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How to format a raw file system. Recovering data from a RAW partition using TestDisk

Read about the causes of a RAW disk, as well as how to convert it to NTFS. Which ones are there? 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 your "NTFS" partition back after data loss? I can’t format the 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.), and use it for entertainment and leisure activities.

Various computer devices help us 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 make it easier for users to process information control.

The main role in managing a computer device, as well as collecting, processing and storing information, is played by software that exercises full control over the device’s activities and information flows.

The most well-known software that fully meets the stated requirements is the operating system "Windows" from the corporation "Microsoft". The internal system shell, which allows you to instantly process gigantic amounts of data, perform many different processes simultaneously without reducing the overall performance of the device, and has an attractive user interface, allowed the operating system "Windows" gain widespread worldwide fame, leading to extraordinary popularity. Separately, it should be noted the high threshold of resistance to various system problems and errors, which significantly increases the overall security of the operating system as a whole, also increasing the attractiveness of its use.

Along with advanced software responsible for the full and correct functioning of a computer device, data storage, used primarily to store all information, is also of great importance. Internal hard drives and drives, external plug-in storage, "USB" drives and other devices are each used to solve specific problems, but the main requirements placed by users on them are the safe use and storage of various information, with the ability to quickly access it at any time.

And the situation when a user finds empty unallocated space on a storage device instead of his 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 remains in place, but the system cannot recognize the internal structure of the disk and provide access to it. However, the user can correct the file system format, represented as "RAW", and bring it back to the original version, and return your data back. In this article, we will look at the seven main causes of this problem and provide you with some solutions to fix it.

General concept "RAW"

Before we begin to describe the problems of the format "RAW" on your storage device and possible ways to solve them, you should go into more detail to explain it.

Concept "RAW" is intended to denote an undefined volume file system (a part of a computer's long-term memory, accepted as a single whole storage area for ease of use).

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

A system component is built into the kernel "RAWFS", the main function of which is to notify any applications about the volume size and file system version when prompted. If it is impossible to determine the file system, 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 any 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 as a result of which there is 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 emergence of the format "RAW".

Seven main causes "RAW"

There are many symptoms when a hard drive partition becomes "RAW format". As we already described in the previous section, the reasons for not recognizing the name of the disk file system on a partition may be different. Additionally, the system may require you to perform certain actions before allowing you to use a disk partition whose file system appears as "RAW". For example, operating system "Windows" displays an error message prompting you to perform the following procedure: “To use a disk in a floppy 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 comply with the operating system requirement.

In this case, formatting the disk partition may help you get rid of the problem "RAW" format. But such a process will destroy all data 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 disk or drive appears in the format "RAW", if the file system specified on it is not supported by the current version of the operating system installed on your computing device. In this case, you should take steps to open the drive in the operating system for which it was originally intended for use, and which supports the use of that file system.

1. Bad sectors

If there are bad sectors in the key area of ​​the hard drive, then the drive is definitely working abnormally, which may damage the file system and cause it to display in the format "RAW".

2. Structural damage to the file system

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

3. Partition table damage

The next, no less important reason for the format problem is "RAW" on a disk partition, the partition table may be damaged. 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 the new version of the system (for example, switch from version "FAT" to the file system "NTFS"). In such a case, the file system may not be identified by the new operating system, and as a result, it will appear as "RAW" format.

5. Attack of viruses and malware

One of the most common reasons for displaying a disk partition in the file system format is "RAW" is an attack by viruses and malware. Such malicious influence on the system can damage the part of the partition table that indicates the beginning and end of the partition and contains other additional information, change or delete important 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, when subjected to a malicious virus attack, the disk partition will be displayed, when accessed, in the format "RAW".

6. Damage to cables or connection connectors

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

Typically, the hard drive connection cable rarely fails, but keep this in mind as a possible reason why the system identifies the drive as "RAW", necessary. Especially when power surges or other mechanical damage occurred. More often, problems arise with the drive's connector, which becomes damaged when it is used repeatedly, or has a weak connection level that is insufficient for the drive to display and function correctly.

