How to Recover Data from a RAW Partition

Introduction

A RAW partition is one of the most frustrating issues computer users face. Instead of showing your files, the drive displays as “RAW,” meaning the file system is corrupted or missing. In this state, the operating system cannot recognize the partition, making your data inaccessible. Fortunately, data stored in a RAW partition is not necessarily lost—it can often be recovered with the right methods and tools.

This guide will explain what a RAW partition is, why it happens, and provide a step-by-step guide to recovering data from a RAW partition safely.

What Is a RAW Partition?

A RAW partition is a section of a storage device that has no recognized file system, or where the file system is damaged. Instead of formats like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, or APFS, the system only sees it as “RAW.”

When this happens, you might encounter errors such as:

• “The disk is not formatted. Do you want to format it now?”

• “You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it.”

• Inaccessible partitions or drives showing 0 bytes of used and free space.

Causes of RAW Partitions

There are several reasons why a partition may become RAW:

1. File System Corruption: Due to improper shutdowns, power failures, or unsafe removal of drives.

2. Virus or Malware Attack: Malicious software can damage partition tables.

3. Bad Sectors: Physical damage on hard drives or SSDs can corrupt file systems.

4. Partition Table Damage: Caused by software errors or failed disk operations.

5. Unsupported File System: Using a drive formatted for another operating system without proper support.

Step 1: Do Not Format the Drive

When Windows or macOS suggests formatting the drive, resist the urge. Formatting will erase the partition and overwrite critical structures, making recovery much more difficult. Your first step should always be to preserve the current state of the RAW partition.

Step 2: Try Basic Disk Management Tools

Sometimes, the issue is minor and can be fixed with system utilities:

• Windows Disk Management:

  1. Right-click This PC > Manage > Disk Management.

  2. Check if the partition is visible but unallocated or RAW.

• CHKDSK (Windows Command Prompt):
  Sometimes, running a disk check can fix file system errors.

  chkdsk X: /f /r


  Replace X: with your drive letter. Note: This may not always work on RAW partitions and could cause further damage—use with caution.

• Disk Utility (Mac):
  Run First Aid to repair partition errors if possible.

If these fail, move on to recovery tools.

Step 3: Use Professional Data Recovery Software

Data recovery tools are often the most reliable method to retrieve files from RAW partitions. Popular options include:

• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

  • Supports recovery from RAW partitions on HDDs, SSDs, USBs, and SD cards.

  • Allows previewing of files before recovery.

• Stellar Data Recovery

  • Advanced scanning algorithms for severely damaged partitions.

  • Compatible with Windows and Mac.

• R-Studio

  • A professional tool with strong support for damaged RAID or complex cases.

• PhotoRec (Open Source)

  • Free, command-line based, and effective for recovering specific file types.

Steps to recover with software:

1. Install the software on a different drive (to avoid overwriting lost files).

2. Launch the program and select the RAW partition.

3. Run a full scan to detect recoverable files.

4. Preview and select the files you want to restore.

5. Save them to a safe location on another drive.

Step 4: Rebuild the Partition Table (Optional)

If recovery software fails, another approach is repairing the partition table:

• TestDisk (Free & Open Source):

  • Specializes in recovering lost partitions and fixing corrupted partition tables.

  • Supports FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext2/3/4, and HFS+ partitions.

This method is more technical and should be attempted only if you are comfortable with command-line tools.

Step 5: Format and Restore the Partition

Once you’ve recovered your data, the final step is to fix the RAW partition so it can be used again.

• In Windows:

  1. Open Disk Management.

  2. Right-click the RAW partition and choose Format.

  3. Select NTFS or exFAT, depending on your needs.

• In macOS:

  1. Open Disk Utility.

  2. Select the RAW partition.

  3. Erase and reformat using APFS or Mac OS Extended.

After formatting, you can copy back your recovered files.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help

If your RAW partition results from physical damage (e.g., clicking noises, overheating drives), software will not work. In this case, contact a professional data recovery service. While more costly, they offer the best chance of retrieving critical data.

Preventing RAW Partition Issues

1. Regular Backups: Use cloud storage or external drives.

2. Safely Eject Drives: Always eject USBs and external drives properly.

3. Protect Against Malware: Install antivirus software.

4. Monitor Disk Health: Use SMART monitoring tools to detect potential failures.

5. Avoid Power Interruptions: Use surge protectors and UPS devices.

Conclusion

Recovering data from a RAW partition may seem daunting, but with the right approach, most files can be salvaged. Start by avoiding formatting, use data recovery tools like EaseUS or TestDisk, and only format the drive once recovery is complete.

Ultimately, prevention through regular backups, proper drive handling, and system care is the best defense. A RAW partition doesn’t have to mean permanent loss—with patience, the right tools, and, if necessary, professional help, your data can often be saved