Read about the causes of a RAW disk, as well as how to convert it to NTFS. What are ways to restore access to a "RAW" disk and how to recover data from it. Is the file system on the disk defined as "RAW" ? Do you want to get back "NTFS" partition after data loss? I can’t format a disk in the “NTFS” file system, do I need a program to change “RAW” to “NTFS”? You can find answers to these and other questions in our review article.

Our interaction with each other is based on information, we use it in our professional activities (economic, financial, scientific, social, cultural, etc.), we use it for entertainment and leisure activities.

Various computer devices help us to control and manage the ever-increasing flow of information, as well as store and have instant access to it. One of the main types of such devices are stationary personal computers and laptops. Thanks to the advanced elements of information processing and storage used in them, they easily cope with the tasks assigned to them and facilitate the process of information control for users.

The main role in the management of a computer device, as well as the collection, processing and storage of information, is played by software that exercises full control over the activity of the device and information flows.

The most well-known software that fully meets the stated requirements is operating system Windows from a corporation Microsoft. The internal system shell, which allows you to instantly process huge amounts of data, execute many tasks at the same time. various processes no reduction overall performance device, which has an attractive user interface, allowed the operating system Windows acquire wide world fame, which led to extraordinary popularity. Separately, it should be noted the high threshold of resistance to the occurrence of various system problems and errors, which significantly increases the overall security of the operating system as a whole, and also increases the attractiveness of its use.

Along with advanced software that is responsible for the full and correct functioning of a computer device, the data storage is also of great importance, which is used primarily to store all information. Internal hard drives and drives, external attached storage, USB drives and other devices are used each to solve certain problems, but the main requirements that users place on them are safe use and storage various information, with the possibility quick access to her at any time.

And the situation when a user discovers an empty unallocated space on a storage device instead of their data can cause feelings of despair and fear that all stored information is lost forever. The current situation is always unpleasant, but not critical. All data stored on such a storage device has remained in place, but the system cannot recognize internal structure disk and grant access to them. However, the user can correct the file system format represented as "RAW", and bring it to the original version, and return your data back. In this article, we will look at the top seven causes for this problem and offer you some solutions to fix it.

General concept "RAW"

Before proceeding to the description of the problems of the appearance of the format "RAW" on your storage device and possible ways their decision, we should dwell on his explanation in more detail.

concept "RAW" is intended to denote the indefinite file system of a volume (a portion of a computer's long-term memory taken as a single whole storage area for ease of use).

Each volume or entire disk space has a specific file system that represents a certain order and defines a specific way of organizing, storing and labeling data on storage media in computers and other electronic devices.

Built into the kernel system component "RAWFS", whose main function is to notify any applications of the volume size and file system version, when prompted. If the file system cannot be determined, the symbol appears "RAW". In other words, this means that the file system name of the disk partition cannot be recognized by any of the file system drivers installed and available in the operating system. Windows, for whatever reason.

In practice, this indicates that the partition is not marked for a specific format, the file structure of the system is broken, or there is a reason that results in no access to the internal contents of the partition (disk). Further in our article, we will present a list of the main reasons for the appearance of the format "RAW".

Seven main causes "RAW"

There are many symptoms when hard drive becomes "RAW format". As we already described in the previous section, the reasons for not recognizing the file system name of a disk in a partition can be different. Additionally, the system may require you to perform certain actions before allowing you to use a disk partition whose file system is displayed as "RAW". For example, operating system Windows shows an error message prompting you to perform the following procedure: “To use a disc in a drive, first format it. Do you want to format it?". In this case, you will not be able to access the disk partition and all the information located on it until you fulfill the requirement of the operating system.

In this case, formatting the disk partition can help you get rid of the problem. "RAW" format. But such a process will destroy all the data that is stored in this partition. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the main causes and tips for eliminating them without losing data.

Note: Sometimes the disc or drive is displayed as "RAW", if the file system specified on it is not supported by the current version of the operating system installed on your computer device. In such a case, steps must be taken to open the drive on the operating system it was originally intended to use and that supports that file system.

1. Bad sectors

If there are bad sectors in a key area of ​​the hard drive, then the drive is definitely not working properly, which can corrupt the file system and cause it to be displayed in the format "RAW".

