What is the raw section? How to recover data from a disk or partition whose file system is defined as RAW

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 that users place 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 Settings" or right-click on it and select section from the pop-up menu "Open".


In the right pane of the security settings window, all main types of policies will be presented 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 press 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 total 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 such 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 "Further" 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 any given moment, set the indicator in the appropriate cell opposite the selected saving method, and then click the button "Further" 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

A person is faced with changing the disk file system format to RAW, usually due to the fact that the computer was completed incorrectly. You see, there are quite a few such cases - either the light goes out, or you are in a hurry and automatically pull out the power cord from the socket. But it’s just that everything didn’t happen to me “like other people.” I borrowed a flash drive from a friend and wanted to transfer the video to myself, but there were so many viruses on this drive that I still have to clear it out. Among them, by the way, were those that change the NTFS to RAW format of HDD drives. However, I managed to solve this problem relatively quickly. So if an unwanted format has appeared and you want to eliminate it, then read on.

A little theory about what kind of system this is - RAW?

If the disk has changed its format to RAW, Windows will display it among other partitions of the hard drive. But when you try to open it, the computer will indicate an error and a window will appear asking you to format it. What’s also unpleasant is that all actions with this volume will become impossible, including checking for errors, defragmenting and many others.

The whole problem is that the RAW file system does not exist in nature. Basically. At all. If a message appears stating that the disk has received such formatting, this will indicate that the computer driver cannot determine the type of its file system - NTFS, FAT or FAT32. This may happen under the following circumstances:

  • The file system structure has been damaged;
  • The partition was not formatted;
  • There is no correct access to the contents of the volume.

It is important to note that if the volume with the OS is damaged, then when the computer boots, a window will pop up - a warning “Reboot and select proper boot device” or “Operating System not found”.

The raw format of hdd disks has appeared. How to fix it?

How is this kind of situation resolved?

In my case, I should have used only standard Windows tools since the failure was on a non-system drive that stored a large amount of important information. Formatting was excluded in any case. Yes, to be honest, I would like to reinstall the system in general, but only because of several documents that I forgot to copy to the “cloud”, I had to “play” with all this.

What Windows tools should I use to resolve this issue?

First of all, to fix problems with formatting in RAW, you should use the standard chkdsk utility. Below is a clear, step-by-step algorithm:

  1. Click RMB on the Start menu, and then click Command Prompt (admin).
  2. You should enter: chkdsk drive_letter: /f.

After the scan is completed, the computer will repair damaged sectors and the NTFS file system on the affected volume. Again, this technique only works if the flash drive or hard drive was in NTFS.

In addition, using the chkdsk utility would be advisable if the system disk is damaged. However, in this situation you will need a boot disk or flash drive. Next, you will need to perform a strict sequence of actions:

  1. Start the PC from a bootable flash drive or disk, after which you need to click the “System Restore” item.
  2. Enter - additional parameters - command line - chkdsk drive_letter: /f.

In the recovery environment, partition letters are not the same as logical drive names. In order to avoid the error, just open the list of computer partitions in the command line.

In order to find out which disk is the system one, you need to enter diskpart - list volume - and the information you need will be indicated in the list.

The flash drive has become raw. How to recover?

In this case, the way out of the problem situation is carried out using third-party software

The software used to restore an NTFS file system that was previously reformatted to RAW does not affect the user’s information located on the volume. This is the advantage of this method from using the chkdsk utility.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

This program is good for everyone, but there is just one small drawback - it costs money. It's very easy to use.

  1. You need to activate the LostPartition recovery software, click on the desired drive. Full Scan displays the files located on the flash drive.
  2. It is necessary to designate the files to be saved. To do this, click on the “Save” button, then point to the desired location for saving and confirm the process.
  3. After copying and checking all the files you have selected is completed, you will need to format the damaged volume.

Alternative to MiniTool Power Data Recovery - TestDisk

This program has a number of significant advantages over the previous one. TestDisk is a multifunctional, and most importantly, free utility that uses a large number of options when working with hard drive partitions. Moreover, there is a portable version of TestDisk, so there is no need to install it. However, there is also a drawback that negates all the advantages. This program does not have a Russified interface, so you will have to use GoogleTranslite. Or hire a translator. You should work with TestDisk like this:

  1. Activating the testdisk_win.exe file and then selecting “create”. Then you need to press enter, select the desired disk and enter again.
  2. Next, you will need to click the “Write” item in order to save the section structure.
  3. If the measures taken are ineffective, you must use the “DeeperSearch” command, and then go through everything again.

Conclusion

The problem at hand is not that complicated - there are many options for solving it. But it’s still better to use only proven flash drives and scan them for viruses before use. Indeed, in addition to these, there may be a huge number of other viruses that have much more adverse effects.

If the file system of the flash drive has become RAW, then when you connect the removable drive to the computer you will see a message stating that to use the disk you need to format it. Do not rush to click the “Format disk” button - all data recorded on the flash drive will be deleted. First, try restoring the drive using the built-in utility. If this method does not help, format the drive after saving the necessary files.

Checking the drive

Before you try to fix the error, you need to make sure that the file system of the flash drive is really damaged, that is, it is displayed as RAW. In this case, RAW is not a photo format, but a “raw” file system that replaced NTFS or FAT32 as a result of an error.