7. Incorrect partition permission

One possible reason for assigning the format to a section is "RAW" This may be due to incorrectly configured access permission to the partition, which is directly related to the local security policy settings. 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 affected the display of a disk partition or the entire drive in the format "RAW", you will need to follow a certain procedure to correct the current situation. The following steps must be performed sequentially until the disc display problem is resolved. After each action, you need to check whether the problem is resolved and move on to the next one if the result is negative.

1. Check the integrity of cables or connection connectors

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

2. Change security settings in the section properties

In terms of setting access permissions to partitions, you can change the necessary security settings in the partition properties window. Open File Explorer "Windows" and find your partition or disk in the format "RAW". Right-click on it and, in the pop-up context menu from the list of possible actions, select section "Properties".

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

3. Change the security settings in the 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 operating system tool. There are several ways to open the Local Policy Tool window. For example, Click on the button "Start", located on "Taskbars" in the lower left corner of the desktop, and open the main user menu "Windows". Using the scroll bar, move the slider down the list of installed applications, and find the section "Windows Administrative Tools". Click on it once and open the submenu. From the list of presented system tools, select section.


In the window that opens, select a section in the left panel "Local Politicians", 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".


The right pane of the security settings window will display all the main types of policies with the specified settings for each of them. Using the scroll bar, move the slider down the list and find the policy "Network Access: A Sharing and Security Model 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 network access policy properties window that opens, in the tab "Local Security Option" in the central cell, open the pop-up menu and change the set parameter to the value “Normal – local users authenticate themselves as themselves”.

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

4. Transform "RAW" to the file system "NTFS" through the disk formatting process

If, when you turn on your computer or when you connect a drive to it, the operating system detects your disk, 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 case where the information stored on such a disk, the format of which is defined as "RAW", is not important for the user, then 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 move on to the next section "5" our article to get your data back. The formatting process will not be able to completely erase all information located on "RAW" disk, but can significantly complicate the subsequent data recovery process and reduce the final number of usable whole files.

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

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


In the new window, set the necessary formatting parameters 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 call up the pop-up context menu. From the list of available actions, select a section "Format".


Specify the required file system and other additional settings, if necessary, and click the button "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. Recovering files from disks in the format "RAW" using data recovery software

If you are interested in maintaining 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 these programs that has become widely known and highly appreciated by users 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 an uncertain partition "RAW", has a pleasant and convenient user interface, as similar as possible to the appearance of the operating system "Windows", is quite easy to use and has a high rate of final recovered files.

A big advantage is the fact that the program has a preview function for 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 selecting and saving the best versions of recovered documents.

Download the program installation file from the company's official website and install it on your computer or laptop. The installation process of 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 completed successfully.

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. Mark a cell "Full Analysis" to search for all available information and restore the disk file system.


After setting the scanning options, click "Next" and start the process of analyzing and recovering possible information. It can take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the original disk size, the extent of file system corruption, and other additional criteria. For user convenience, the scanning mode will be reflected in real time.


When finished, click 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 select the option that suits you best.


After selecting all the required files, click the button "Restore", with a lifebuoy depicted on it, and located on the main strip of the window.


The program will offer you a choice of several options for saving the marked files: saving to your hard drive, recording to "CD/DVD", create a virtual image "ISO" or upload by "FTP". Depending on your preferences or needs at each specific moment, set the indicator in the corresponding cell opposite the selected saving method, and then click the button "Next" to continue.


In the next window, mark the necessary 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 use using the method described previously in section "4".

Conclusion

Information is of utmost importance and requires secure ways to store it. The reasons why access to a disk with important user information may be lost can be completely different. However, almost all of them can be eliminated using internal operating system tools "Windows" or thanks to third party data recovery software

  • Format the disk to the desired file system.
    Most likely, you have a modern PC or laptop, so you need to format it in NTFS.
  • Transfer the files back.