2. Structural damage to the file system

The main system-forming reason for the occurrence of problems and the display of disk partitions or individual drives in the format "RAW" is related to the health of the file system, which can be corrupted for other reasons than the presence of bad sectors. Therefore, if the file system suffers from internal structural corruption, then the partition may become formatted "RAW".

3. Partition table corruption

The next, no less important, cause of the format problem "RAW" in a disk partition, the partition table may be corrupted. For example, incorrect values ​​in the table "MBR", which contains data and a code fragment, as well as special signatures necessary for correct loading, may be one of the reasons.

4. Reinstalling the operating system Windows

When you upgrade an old operating system to its newer advanced version, the file system of the system partition can also be changed to new version system (for example, switch from version FAT to the file system "NTFS"). In this case, the file system may not be identified by the new operating system, and as a result, it will be displayed as "RAW" format.

5. Attack of viruses and malware

One of the most common reasons for displaying a disk partition in file system format "RAW" is a virus attack and malware. Such a malicious impact on the system can damage the part of the partition table, which indicates the beginning and end of the partition, and contains other additional information, change or delete important parameters hard disk settings. As a result, it will become impossible to determine the boundaries of the affected partition and its file system, as a result of which, having undergone a malicious virus attack, the disk partition will be displayed, when accessed, in the format "RAW".

6. Damage to cables or connectors

In some cases, a hard drive or drive may appear as an undefined file system "RAW" if the connection cable is damaged or there is poor contact in the connection connector.

Usually the cable connecting hard drive rarely fails, but be aware of this as a possible reason for the system to identify the drive as "RAW", necessary. Especially in the case when there were power surges or other mechanical damage. More often, problems arise with the drive connector, which gets damaged with repeated use of it, or has a weak connection level that is insufficient for the correct display and operation of the drive.

7. Incorrect partition access permission

One possible reason for assigning a format to a section "RAW" may serve as an incorrectly configured access permission to the section, which is directly related to local settings security policies. As a result, the system may restrict your access to the disk partition and display it as an undefined file system.

Ways to restore access to "RAW" disk

Depending on the reasons that have arisen that affected the display of a disk partition or the entire drive in the format "RAW", you will need to perform a certain procedure aimed at correcting the current situation. The following steps must be performed in sequence until the disk mapping problem is resolved. After each action, you need to check if the problem is resolved, and move on to the next one if the result is negative.

1. Check the integrity of the cables or connection connectors

If there has been a power surge, then it is necessary to check the cables and connectors for possible damage. Replace the cable with another, working cable, and retest your drive. Or, connect your drive to another connector that you are sure is working and try to access it again. Perhaps these actions will be quite enough to completely eliminate the problem.

2. Change security settings in section properties

From the point of view of setting access permissions to sections, you can change the necessary security settings in the section properties window. Open file explorer Windows and find your partition or drive in the format "RAW". Click on it right click mouse and, in the pop-up context menu from the list of possible actions, select the section "Properties".

Then in the new dialog box that opens, click the tab "Safety" where you can remove useless users and any messy codes, and add a local user to resume disk access.

3. Change security settings in section properties

If for some reason it was not possible to allow access to the desired partition, then you can change the security settings using the internal tool of the operating system. You can open the Local Policy Tool window different ways. For example, Click on the button "Start" located on "Dashboards" in the lower left corner of the desktop, and open the main user menu Windows. Move the slider to the bottom of the list using the scroll bar installed applications, and find the section "Facilities Windows Administration» . Click on it once and open the submenu. Select the section from the list of presented system tools.

In the window that opens, in the left pane, select the section « Local Policies» , and then in the right pane, double-click the section "Security Options" or right-click on it and select section from the pop-up menu "Open".

In the right pane of the security settings window, all the main types of policies will be presented with the settings for each of them. Use the scrollbar to move the slider to the bottom of the list and find the policy "Network access: model public access and security for local accounts". Double-click on it with the left mouse button to access the policy properties window. Or right-click on it and open the pop-up menu, in which select the section "Properties".

In the policy properties window that opens network access tab "Local Security Option" in the center cell, open the pop-up menu, and change set parameter on the value "Ordinary - local users ascertain themselves as they are".

Then press the buttons "Apply" and "OK" for your changes to take effect.