To verify that the drive is now RAW, look at how the drive appears in Computer and Disk Management. In the Explorer window, the flash drive will not display the amount of data; in Disk Management, the removable device will be marked as having a RAW file format.

Troubleshooting

Do not format the drive right away, so as not to be left without important data. First, use a utility that detects and fixes disk errors. It is usually used to eliminate failures in the file system of hard drives, but restoring a flash drive with its help is also possible.


The first “f” in the command syntax is the letter of the flash drive whose file format needs to be restored without data loss. The second letter is the parameter for correcting errors detected during scanning. If the CHKDSK utility fails, a message will appear in the interpreter window that the tool is not available for RAW disks.

Data recovery

If the file system fails, to extract data from a flash drive, you can use the DMDE program, which detects and saves all information recorded on the media, however, the most effective recovery tool is, but it costs 999 rubles and not everyone can afford it. If you decide to use the first, then the instructions are below for you, but if the second, then follow the link to the program, we have prepared special instructions for you.


A detailed scan will start, as a result of which all files and folders recorded on the flash drive will appear in the program window. The names of the data will be different, so you will have to look for the information you need using the preview function. To save files in a different location, check them and right-click them in the DMDE window. Select “Recover files” and specify the folder to which you want to move the data from the flash drive.

If the DMDE program did not help, try other utilities -, MiniTool Power Data Recovery,.

File system recovery

Once data extraction is complete, you can think about fixing the error in the file system. Restoring the format is done by formatting, therefore:


If quick formatting does not solve the problem, and the drive still remains RAW, then perform deep (low-level) formatting of the flash drive. It cannot be done using built-in Windows tools, so you will have to use special software - for example, the shareware HDD Low Level Format utility.

Disks with an uninstalled file system are indicated RAW(translated from English " raw», « raw"). This means that the data standard unknown, the stored information does not have a clear specification. If in Windows one of the disks or partitions is recognized as RAW, it means that the installed drivers was not recognized file system name. In normal mode this name should be FAT or NTFS.

When you try to enter such a section, you will see next error.

Or a message that the disk is not formatted.

If you go to Administration Control panels, choose Computer management, can see state this disk.

In this case, the system reports that the logical drive OK, But unknown format.

Reasons There can be several occurrences of an unknown RAW format:

  • file system structure broken(partial destruction of boot sectors);
  • disk not formatted(file system not installed);
  • No access.

This may be a consequence of the following actions:

  • incorrect installation(reinstallation), OS recovery;
  • faulty hard drive sectors (you may have recently noticed a long response time when trying to open a particular directory);
  • unstable work Power supply or mains voltage fluctuations;
  • poor contact of cables and cables connecting the hard drive to the power supply and motherboard;
  • viruses.

Checking for errors

If the disk has not suffered serious damage, and most of the file system structures have survived, you can fix the error using standard system tools. In this case, the section should not be systemic.

Let's launch command interpreter with rights administrator.

There is a system utility Checkingdisk, designed specifically for checking the hard drive.

To call it in the console, enter chkdsk (drive letter): /f

Confirm checking the specified volume by entering a character Y– the search and elimination of errors will begin. Upon completion reboot. Scanning can take a lot of time, depending on the size of the disk that needs to be fixed. Wait for it to complete, because there is a high probability of a successful recovery this way.

Using Formatting

Carrying out the procedure formatting, Please note that all data will be lost. If the information stored on it was not important to you, to start reformatting, go to as shown earlier.

Right-click on the disk and select.

If a lot of necessary data is stored there, then proceed to formatting The last thing you should do is try to restore them using other available means.

Using DMDE to recover without data loss

One of the tools is a free program DMDE. Download it from the official website. After installation and launch select physical device that contains a RAW section, check the box below Show sections and press OK.

The required disk can be found at crossed out icon or type RAW, select it and click Open volume.

View contents, if it opens, make sure that the selection was made correctly.

Then click the button Restore And Yes to confirm the recovery of the boot sector from the copy.

Using the TestDisk utility

Another free program that can restore partitions in case of data corruption is TestDisk. It works more effectively than the previous one, but you will have to tinker with it a little more.

After pressing " Create"(creating a new log file) select drive with ROW format.

The disk is selected using cursor keyboards.

Select Analyze and button Enter for confirmation.

Wait until the analysis is completed - the program will find several disks, including the one that contains information in RAW format. To identify it is possible, knowing the volume.

Select P to enter the mode viewing. Once you are sure that this is the drive you need, click Write for recovery and Y to confirm this action.

After recovery is complete reboot and check if the recovery was successful.

Raw format on the system partition

If you are restoring a system partition, you should take into account that after returning the disk to the original format of the OS file system will stop loading- required restore loader.

For recovery, you can use the same utilities that were discussed above. We recommend for these purposes, connect the hard drive to another device and perform this procedure from it, or use a special boot disk containing, for example, Minitool Partition Wizard, Active Partition Recovery Boot Disk or similar specialized facilities.

Hello.

This is how you work with a hard drive, you work, and then suddenly you turn on the computer - and you see a picture in oil: 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)?

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”, if translated literally), there is no file system specified on it. This can happen for many reasons, but most often it is:

  • 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 :).

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, resorting to this method is not recommended.

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 Windows control panel, 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).

Next, select the disk that has the RAW file system and format it (you just need to right-click on the desired partition of the disk, then select the “Format” option from the menu, see Fig. 2).

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 usual. 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 in the pop-up menu 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).

Best wishes!