    • Unfortunately, there is no universal way to recover an operating system due to a boot sector failure. The causes of collapse can be different. But such recovery is quite possible without the risk of losing files, settings, passwords, certificates and other personal data. This is why it is very important to keep your system in good condition, free of viruses and malware. Viral cleaning is good often, for example once a week.

    Why is the format changing?

    If the whistle is still there and there is no return, you can seek professional help and help us service. Here's what we can offer you in this regard. This doesn't happen often, but some of us have had this situation where we accidentally deleted an important file. Or we had to make a file unnecessary, we deleted it, and two days later we discovered that we needed it again. Another computer user may also accidentally delete us. How to recover such files?

    Hello.

    This is how you work with a hard drive, you work, and then suddenly you turn on the computer - and you see a “butterfly” picture: the disk is not formatted, the file system is RAW, no files are visible and nothing can be copied from it. What to do in this case ( By the way, there are a lot of questions of this kind, which is how the topic of this article was born)?

    When we delete a file, it will land in trash. When we remove it from the trash, it disappears. But even then this file is not completely deleted. There are three tools that we can use to recover our files. With this option, you can restore your system to its previous state and thus recover your lost . However, there are a few requirements that must be met. First, your computer must have System Restore enabled. Secondly, your file must have been created before your system created the so-called. recovery point.

    Well, first of all, don’t panic and don’t rush, and don’t agree with Windows suggestions (unless, of course, you know 100% what these or those operations mean). It’s better to turn off your PC altogether for now (if you have an external hard drive, disconnect it from your computer or laptop).

    Reasons for the appearance of the RAW file system

    The RAW file system means that the disk is not partitioned (i.e., “raw,” literally translated) and does not have a file system specified on it. This can happen for many reasons, but most often it is:

    So this tool may not get us the file we want. To use this tool, right-click My Computer and select Properties. Then select System Protection. Then you will get the window you see below.

    Data recovery programs

    From here you can do a few things. Click "System Restore" to have your computer display all the points from which you can restore your system. If your file was created before one of these was created, you can restore it. You need to look at the date, which shows when the restore point was created.

    • a sudden power shutdown while the computer is running (for example, you turned off the lights, then turned them on - the computer rebooted, and then you see a RAW disk on the disk and a proposal to format it);
    • if we are talking about an external hard drive, then this often happens to them when, when copying information to them, the USB cable is disconnected (it is recommended: always before disconnecting the cable, in the tray (next to the clock), press the button to safely disconnect the drive);
    • if you do not work correctly with programs for changing hard drive partitions, formatting them, etc.;
    • Also, very often, many users connect their external hard drives to the TV - it formats them in its own format, and then the PC cannot read it, showing the RAW system (to read such a disk, it is better to use special utilities that can read the file system of the disk , into which the TV/TV set-top box formatted it);
    • when your PC is infected with virus applications;
    • in the event of a “physical” malfunction of the piece of hardware (it’s unlikely that anything can be done on your own to “save” the data)...

    If the reason for the appearance of the RAW file system is an incorrect disconnection of the disk (or a power outage, an incorrect shutdown of the PC), then in most cases, the data can be safely recovered. In other cases, the chances are lower, but they still exist :).

    How to use the program

    Everything you have created after this point will be lost. Therefore, consider whether you want to have this operation. The program is free, easy to use and intuitive. First download it from the internet and then install it. You will need to indicate which file you want to recover and where the file was found before deleting it. Find your file in this list, select it and select "Recover". This is not the best file recovery tool because it is a bit slow.

    It scans deleted files over a long period of time. This will ensure the correct file is restored. A fatal error or malfunction in system settings can have the worst possible outcome in the worst case scenario. Then the operating system will become useless. However, in most cases, the most difficult causes to diagnose are the causes of minor disorders. Sometimes there are problems with your Internet connection. Other times, your web browser gets stuck on your site and files suddenly won't open in the app you're used to.

