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How to Fix a Raw Drive Without Format [5 Easy Ways]
Scan your PC for virus or convert RAW to NTFS using CMD
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
When yourexternal hard drive or other storagebecomes RAW, you won’t be able to access the files. If you try to open the files, you will be treated with an error messageThe file or directory is corrupted and unreadable,orYou need to format the disk in drive before you can use it. Do you want to format it?
If you try to use some methods to access the files, you may lose the files altogether. It is where this guide comes into play because here, we will give you a bunch of methods that will help you with your query abouthow to fix raw drive without format. So let us get right into it.
Why has my external hard drive become RAW?
We researched the internet and found some of the most common reasons that would cause the external hard drive to become RAW.
How can I fix the RAW drive without format?
1. Change the drive letter
2. Convert RAW to NTFS using CMD
If you do not wish to format the RAW drive, then you can use the above commands and convert your RAW drive into NTFS.
Do note that you should first restore data from the RAW drive before formatting it using the above commands.
3. Scan your PC for virus
We have shown the above steps for the in-built Windows Security antivirus tool. However, this isn’t as effective in most cases as other dedicated antivirus software.
In such a case, you should use a third-party antivirus tool to do the same. Again, we would suggest you check out our guide, which lists some ofthe best and tested antivirus toolsthat you can download for your PC and keep protected.
4. Repair bad sectors in the hard drive
5. Run SFC Scan
You can use the Windows in-built tool called SFC Scan to fix the corrupt system files as often these could lead to several issues, including the one at hand, and it can help you fix the RAW external hard drive without formatting.
That is it from us in this guide. If yourexternal hard drive is not showing upon the Windows PC, you should check out our guide, which will help you resolve the problem.
Often you will come across an error where your PC will say thatthe drive letter is not available. This issue is prominent in Windows 11; our guide will help you resolve the problem.
We also have a guide that comprehensively explainsHDD failure, the main symptoms, and what you can do to fix it.
Feel free to let us know in the comments below which solutions helped you resolve your query on how to fix the RAW drive without format.
More about the topics:external hard drive
Sagar Naresh
Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing country music on his guitar.
He is an avid traveler and has been to 15 countries, going to more places soon. TRAVEL and WORK is his mantra for a peaceful life.
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