility for quick recovery of the original format) will do the best. The most important plus of this application is that it does not require installation. Because it comes in the form of a portable version. Minus - does not have a Russified interface and works in a mode similar to DOS.

So, let's start HDD recovery. In the first stage, after starting the program, you must select the creation of a new log file (Create item) and press the enter key. Then the desired disk or partition is selected with the arrows, after which the application will automatically determine the type of the partition table (it can be changed manually, but I think it should not be done).

Next, you must first use the analysis line (Analyse), and then a quick search (Quick Search). After each action, press Enter. When a lost partition is found, use the Write Structure item. Otherwise, if the desired section is not displayed in the list of search results, Deeper Search should be enabled, then perform the described actions to save the structure. Now, as in the previous version, you just need to restart your computer or laptop. The problem should disappear.

Using Ontrack EasyRecovery

Before us is another program that allows you to convert the RAW-format of HDD-disks. How can I fix it with this utility? As easy as pie.

In principle, the application works in much the same way as the TestDisk program, but it can attract many users by having a beautiful and user-friendly interface. By the way, many experts call this software an indispensable tool when you need to restore disk partitions of large volumes. The only drawback is that the program is paid, but it seems that for our person this is not a problem. In the open spaces Runet for her, you can easily find and activation keys, and patches, and key generators.

Conclusion

What in the end? At the moment the RAW-format of HDD-disks was considered. How to fix it on a readable system, I think, is already clear. As for what to apply, it depends on the specific situation. Suppose, if formatting by own means is possible, you can display the files and copy them to another location. This is, so to speak, that it is absolutely certain. You can also use the command to check and restore the partition to its original state, which is provided in the system itself, but this process can take a very long time if the volume is large enough.

On the other hand, to simplify user actions, the third-party utilities described above are also perfect. Another thing is that some users will not accept the DOS interface of the TestDisk application. However, it's easy to get used to it. Moreover, as already mentioned, this is a portable version, which means that you can always have it on hand and run from the same flash drive. If you do not like it, please use the similar Ontrack EasyRecovery application with a graphical shell. True, some may argue about the issue of cost, but here for yourself it is necessary to decide what is more important: money or a hard drive with the information stored on it? In addition, among all such utilities, the two are the most powerful, and sometimes you will not get a qualitative result from free software. However, the choice is for the users themselves.