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27 May 2025  Ashley S. Miller  Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
Last update by Olivia Brown at 27 May 2025

Summary
Learn how to recover raw partition data on Windows with our step-by-step guide. Safely retrieve your files from corrupted or unrecognized file systems without formatting.



Table of contents

table iconWhat is a RAW Partition and Why Does It Happen?
table iconHow to Recover RAW Partition Data on Windows
table iconHow to Fix a RAW Partition for Continued Use
table iconConclusion
table iconFAQ
Has one of your drives—whether it’s an internal hard disk, external USB, or SD card—suddenly turned into a RAW partition, locking you out of your files? You might notice Windows prompting you to format the drive to fix it. Hold off on that! Formatting will wipe out your data, and that’s the last thing you want.
disk show to be raw
This guide will walk you through what a RAW partition is, how to recover RAW partition data safely, and how to restore the drive to full functionality. Let’s get your files back and your drive working again.

What is a RAW Partition and Why Does It Happen?

A RAW partition appears when Windows can’t recognize the file system on a drive. This could happen for a couple of reasons: either the file system (such as NTFS or FAT32) is corrupted, or the drive is formatted with a file system Windows doesn’t support, such as HFS+ used by macOS.
When a partition or disk nears the end of its lifespan, data block corruptions may lead to data loss. It potentially converting the disk into a RAW partition.
For instance, plugging an HFS+ drive into a Windows PC will show it as RAW because Windows can’t read it. Similarly, corruption from improper ejection, power outages, or hardware issues can turn a familiar file system into a RAW partition. The result? You can’t access your files, and Windows might nudge you to format the drive.
Formatting might seem like a quick fix, but it erases everything. The good news? Your data is often still intact, even on a RAW partition. By focusing on recovering RAW partition data first, you can save your files before attempting any repairs.

How to Recover RAW Partition Data on Windows

You can recover RAW partition data and restore your drive’s functionality, whether it’s a hard drive, USB, or external disk. There are two main approaches: recovering just the data or attempting to repair the partition itself. Repairing the partition can sometimes risk data loss, so we’ll guide you through the safest steps to recover RAW partition data first.
Here’s how to tackle it step by step.

1. Recover RAW Partition Data Using Recovery Software

Since a RAW partition blocks normal file access, you’ll need specialized software that can read RAW drives. One of the most effective tools for this is Renee Undeleter, a powerful and user-friendly solution designed to retrieve files from any file system, including RAW partitions.

Even if the file system is unrecognizable, Renee Undeleter uses advanced signature scanning algorithms to detect and recover over 400 different file formats, such as photos, videos, documents, and more. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted files, emptied the Recycle Bin, or formatted a drive, this tool can help you recover lost data. It’s particularly effective for formatted partitions or drives that are inaccessible due to corruption.

Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

To recover your data with Renee Undeleter, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and install Renee Undeleter from its official website, then launch the program. Select Whole Partition Scan, which is ideal for recovering data from formatted partitions or memory cards. Be sure to install the software on a different drive from the one where your data is lost to prevent overwriting.
select whole partition scan in renee undeleter to recover deleted video from sd card 
Renee Undeleter Features
  • Fast Partition Scan: Quickly recovers files lost due to accidental deletion or emptying the Recycle Bin.
  • Whole Partition Scan: Retrieves files from inaccessible or formatted partitions, making it perfect for RAW partition recovery.
  • Whole Disk Scan: Analyzes partition information and performs a comprehensive scan of the entire disk.
  • Image Creation: Creates a backup image of a partition to preserve its current state.
Step 2: Select the RAW or formatted partition where your files were lost, then click Next to begin the scanning process.
Renee Undeleter Whole Partition Scan 
Step 3: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files, select the ones you want to restore, and click Recover. To avoid overwriting data, save the recovered files to a different drive than the one you’re recovering from.

preview and select the files to recover in renee undeleter 

preview deleted mkv video file
This method ensures you recover RAW partition data without risking further damage. After securing your data, you can attempt to repair the RAW partition using the following methods.
Always save recovered files to a separate drive to avoid overwriting anything.