4. Convert "RAW" to the file system "NTFS" through the disk format process

If when you turn on your computer or when you connect a drive to it, the operating system detects your disk, then a message will always be displayed in which you will be asked to format the disk to resume access to it, and install the correct version of the new file system on it. In the event that information stored on such a disc, the format of which is defined as "RAW", is not important for the user, you can immediately click on the button "Format disk" and start the file system setup process.

However, if the information is of paramount importance, then refrain from formatting the disk and go to the next section. "5" our article to get your data back. The formatting process will not be able to completely erase all the information on the "RAW" disk, but can significantly complicate the subsequent data recovery process and reduce the total number of usable and usable whole files.

If the message is not displayed, then you can format the disk from the application "Disk Management". You can open the app different ways. For example, right click on the button "Start" located on "Dashboards", or press the keyboard shortcut together Windows+X, and open the pop-up menu. Select, among the available applications, a section "Disk Management" to access it directly.

In the application window that opens, click on "RAW" right-click the disk and select a partition from the pop-up menu "Format".

In the new window, set the required formatting options and click the button "OK" to start the process.

You can also format "RAW" disk from file explorer Windows. Right-click on the disk name and bring up a pop-up context menu. Select a section from the list of available actions "Format".

Set the required file system and others additional settings, if necessary, and press the button "To begin", thereby starting the formatting process.

At the end of your "RAW" the disk will have a new file system and is completely ready for further use.

5. Recover files from disks in the format "RAW" using data recovery software

If you are interested in saving all information located on "RAW" disk, then you will have to use a data recovery program that allows you to perform such operations. One of such programs, which have received wide popularity and high user rating for the results achieved in recovering lost data, is a program from the company Hetman Software. It fully meets the requirements of users in the situation of indefinite partition "RAW", has a nice and comfortable user interface, most similar to appearance operating system Windows, is quite easy to use and has high rates of final recovered files.

The big advantage is the fact that the program has a preview function of recovered files, which prompts users to view or listen to the contents of any files before saving them. This approach allows you to be completely confident in choosing and saving the best versions of recovered documents.

Download the installation file of the program from the official website of the company and install it on your computer or laptop. The process of installing the program will not take you much time and will not cause any particular difficulties thanks to the step-by-step installer wizard. Follow its instructions and the installation of the program will be successful.

Open the program and find your Raw disk or partition.

Double-click it and, in the window that opens, select the required type of analysis. Check box "Full analysis" to search for all available information and restore the disk file system.

After setting the scan options, click the button "Further" and start the process of analyzing and recovering possible information. It may take from several minutes to several hours, depending on the original size of the disk, the degree of file system corruption, and other additional criteria. For user's convenience, the scanning mode will be displayed in real time.

When finished, press the button "Ready" and go to the preview window to select the recovered files and then save them. By clicking on each file, you can view its contents and choose the option that suits you best.

Ticking everything necessary files, press the button "Restore", with a lifebuoy depicted on it, and located on the main ribbon of the window.

The program will offer you a choice of several options for saving the marked files: saving to HDD, record on "CD/DVD", create a virtual image ISO or upload by FTP. Depending on your preferences or need at any given moment, set the indicator in the appropriate box next to the selected save method, and then click the button "Further" to continue.

In the next window, check the required additional options, for example, specify the path to save files or use the suggested option, and click the button "Restore" to complete.

Now that you have recovered all the files that are important to you, you can format your disk or partition in the format "NTFS" for subsequent application, using the method described earlier in the section "4".

Conclusion

Information is of paramount importance and requires safe ways its storage. Reasons why you may lose access to a disk with important information user may be completely different. However, almost all of them can be eliminated using the internal tools of the operating system. Windows or thanks to a third party software for data recovery

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

It often happens that after an incorrect shutdown of the computer, for example, if you unplugged the power cord or the power went out unexpectedly in your house, or your computer survived a virus attack, an unpleasant situation may occur. File system disk on your computer or laptop changes its format to RAW, and for the device to work correctly (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, the RAW file system type, let's see what it is. The RAW system is a non-existent system. If the computer indicates that the media has this format, then the drivers cannot determine the type of its file system (FAT, FAT32 OR NTFS).

