How to convert RAW to NTFS without formatting

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Jayden933

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My 2TB external hard drive has suddenly become a RAW format and is entirely inaccessible. I need to convert it back to the NTFS file system without losing any of the data that's on it. What's worse is that it drastically slows down Windows Explorer when it's plugged in and does not appear in Disk Manager. The drive properly makes the beeping sound when plugged in and out, and occasionally randomly makes the sounds while it remains plugged in and it may pop in and out of Disk Manager not even long enough to click on it. What I have been able to see though is that it's RAW and says Unreadable. Often, Disk Manager will even freeze and not respond until the drive is unplugged, and it instantaneously starts working again. Any ideas?
 
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All of the above are usually indications that the disk has failed (or the USB host controller on the removable drive), and the operating system is having difficulty accessing it.
You cannot convert RAW to NTFS without formatting as NTFS itself is a format. You may want to look for some data recovery tools. Can you plug this drive into a computer and see if anything changes, or will that void the warranty?
All of the above are usually indications that the disk has failed (or the USB host controller on the removable drive), and the operating system is having difficulty accessing it.
You cannot convert RAW to NTFS without formatting as NTFS itself is a format. You may want to look for some data recovery tools. Can you plug this drive into a computer and see if anything changes, or will that void the warranty?
 
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Jayden933

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I don't think the system detects it. It won't show up in Disk Manager. Is there some program that can read a disk in RAW format and will allow me to copy the files to a new hard drive?
 

Jayden933

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I got an email saying Berger0267 replied to this, but as I'm typing this it doesn't appear on the thread, so I'll quote it here in case others can't see it:

"Have you tried this RAW drive on another computer? Get the same problem?
You may have to format this RAW drive back to NTFS and then, use it as before.
But, since your important data is still stored there, I think you'd better firstly use some data recovery tools to get back your drive data with success, like:
freeware-fix.blogspot.com/2013/02/hard-drive-recovery.html
Next time, always get accustomed to make drive data backups well. "

I tried plugging it in to my Windows 8.1 Microsoft Surface Pro and my Windows 7 home desktop computer. Both had the same problem, it wasn't detected in disk manager and vastly slowed down Windows. I have tried a few different free recovery tools, including the first option in the link you posted (iCare 5.4), with no luck. At first, I tried the Lost Partition Recovery option. It recognized "Seagate Portable USB Device" but was unable to detect a size or anything for it. I tried to run the recovery, but it said it didn't detect any files. So I tried all the other options. A couple were unable to detect it at all, and another I think had the same outcome as the first. After reading the link you sent, I downloaded the two options and tried them. When I tried iCare again and choose any option, it says "Please wait, scanning system..." and freezes, not responding. When I tried to run the second program, it sat at a loading screen forever and never opened. I think this is the work of the hard drive making these programs not respond. Like I said, it really seems to bog down things trying to access it. Is there alternative data recovery method?
 

Markkk

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The Fact that your Ext Drive is dropping in and out Disk Manager while plugged in is the first issue to fix
That 'Dudonk' sound it just the typical USB detection sound
Cables may be damaged - Replace USB Cable try another USB port

As for the Raw Data this can happen from simply installing a new OS through plugging into a different computer or even a power cut and its scary as hell as it keeps asking to format the drive so you can use it... and 90% of the fixes out there sound complex as hell, take forever and can loose your data... ok now that I have scared you there is also a simple way to get your data back easily but first you need to fix that constant disconnecting issues

If you just want to quickly access the info on the drive...
Press 'Win key' type 'Computer Management'
Under - Storage - Disk Management
Find your Drive - Right Click - Mark Partition as Active
Right click - Properties - Security - Advanced - Owner - Edit - Other users or groups - Advanced - Find now - Select first listed user - OK

Presto you can access your Drive again and all your data

There is Software for this Raw to NTFS issue which should also fix the issues. its take ages as it has to fix all the security tags on every folder and file

As far as I can tell it some stupid Security data protection issue that bugs out when the the Drive somehow thinks it a new drive.
 

Jayden933

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I tried a new cable, and it still isn't detected in Disk Management. Still only occasionally popping in and out. Long enough for me to right click it and select Mark Partition as Active but apparently not long enough for the computer to do it, because I get the error "The system cannot find the file specified." The next chance I had to click it, I chose Format and it said an unexpected error has occurred.
 

Markkk

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Was hoping it was something simple like a USB cable

1) Try all available usb ports on laptop
2) Try the drive on another computer - in case the laptop usb is an issue (very unlikely)
3) Change the pwr supply with any same voltage psu providing similar amps

# You may be able to get a local shop to test the drive using there power supply, cables and computer.

Chances are that the External HDD Unit is Faulting as 'Snipergod87' noted.
- Warranty claim should replace this (but say goodbye to your information) as they will just replace the unit with a new drive and send your old one to RnD for testing or what ever they do.

If the Information is more valuable that the warranty - This may be an option for you
- Open the External Drive enclosure - remove screws (some may be under Labels) - case may have some clips so prying is involved
- Buy a new Ext HDD enclosure
- Fit Drive

You may be able to get a shop to do this for you - one that sell just Hdd Enclosures - they will like charge you a fee to do this service for you.

Refer my original post.

PS
If the format started then failed after a few % I would recommend - claiming on the warranty
If the format didn't even start then there is still a chance of data recovery by method above and my previous post
 

Jayden933

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I think my next step is to take it to Staples and see if they can read it. But on their website it says they charge $260 for a hard drive recovery, and that's not worth it for me. So if that's not an option, I may consult local computer repair businesses. If anything changes, I'll be sure to post here.
 

pegleg1960

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I agree with Sniperfod87. Your Hard Drive has failed. If you are getting an indication that the Disk is Raw, that is telling you that the Disk is wiped Clean and is ready to Partition and FORMAT. If the Drive is making noises AND you are getting intermittent on/off, spontaneous Rebooting, and other weird stuff, you have a bad Hard Disk Drive. All I can say is that I hope you have all your files Backed Up because if you didn't, they're gone now.
Good luck with the repair.
 
Take out the drive out of the case first, it's not hard, and try a direct connection to a computer.

You need to get the drive detected first before you can do anything.

If that gets you a drive letter but no way to read the drive, try Testdisk to attempt a partition recovery. If that does not work, try Recuva to see if it will read any files. Keep in mind it may show you files to recover but not actually restore them past that. What happens is that it basically can see the index of the files on the drive, but can't recreate the bits that make up that file.

$260 for a drive recovery is not bad, if that is the full cost of it. I dealt with drive issues at work that cost $500 or more to get data from them.
 

TechyInTraining

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I have found a program to read data and partitioning from a RAW file system instead of telling us that the drive is useless How about telling recovery methods instead of pointing out the obvious. Google testdrive it has DATA RECOVERY methods free software only problem I'm not sure how to use it properly readme was not helpful and i need something that works I have NSFW content I rather have and not have a professional mess with them can someone tell me if this is good or not? and how to use it?
 


Post your issue in a separate thread, just because you think your drive is not bad does not mean that the issue in the original post is not a bad drive.
 
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