2. Repair a RAW Partition with Windows CHKDSK Utility

If you want to recover RAW partition functionality alongside your data, you can try CHKDSK, a built-in Windows tool that fixes logical file system errors. However, CHKDSK only works if the partition was originally NTFS and has minor corruption. If it was FAT32, exFAT, or another file system, CHKDSK won’t help.
Warning: CHKDSK can sometimes cause data loss, so always recover RAW partition data using software like Renee Undeleter first or create a byte-by-byte backup of the drive.
Here’s how to run CHKDSK:
1. Press the Windows key, type Command, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
run as administrator
2. Type the command: chkdsk [Drive Letter]: /f /r (replace [Drive Letter] with your RAW partition’s letter, e.g., D:). The /f flag fixes file system errors, and /r recovers readable data from bad sectors.
3. Wait for CHKDSK to complete. It will report whether it fixed the issues.
chkdsk bad sectors
4. Once done, open This PC and check if the drive now shows as NTFS instead of RAW.
If CHKDSK doesn’t work, don’t worry—there’s another tool to try next.

3. Restore a RAW Partition with TestDisk

If CHKDSK fails or your partition wasn’t NTFS, TestDisk is a free, powerful tool to recover RAW partition functionality. It scans for lost partitions and rebuilds the partition table, potentially restoring the drive to its original state without formatting.
Note: Incorrectly rewriting the partition table can lead to data loss, so recover RAW partition data with Renee Undeleter or create a full backup before proceeding.
Follow these steps to use TestDisk:
1. Download TestDisk from its official website, extract the files, and run the executable as an administrator.
recover data from crashed hard drive
2. Choose Create to generate a log file for troubleshooting.
3. Select the disk with the RAW partition using the arrow keys. TestDisk usually auto-detects the partition table type (typically Intel/PC partition for most PCs).
select hard disk type
4. Select Analyse, then Quick Search to scan for lost partitions.
testdisk scanning
5. When TestDisk lists found partitions, select the correct one. If it looks accurate, choose Write to update the partition table. If Quick Search fails, try Deeper Search for a more thorough scan.
select files to recover for testdisk
6. Confirm by pressing Y, close TestDisk, restart your PC, and check if the partition is accessible.
If TestDisk doesn’t work or the drive doesn’t appear in Device Manager, the issue might be physical. In such cases, contact a professional data recovery service with specialized equipment to recover RAW partition data.

How to Fix a RAW Partition for Continued Use

Once you’ve successfully recovered RAW partition data, you may need to format the drive to make it usable again. Formatting replaces the corrupted or unsupported file system with a new one, like NTFS or exFAT, resolving the RAW partition issue.
Important: Only format after recovering RAW partition data, as formatting erases all data on the drive.
Here’s the easiest way to format using Disk Management:
1. Right-click the Start button or press Windows key + X, then select Disk Management.
windows disk management right click start
2. Find the RAW partition (it won’t show a file system in the File System column). Right-click it and select Format.
format raw disk
3. Choose a file system (NTFS for hard drives, exFAT for USBs). Add a name in the Volume Label field if desired.
4. Check Perform a quick format to speed things up, then click OK.
quick Format
5. Confirm the warning that formatting will erase data by clicking OK.
Once complete, the partition will no longer be RAW and will be ready for use.

Conclusion

Recovering RAW partition data and fixing the drive doesn’t have to be a headache. By using tools like Renee Undeleter to recover RAW partition data first, followed by CHKDSK or TestDisk to repair the partition, you can get your files and drive back in shape. If all else fails, formatting is a surefire way to fix the RAW partition, but only after you’ve safely recovered your data.
To prevent RAW partition issues in the future:
- Safely eject external drives to avoid file system corruption.
- Shut down properly using the Start menu to prevent data loss from sudden power cuts.
- Check compatibility: If a drive shows as RAW due to an unsupported file system, transfer data to a compatible system before reformatting.
- Monitor drive health: Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo’s S.M.A.R.T. feature to catch issues early.
how to check ssd health with crystaldiskinfo
If the “health Status” shows Bad, it means you should replace your disk asap.
If your drive keeps turning RAW, it might be failing. Consider replacing it and always back up your data regularly.