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

File system recovery from RAW to NTFS

The system will offer you the easiest way - to format the disk. But do not rush to do this, because your data is not lost, now there is simply no access to it. If you format a RAW drive to convert the file system back to NTFS, then it will take a long time to recover data from the media using special programs. We offer several ways to recover a drive from RAW to NTFS without data loss.

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 chkdsk operating system helps. Do the following:

• Right click on "Start" and select "command prompt"
• Type chkdsk target_disk_letter: /f
• The computer will start checking, after which it will restore the damage and the NTFS system in the problem area

Chkdsk will help even if it is damaged system disk. To do this, you need a USB flash drive or boot disk.

Here are your steps:

• Start the computer from a USB flash drive or disk, and then select "Recovery"
• Then open "advanced options", and then "command line". There, type chkdsk target_disk_letter: /f

Important!

During recovery, partition letters may differ from disk names. In order to avoid mistakes in work, open in command line list of computer partitions, then type diskpart, Then listvolume and you will see which drive is the system drive. This will be listed.

You can also try from previously saved backups.

Method 2: Using special programs

And here's how to make NTFS from the RAW file system using third-party programs.

First of all, we recommend using free program testdisk. This is a utility that interacts with hard disk partitions. She will help fix 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 USB flash drive is connected, the computer is not turned off correctly or there is a voltage drop
2. Windows crash
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:

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

How to work with the program:

Also on our website you can find the following topics:

• An association partitions of the hard drive on Windows 10
• How to change hard disk partitions
• How to change the swap file in Windows 10

As you know, in case of any damage to the structure of the file system of a logical disk, the operating system and all programs that are accustomed to a clear and harmonious structuring begin to experience difficulties in determining the type of file system of damaged partitions. In such cases, a meaningful entry appears in the "logical drive properties" line: RAW. Here are just a few possible reasons its occurrence: hardware failure, program failure, virus invasion.

For one reason or another, incorrect values ​​for a logical disk appear in the partition table (for example, MBR), destruction occurs in the system boot sector or in the MFT area (the main file table in the NTFS system). You can try to fix small errors in system data, if things are really bad - at least restore the necessary files.

Correct mistakes? Maybe!

At its core, RAW is not a separate type of file system. Your disk has been and remains formatted in FAT or NTFS. However, working with it according to the standard scheme will no longer work - the disk simply will not open or will require formatting. And if you intend to save as much information stored on a broken disk (yes, as long as it has not disappeared anywhere!), We strongly do not recommend agreeing with the latter. It may not be possible to return the entry “FAT” or “NTFS” to the disk properties. But restore from it all necessary information- easy!

So, first, let's find out if our file system is actually RAW already. We check the "properties" of the disk through the context menu in the "My Computer" tab. If the "type" line says " local disk”, and in the line “file system” - “RAW”, it's time to start the data recovery process. By the way, for this it is better to choose a proven and effectively working restorer program. If your data is really dear to you, it is better not to be deceived by dubious offers with promises of all kinds of “bonuses”.

The second life of the system ...

RS program Partition Recovery is a reliable tool for recovering data from inaccessible, formatted, broken drives. In most cases, the program is capable of restoring partition data even after severe damage, reconstructing a logical disk, and restarting the system literally from scratch!

Even if you managed to format a disk with a broken structure, it is possible to save the data! Function " deep analysis”, used by RS Partition Recovery, will scan and analyze all the pieces of data saved on the disk, and on their basis will recreate the partition structure and return the disappeared files in a form that is completely suitable for further use.

How to do it?

A smart program can bypass the blocking of access to the partition structure, which is activated after turning the system into RAW. Moreover, if you did not have time to format the disk, the recovery will be really quick and painless. If the goal is to return data after formatting, just be patient. The result of RS Partition Recovery is worth it!

Just download and install the program (on any disk or other medium, except for the recoverable one), start scanning the necessary disks. In a new window of the program, you will see all the files available for recovery. Save them - also on any disk, except for the one being restored.

Faster and convenient work with the recovered information will make the functions of "Preview" and sorting files according to various parameters. Use a competent program - and forever forget about all the unpleasant emotions associated with the word "RAW"!

What is RAW, really? In fact, there is no such FS (file system) RAW at all.

