How to Convert RAW File System to NTFS in Windows

Theo Lucia

Sep 23, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

The hard disk partition becomes RAW and cannot access the data inside. The RAW disk issue is a common disk error that happens on many storage devices, such as computer hard disk, external hard drive, USB flash drive, an SD memory card. The easy way to fix the RAW disk issue is to format the disk or change the file system from RAW to NTFS.

What is RAW File System

The RAW file system is also meant RAW drive, the device which cannot be recognized by the Windows file system. The RAW drive lost the files system and you cannot find any files or folders on the drive, and cannot be used to store data on it.

What cause the hard drive become RAW?

Below are the causes for the raw format hard drive issue:

• The RAW file system error: "You need to format the disk before you can use it?
• The CHKDSK is not available for the RAW drive file system.
• The damaged disk file system structuredue to sudden power failure, unsafe ejection, improper shutdown, or virus attack
• There was an error accessing drive X: The disk is not formatted.
• The external HD has some bad sectors
• There is some issue with the USB cable, power supplier, or USB port.

Method 1: Convert RAW Hard Drive to NTFS without Losing Data

Before you convert the RAW drive to NTFS, you should get back your all data from RAW disk. In this section, we will introduce the easy way to restore a RAW partition data with Recoverit Data Recovery software. Download and install Recoverit RAW Data Recovery software on your computer, and follow the simple steps to convert the RAW files system to NTFS without data loss in Windows.

Step 1. Launch Recoverit RAW Partition Recovery software, select the RAW disk to get started.

Step 2. The RAW recovery software can access the drive and scanning the data files, the process will take for a while to finished.

Step 3. After the scanning, you can check all recovered data and files. Preview some photos, videos, office files, etc. Select your files and click "Recover" button to save on a safe path.

This is an easy and effective solution to help you restore data from the RAW file system without formatting before you start converting the RAW file to NTFS. If you want to convert RAW to NTFS without formatting, follow the next methods to fix a RAW drive without formatting.

Video Tutorial on How to Recover Data from RAW Partitions?

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Method 2: Run Disk Management to convert RAW to NTFS

The first option is to make use of the built-in disk management utility provided by the windows. To do so, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. First of all, make a right-click on ‘My computer’ and hit the button saying ‘Manage’.
2. Go to ‘Computer Management’.
3. Make a click on ‘Disk Management.
4. Look up the raw local drive that you are willing to fix. Mark it as an active device.
5. Make a right-click on the drive, to visit its properties.
6. Go to Security, Advanced, Owner, Edit, Other users or groups, Advanced, Find Now. Then choose the user listed first and hit the OK button.
7. Reboot the system and try accessing the raw drive. It would be accessible now.

Method 3: Convert RAW to NTFS file system with CMD

You cannot format your RAW drive directly using the command prompt because it may fail. But the conversion of RAW into NTFS system using CMD may work. To carry out the conversion of a raw partition into NTFS, follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Open the command prompt by using the run command. Make sure to open it up as an administrator.
2. Type in the following command and press the enter key: diskpart.
3. Type X: /FS: NTFS followed by the enter key. (X being the drive letter).

This would transform the raw drive into the NTFS system. Your data would become accessible now

Method 4: Change the RAW file system to NTFS by using the System Recovery option

1. Open up the system recovery options on your computer.
2. Choose the ‘Startup Repair’ option among the list of other choices.
3. Go to ‘Recovery Options’.
4. Now attach any kind of removable storage media to the USB port of your system.
5. Open up the command prompt and launch notepad by typing in notepad.
6. Locate the raw drive.
7. In case you cannot access your raw drive, copy all your backup files and paste them to the external drive.
8. Now terminate the command prompt.
9. Open it again and type in the following command followed by the enter key: chkdsk /f/r

Method 5: Repair RAW to NTFS with File Explorer

Repairing RAW to NTFS is another good solution.

1. Go to the file explorer and find the RAW disk.
2. Click it and choose format > NTFS.
3. Hit OK

Follow the above solutions convert the raw drive partition into NTFS and then you can access all of your data easily on the drive.

Summary

Experiencing RAW disk drive signs on your device can be worrisome. But worry no more because there are many ways by which you can fix RAW drive to the NTFS file system. The quick easy way to fix RAW hard drive is to format the disk, but it will cause the data lost, and sometimes it may lead to no result. You can follow the page solution to change a file from RAW to NTFS without losing data and convert RAW to NTFS without formatting. Pick the solution that seems more suitable to you. However, using a professional tool like Recoverityou can convert or change the RAW to NTFS without any data loss.

People Also Ask

Why Fix Raw External HD without Formatting?

When you have external HD getting RAW, you cannot either open the File explorer's file, not accessible on the device. Partition formatting can be a great solution because it can help you resolve most of the file system bugs. However, you’ll end up losing all the data. Therefore, if you need that files, you should look for ways to repair or fix the RAW drive without any data loss.

How to Format Raw Hard Drive to NTFS using Disk Partition?

To format RAW to NTFS file system with DISKpart, use these steps:

1. Go to Diskpart and click enter.
2. Now type list disk > enter to see a list of hard drives.
3. Now, type select disk k and enter (k is the disk number with RAW partition).
4. Type clear and enter to delete every partition you have of your disk.
5. Create an active partition. For this, type Drive L format fs =NTFS (You can replace L with the RAW disk drive letter)
6. Hit enter. This procedure will format and turn the disk format to NTFS.
7. Finally, restart your PC and RAW section.

How to Prevent RAW external HD?

Tips to avoid RAW external drive:

• Make sure you eject the external drive safely on your Windows
• Always use Windows defender or up-to-date antivirus tool to minimize malware and virus attacks
• Consider backing-up your essential files
• Store your external disk in a safe area to avoid impact, collisions, and other physical damage

What is the Best Way to Fix External HD without Data Loss?

Updating drivers for your external HD is an excellent way to fix the error. Here is the process:

1. Go to the Start menu of Windows 10 and right-click on it.
2. Pick device manager > Update driver

If you’re running another Windows version, launch Device Manager by – right-clicking the Computer icon > Manager > Device Manager.