FAQ

Can I recover RAW partition data without formatting?
Yes, you can recover RAW partition data without formatting by using tools like Renee Undeleter or TestDisk. If the issue is due to an unsupported file system, connect the drive to a compatible system (e. g., a macOS for HFS+ drives). Always recover RAW partition data before attempting repairs to avoid data loss.
What if CHKDSK doesn’t work for my RAW partition?
CHKDSK only works for NTFS partitions with minor corruption. If it fails, use Renee Undeleter to recover RAW partition data, then try TestDisk to restore the partition. If the drive is physically damaged, a professional data recovery service is your best bet.
How do I recover RAW partition data for free?
Free tools like Renee Undeleter (up to 500 MB), TestDisk, and PhotoRec can recover RAW partition data. TestDisk is great for partition recovery, while PhotoRec focuses on files like photos and documents by scanning for file signatures.
Can I fix a RAW partition without losing data?
To fix a RAW partition without losing data, first recover RAW partition data using Renee Undeleter. Then, use TestDisk to repair the partition table. If repairs fail, you may need to format, but only after securing your data with a backup or recovery tool.
How do I run CHKDSK on a RAW partition?
CHKDSK requires a recognizable file system (like NTFS). If the partition is RAW, use TestDisk to restore the file system first. Then, run CHKDSK with:

chkdsk [ Drive Letter ] : /f /r 

Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

User Comments

LA
lahatte
2025-05-28
Hey folks,
My external drive’s acting up and showing as RAW in Disk Management. Can’t access my files at all! I’m thinking about formatting it to NTFS and then using a tool like Renee Undeleter to recover the data from the formatted drive. Has anyone tried this trick before? Would love some advice!
CVS
Count von Schwalbe
2025-06-06
Yo lahatte,
Have you tried running CHKDSK? I had a drive go RAW once, and CHKDSK fixed it just enough to pull my files off. Recovery tools can work, but sometimes you get a mess of junk data along with the good stuff.
LA
lahatte
2025-06-10
Hey Count,
Tried CHKDSK, but it’s not reading the drive properly. Did you use the /f switch or just let it run in read-only mode?
CVS
Count von Schwalbe
2025-06-10
Man, it’s been a while, can’t remember exactly. Think I tried both /f and read-only. CHKDSK sorted it out, and the drive was bootable again. But then the system wiped it, so I ran it again and copied everything to a new drive.
SP
SPDIF
2025-06-12
Is this about that 870EVO you mentioned in your other post? Might be better to keep all the details in that thread to avoid confusion.
SO
Solaris17
2025-06-12
The /f flag in CHKDSK fixes file system errors. Formatting’s a bad move, lahatte—don’t do it until you’ve recovered your data!
ON
OneMoar
2025-06-18
Hey lahatte,
Renee Undeleter’s a solid bet for pulling data off a RAW drive, especially when the MFT or partition table’s messed up. It’s great for scanning and recovering files from corrupted partitions.
AH
Ahhzz
2025-06-18
If your data’s critical, check out www.grc.com. I’ve had good luck with their tools for recovery, though they ain’t free.
FM
Ferrum Master
2025-06-21
If you kept the drive powered on, the data might be toast. NAND drives with TRIM, like some Samsung USB3 flash drives with Silicon Motion controllers, run garbage collection and can wipe data. Your best shot is a tool like Renee Undeleter for basic recovery, but if it’s a complex issue, you might need to boot via UART or desolder NAND chips for RAW data access.
VU
VuurVOS
2025-06-21
Hey Ahhzz,
There’s a free option called Lazesoft Recovery Suite for home use that’s worth a try.
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