Need to convert internal hard drive from RAW to NTFS without losing data. What are my options?

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Ross11

Ross11

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Jul 8, 2012
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Recently had to reinstall my OS and while cleaning unneeded hard drive data and partitions I accidentally did something that converted my primary file storage drive from NTFS to RAW.
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There are no problems with the hard drive physically as it was working fine until I deleted some old partitions. I would rather avoid losing any data on the hard drive if possible.

I've read that it seems to be possible to reformat the hard drive without losing my data but I'm not sure how and articles I've found don't seem to be applicable to my specific case. Anyone can help me and suggest a solution or some software that would fix my problem? Thanks!
 
Solution
Ironsounds
Hello... There is many features in Test disk... you can re-load the back up "Bootsec" for the drive as a fast fix... Or you could have lost the 'Disk Geometry" which is a common problem with Larger drives, up to ~3GB or larger, that use a "Non standard" geometry... also you can manually recover files to another drive.

All depends on what you drive responds best too... or needs.

**Also there is a OS "CHKDSK command string" that I'm trying too locate that was successful for a lot of "external usb" ~3GB or larger drives that lost their "geometry" and the OS fixed it... when I locate it I will Post it. B )

The 'Test disk" Win version will operate from the OS command pane... and you should first see the condition and status of your...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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You don't need to convert, you need to recover first.

Do you have another drive with sufficient space? If so, try TestDisk.
This may help recover the data. Maybe.

Then, later, you can reformat that drive as needed.

But you will need another drive to (maybe) recover that data to. You can't do it on the same drive.
 
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Ironsounds

Ironsounds

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Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... There is many features in Test disk... you can re-load the back up "Bootsec" for the drive as a fast fix... Or you could have lost the 'Disk Geometry" which is a common problem with Larger drives, up to ~3GB or larger, that use a "Non standard" geometry... also you can manually recover files to another drive.

All depends on what you drive responds best too... or needs.

**Also there is a OS "CHKDSK command string" that I'm trying too locate that was successful for a lot of "external usb" ~3GB or larger drives that lost their "geometry" and the OS fixed it... when I locate it I will Post it. B )

The 'Test disk" Win version will operate from the OS command pane... and you should first see the condition and status of your primary and 'backup bootsec" * http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Step_By_Step

*see "NTFS Boot sector recovery" paragraph

Here is the 'test disk" DL page... it is very small APP with a very old GUI/DOS user screens.... http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Download

**GO to the OS command prompt and type: chkdsk ?: /f (where ?: is the drive being repaired)
 
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Solution
Ross11

Ross11

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Jul 8, 2012
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Thanks for the responses. I've downloaded TestDisk and have started scanning. Going to take a long time. ~30 minutes in and I'm at 10%. Will let you know how my attempts to fix it goes.
 
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Ironsounds

Ironsounds

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Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... which feature/tool did you evoke? I think you should first check your 'backup sector" status Vs your "Primary" and your "disk geometry" as a faster possible fix? and avoid the long scan time of the 'Tool" your choose B /

also the OS command chkdsk ?: /f (where ?: is the drive being repaired) might be faster? if the drive is in good working order B /

Basically if the drive is in Good condition then it just needs basic 'FAT/NTFS" or 'geometry" repair tools... BUT if the drive is (old) failing, then a manual copy to another drive is needed... because you are limited to the operating time left on the drive, for the best recovery method. B )
 
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Ross11

Ross11

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I was unable to repair the lost boot sector with TestDisk or similar utilities but I was able to recover all of my important files perfectly with file recovery software since there is no physical damage to the hard drive so my problem is solved. Thanks for all the help everyone!
 
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D

Dave_146

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Jun 6, 2017
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Please enlighten us with the specific "file recovery software" that worked as it would be helpful to others,
 
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