In practice, the file system of such a partition as RAW means that none of the FS (file system) drivers installed in the OS determined the name of the disk system or any partition.

If the disk FS is recognized as " RAW”, then assigning volume labels, reading data, and other actions with the partition or disk become impossible. At the same time, the OS displays the capacity of the partition, and when accessing it, it advises you to format the partition.

1. RAW hard drive

2. RAW partition on hard drive

3. Why does a hard drive or partition become RAW

For hard drive:
- The drive or connection cable is damaged. It happens that the hard drive is defined as RAW if the connection cord does not fit the connector well, or it is damaged.
- The so-called "Broken sectors". A large number of such "white" sectors on the hard drive leads to damage to the files and the file system as a whole.
- The file system structure is corrupted. The file system can be damaged not only due to bad sectors but also for other reasons.
- Partition tables are corrupted. If for some reason the partition tables are damaged, then the entire disk will be defined as RAW.
- Recovery or complete reinstallation OS (operating system).
- Action of viruses. Viruses, malware, etc. can remove some important parameters, change them, thereby damaging the information of the hard drive.

For hard disk partitions:
- Malware and Viruses. Programs that contain viruses, ways to damage parts of the table or sections of the hard drive, which leads to damage to information.
- System reinstallation (Windows).
- A bunch of hard drives and sections. A large number of partitions and disks on a PC can also lead to RAW partitions.

4. How to recover a RAW disk

You must understand that restoring and saving data is not available. In the error that occurs from Windows, click on the button " Format disk».

If the data on the RAW disk is valuable, Windows loads

In the event that partition or disk data is important, but it is defined as RAW, do not rush to format the partition or disk as a whole. Try to check the disk for errors and fix them later. This can be completely or temporarily restore the partition or disk.
- Go to "Disk Management" as described above.
- Remember the name (letter) of the disk with the RAW file system.

If none of the methods helped, then you can try using data recovery programs.

To do this, you can try using the programs: "RAW Recovery", or "Partition Recovery".

Consider the process of recovering data from a RAW disk using the second Partition programs recovery.

After starting the program, you will be provided with a list of existing partitions and disks of this PC. You need to click on RAW section twice. In the picture, the RAV section under the letter E.

Imagine that you insert a flash drive into your computer and see a message: “To use a disk in the F: drive, first format it. Do you want to format it?" If it's a new flash drive, no questions asked, but what if there was data on it? Then do not rush to agree to formatting - perhaps there is a chance to save them.

First of all, you can try to take risks and correct mistakes. Windows tools. To do this, open the console as an administrator and write:

Chkdsk f: /f

Naturally, f: will need to be replaced with the actual drive name. The /f option means to fix errors during the scan.

If the operation was successful, you can try to open the files. But it may also happen that you will see the error "Chkdsk is not valid for RAW disks". Don't despair, we have a couple more options in stock. Let's use special program DMDE.

DMDE is a very cool program that is useful for searching, editing and recovering data on disks. The developer reports that she uses tricky algorithms, thanks to which she can restore the directory structure and files in difficult cases when other programs do not give the desired result.

DMDE has a disk editor, a simple partition manager, the ability to create images and clone disks, reconstruct RAID arrays etc. Paid editions support file and directory recovery without restrictions, but the free version is also very good and helps just as well in many situations.

After starting the program, select our media.

The partitions window opens, where we double-click to select the full scan.

After a quick scan, you need to go up one level to the "Found" folder and click "All Found + Reconstruction". A dialog will open, where we select "Rescan the current file system" and wait for the end of the operation.

After scanning, DMDE will show a list of found files. We look through the folders and choose what to restore. whole folders in free version Unfortunately, it cannot be restored. To restore one file, right-click and select "Restore Object", then specify where to restore, and click OK.

It is worth noting that the names of the files are generated automatically and often do not match the original ones. Do not be surprised if some files come out “broken”, and artifacts appear in the photographs. By the way, images can sometimes be restored by one of special utilities. For example, Recuva, R-Studio and "PhotoDOCTOR". Much to my surprise, the latest program restored almost dead photos in a very good quality and with a minimum of artifacts - many of its competitors could not cope with this.

So, good luck with your recovery! But it is better, of course, to immediately rewrite all data from temporary media and make backups.