[FREE] How to Recover Files from RAW Hard Drive

The word RAW means raw and unprocessed. So RAW drives also refer to disks/partitions that are either unformatted or unrecognized. So how do you know when your drive file system becomes RAW?

If you encounter the above error messages, the system no longer recognizes your drive. Unlike other file systems, such as FAT32 and NTFS, RAW is an uncommon file system that represents something wrong with your hard disk and makes it inaccessible. When it happens, the first thing we want to know must be, "How can I open the RAW drive?" and "Can I recover data from a RAW disk/partition?". Don't worry. Here, we will help you solve the problems.

Part 1: What Causes RAW Drives

Now that you know the symptoms of a RAW drive, it's time to understand what has caused the problem:

Part 2: 3 Ways to Recover Files from a RAW Hard Drive for Free

Disk/partition, USB flash drive, external hard drive, and SD card are all commonly used data storage devices. When we use them, it inevitably avoids the errors mentioned above to make the drives RAW. Before getting down to the task, please follow the rules below for better free data recovery from RAW disk.

At this time, the RAW drive becomes inaccessible. So, your data will be hidden and cannot be saved anywhere. Don't worry, we don't see the RAW disk/partition files. But you can use a professional tool to help you show and free recover files from RAW partition or disk. Here, we will use three free data recovery software to help.

Way 1: Use Qiling Free Data Recovery

It is one of the best and most accessible options to recover data from RAW hard drive free. It takes up the most advanced file recovery Algorithms. It can also repair corrupted files during scanning. The best free RAW drive recovery software can extract over 1000 file types from 2000 storage devices and work on Windows or Mac. It can also free recover files from a formatted hard drive on Mac or Windows 11/10.

Way 2: Use TestDisk

For recovering files from RAW partitions, using TestDisk is a bit tricky. Because it just recognizes your entire disk. It's also a command line interface, but it's completely free.

Way 3: Use DiskGenius

A powerful hard disk management program can help you solve almost all drive problems.

Part 3: Comparison of the Three RAW Partition/Disk Recovery Free Ways

All the above three tools can help you recover files from RAW partition/hard drive free and complete. When understanding their pros and cons. I believe you can choose the one that suits you.

Part 4: How to Convert RAW File System to NTFS/FAT

After you recover RAW partition/disk for free with the help of third-party software, next, you need to convert the RAW drive to be recognized by the system so that you can continue to use it. Here, you can use the following two methods to accomplish it.

Methods 1, Change RAW to NTFS/FAT Without Formatting

When your hard drive becomes RAW, you can try setting it using CMD if you want to fix it without formatting. Here, you go with the steps:

Methods 2, Convert RAW to NTFS/FAT by Formatted

Since drive formatting involves huge data loss risks, you must recover data from RAW drive free use software before initiating the RAW drive formatting process. Once you complete the data recovery process, follow the steps to convert the RAW to NTFS, FAT, and more.

Part 5: Tips to Avoid a RAW Disk

Even though you know how to recover files from a RAW partition/disk for free, it is always better to prevent the problem in advance instead of looking for its cure. While following a few simple precautionary steps, you can avoid the issue of any disk turning into a RAW drive.

Conclusion

After reading this article thoroughly, you would probably never get scared once you would encounter a situation when your storage device becomes a RAW drive. So, to avoid your valuable data loss, you must keep the best free RAW hard drive recovery software, Deep Data Recovery, installed in your system & get a permanent solution for any data loss situation.

FAQ

How to access my RAW drive?

If your hard drive has become RAW, you cannot access it because our system does not recognize the RAW file system. But you can convert it to a recognized drive with "chkdsk *: /f" command. So you can access it.
Can the RAW drive be recovered?

Yes, Although it became inaccessible. But we can extract and save files to other locations through RAW drive recovery software. Here, you can take the help of Qiling data recovery software for Mac or Windows to help you with this task.
How can I restore my RAW disk without losing data?

First, you can use Deep Data Recovery to help you recover data from RAW external hard drive, disk, partition, USB drive, and more. Then, you can convert it to NFTS/FAT by formatting/CMD. Finally, save the file to the location of the principle. This way, you are done recovering a RAW disk without losing files.
How to restore a RAW partition to NTFS?

Select the RAW partition > Right click and select format option > Select the file system as NTFS > Click the "Start" button. When this process is complete, your partition file system will become NTFS.
How do I recover files from a RAW external hard drive?
Yes! With the high-end technology of Deep Data Recovery software, you can do that flawlessly.
1. Connecting the RAW external hard disk to the computer.
2. Select it and click the "Scan" button to extract data.
3. Preview the files returned by the software.
4. Select the files you need and click the "Recover" button to save them.
Which is the best freeware for RAW drive recovery?
Multiple free tools are available in the market to get files back from RAW disk/partition. If you need it, you can choose the software below.
1. Qiling Free Data Recovery
2. Recuva
3. Puran File Recovery
4. EaseUS Data Recovery Free Wizard
5. FreeUndelete
6. TestDisk
7. Glarysoft File Recovery Free
8. CD Recovery Toolbox

How to Recover Files from RAW Partition/Disk for Free