    Case 1: Windows is loading, the data on the disk is not needed, just to quickly restore the drive’s functionality

    The easiest and fastest way to get rid of RAW is to simply format the hard drive to a different file system (exactly what Windows offers us).

    Attention! During formatting, all information on the hard drive will be deleted. Be careful, and if you have the necessary files on the disk, it is not recommended to resort to this method.

    It is best to format a disk from the system disk management(not always and not all disks are visible in “my computer”; besides, in disk management you will immediately see the entire structure of all disks).

    To open it, just go to, then open the section "", then in the subsection " Administration"open link" Creating and formatting hard drive partitions" (as in Fig. 1).


    Rice. 1. System and security (Windows 10).


    Rice. 2. Formatting the disk in the exercise. disks.

    After formatting, the disk will be like “new” (without files) - you can now write everything you need onto it (and don’t suddenly disconnect it from the electricity :)).

    Case 2: Windows boots (RAW file system is not on the Windows drive)

    If you need files on the disk, then formatting the disk is highly not recommended! First you need to try to check the disk for errors and correct them - in most cases the disk starts working as normal. Let's look at the steps step by step.

    1) First go to disk management (Control Panel/System and Security/Administration/Creating and formatting hard drive partitions ), see above in the article.

    2) Remember the drive letter on which you have the RAW file system.

    3) Launch command line on behalf of the administrator. In Windows 10, this is done simply: right-click on the START menu, and select " Command Line (Administrator)".

    5) After entering the command, checking and correcting errors, if any, should begin. Quite often, at the end of the scan, Windows will tell you that the errors have been fixed and no further action is required. This means you can start working with the disk; in this case, the RAW file system changes to your previous one (usually FAT 32 or NTFS).


    Rice. 4. There are no errors (or they have been corrected) - everything is in order.

    Case 3: Windows won't boot (RAW on Windows disc)

    1) What to do if there is no installation disk (flash drive) with Windows...

    In this case, there is a simple solution: remove the hard drive from the computer (laptop) and insert it into another computer. Next, check it for errors on another computer (see above in the article) and if they are corrected, continue to use it.

    You can also resort to another option: take a boot disk from someone and install Windows on another disk, and then, after booting from it, check the one that is marked as RAW.

    2) If you have an installation disk...

    Everything is much simpler :). First, we boot from it, and instead of installing, select system recovery (this link is always in the lower left corner of the window at the beginning of the installation, see Fig. 5).


    Next, among the recovery menu, find command line and launch it. In it we need to run a scan of the hard drive on which Windows is installed. How to do this, because the letters have changed, because... Did we boot from a flash drive (installation disk)?

    1. Quite simple: first launch notepad from the command line (command notepad and look in it for which drives and with which letters. Remember the drive letter on which you have Windows installed).

    2. Then close notepad and run the scan using the already known method: chkdsk d: /f (and ENTER).

    By the way, usually the drive letter is shifted by 1: i.e. if the system drive is “C:”, then when booting from the installation disk, it becomes the letter “D:”. But this does not always happen, there are exceptions!

    If the above methods did not help, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with TestDisk. Quite often it helps in solving problems with hard drives.

    If you need to retrieve deleted data from your hard drive (or flash drive), I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of the most famous data recovery programs: ( you'll definitely pick something up).

    Articles

    Most often, the disk file system changes to RAW after the computer was turned off incorrectly, when the lights were turned off, or the user saved time and pulled out the power cord of the system unit from the outlet. Another reason is viruses that change the NTFS to RAW format of HDD drives. How to fix this problem, read this article.

    What is the RAW file system?

    If the disk is in RAW format, Windows will display it among other hard drive partitions. But when you try to open it, the computer will give you an error and ask you to format it. In addition, any actions with this volume will be unavailable: checking for errors, defragmenting, etc. (it is useful to read “How to check the integrity of Windows 10 system files and restore them?”).


    There is no RAW file system as such. If the disk receives this formatting, it means that the computer drivers are not able to determine the type of its file system - NTFS, FAT or FAT32. In practice, this happens in several cases:


    • the file system structure is damaged;

    • The partition has not been formatted;

    • There is no correct access to the contents of the volume.

    If the OS volume is damaged, the “Reboot and select proper boot device” or “Operating System not found” warnings will appear when the computer boots.

    Recovery

    If the problem occurs on a non-system drive, but it contains important information that will be lost when formatted, use standard Windows tools or third-party programs to fix the error.

    Windows tools

    Basically, the standard chkdsk utility helps fix problems with formatting in RAW.



    After checking, the computer will repair damaged sectors and the NTFS file system on the problematic volume.


    Important! This method is effective if the flash drive or hard drive has been formatted in NTFS.


    The chkdsk utility will also help when the system disk is damaged. But for this you will need a boot disk or flash drive.


    1. Start the computer from a bootable USB flash drive or disk → Select “System Restore”.

    2. Advanced options -> command line -> enter chkdsk drive_letter: /f.

    In the recovery environment, the partition letters are different from the names of the logical drives. To avoid mistakes, open the list of computer partitions in the command line.


    Enter diskpart → list volume → the list will indicate which disk is the system one.

    Third party programs

    There are third-party programs that help restore the NTFS file system if for some reason it was reformatted to RAW. They do not damage the user’s information stored on the volume, unlike the chkdsk utility, which can “affect” them during the recovery process.

    MiniTool Power Data Recovery

    Important! This method is most effective if the RAW file system appears on a flash drive.



    TestDisk

    This is a multifunctional free utility that works with hard drive partitions using a large number of options. The program is presented in a portable version, so it does not require installation. The main disadvantage of TestDisk is that it does not have a Russified interface.



    An alternative way to restore NTFS formatting of a partition is presented in the video.

    Today we will look at how to recover information from a hard drive if the file system structure is damaged and the RAW file system is displayed in the disk properties. Below we will discuss several methods that will allow you to restore a disk with the RAW file system.

    You should immediately note that there is no universal way to eliminate the problem that has arisen. Below we will look at several of the most effective ways to restore a disk.

    Reasons for displaying the RAW file system

    1. The disk has not been formatted. However, if the disk worked normally before, then this reason is dismissed;

    2. There is damage in the file system structure;

    3. There is no correct access to the disk;

    4. Invalid data was written to the boot sector or MFT.

    Methods for recovering a RAW file system disk

    Method 1: Check the disk

    This method must be carried out by users first, because... it is launched using standard Windows tools, without resorting to third-party programs.

    To use this method, you will need a bootable USB flash drive with Windows OS.

    Enter the BIOS and set the USB flash drive as the default boot device.

    When Windows Installer appears on the screen, set the system language, and then select "System Restore" .

    In the window that appears, click on the item "Command line" .

    In a terminal window, you will need to enter a command similar to the following:

    chkdsk [drive letter]: /f

    For example, for drive D the command would look like this:

    chkdsk d: /f

    Press Enter and wait for the command to complete. When the check is complete, restart your computer normally and check the disk status.

    Method 2: using MiniTool Power Data Recovery program

    An effective program for troubleshooting disk problems. The program has a free version, however, the size of the recovered files should not exceed 1 GB).

    In the next window, select the drive from which you want to recover data, and then click on "Full Scan" .

    After waiting for the scanning to complete, the files available for saving will be displayed on the screen. You can select all files or selectively mark only the ones you need. Once the files needed for recovery have been selected, click the button "Save" .

    A window will appear on the screen in which you will need to specify the final path for the restored files. Please note that you should not specify the disk that is being restored.

    The copying process will begin, the duration of which will depend on the number of selected files. Once the procedure is completed, a success message will be displayed on your screen.

    Now you can easily format the disk and transfer all the files back to it.

    Download MiniTool Power Data Recovery for free

    Method 3: Using the TestDisk utility

    A functional free utility that has the following capabilities:

    1. Recovering deleted partitions;

    2. Performing MBR rewrite;

    3. Perform boot sector recovery from backup (FAT32 and NFTS);

    4. Copying files from remote partitions;

    5. Reconstructing the NTFS boot sector and more.

    Many users are put off by working with this utility because... All actions are performed via the command line. However, you shouldn’t be afraid of this, especially since it is given on the developer’s website.

    If the operating system cannot detect the disk, it assigns it the RAW format. In this case, the HDD is visible to the system, but you won’t be able to save anything on it or use the information stored on it. The solution in this case is either to format the disk, which will entail the loss of all data on it, or to restore the old file system (in which case you will need more time).

    Information about RAW format

    All modern hard drives operate in two file systems - FAT and NFTS (the latter is the most common). However, it happens that the file system changes to RAW, which means that there is no file system on the disk, therefore, no operations with it will be available.

    One or more of the following reasons may cause the source format to change to RAW:

    • The file system has been damaged;
    • If you purchased a new hard drive and it is displayed in RAW format, this means that the partitions were not formatted;
    • Another factor is blocking access to the contents of the volume.

    These problems can be encountered if the computer is turned off incorrectly (for example, through the power button, or by disconnecting from the power supply), Windows system failures, physical damage to the disk, or viruses entering the computer.
    If there was an operating system on the “affected” disk, it will not be able to start, and the BIOS will display “Operation System not found.” In rare cases, the operating system may show signs of life, but they are limited only by the endless recovery procedure.

    The process of converting a RAW format to any other is not particularly difficult, but there is a risk of losing data stored on the hard drive. If you need data to be saved, then use methods that involve saving it. If the stored data can be neglected, then the conversion process to another format will take several minutes.

    Option 1: Scan for errors

    Using this method, you can count on recovering data stored on the disk. The method is universal and will suit everyone, regardless of the performance of the operating system. However, this option does not always help solve the problem, and it can take a lot of time.

    If saving information on disk is not important to you, then you can consider other options in the article.

    Provided that the operating system boots without problems, use these instructions:

    There are also situations when the system disk has acquired the RAW extension. In this case, the operating system will not boot, however, restore its functionality using "Command line" everything will still be possible. To do this, you will need a bootable USB flash drive with the current OS version:


    It is worth understanding that scanning can take a long time, but it does not always bring a positive result.

    Option 2: Format the disk

    This method is not very difficult to execute, but in this case you are 100% likely to lose your personal data. It is also worth considering that the method is only valid if your operating system boots normally.

    The instructions look like this:


    Option 3: Initialize the disk

    This method will also require formatting the disk, but more deeply. It is recommended for use if you have just purchased and installed a HDD. If the hard drive previously worked normally, then this method will not suit you at all.

    The instructions for this method are as follows:


    Option 4: Recovery using third-party programs

    In this case, you will be able to restore the file system on the disk without damaging the data stored on it. However, you will need to use third-party software to do this.

    This software does not require installation on a computer, and is also distributed free of charge, plus, the interface elements are mostly in Russian. You can download the program from this link.

    Instructions for changing the RAW format using DMDE are as follows:


    Using DMDE, you can also restore a disk with an installed operating system. To do this, you will need to connect it to another computer and do everything described in the instructions above. However, there may be a problem booting the operating system from this disk. In this case, you will have to do an additional recovery using the installation flash drive.

    TestDisk

    This program is much more difficult to master than the previous one, but it is more effective. The entire interface is more reminiscent "Command line", besides, it is completely in English. If you don’t understand what to do in this program, then it is better to consider its analogue above, since one error can lead to the loss of all information on the disk without the ability to recover it.

    Those who are confident in their abilities can try to restore the disk's functionality using the following instructions:


    This program can also be used to restore the file system of an operating system disk, but be careful as any incorrect action will mean deleting all data on the disk. If everything goes well, the operating system may still not boot from the disk. In this case, you will need to use the OS bootloader to restore functionality.

    This article discussed the main methods that will help change the RAW format to NTFS or FAT32. Use the option that is most convenient for you, as they are all equally effective, although some restore both the file system and data on the disk.