How to Convert RAW to NTFS without Formatting

Have you encountered a situation where your NTFS partition suddenly shows as RAW? This can be alarming, especially if it contains important files. RAW is a file system format indicating that the system cannot recognize the drive. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide methods to convert RAW to NTFS without formatting, and preserving your precious data.

Why Is My NTFS Partition Showing As RAW?

If your NTFS partition is suddenly displaying as RAW, it can be concerning, especially if it contains important files. Several factors can contribute to this issue:

1. File System Corruption: Sudden power losses or improper shutdowns can corrupt the file system.
2. Virus Attacks: Malware can damage the file system, leading to a RAW status.
3. Improper Partitioning: Using incompatible partitioning tools may result in a RAW file system.
4. Physical Damage: Hardware issues or damaged sectors on the drive can also cause this problem.

Understanding these causes can help prevent future occurrences and protect your data.

Can I Convert RAW to NTFS without Formatting?

Yes, you can convert a RAW partition to NTFS without formatting, which means you won't lose your data in the process. This is an essential feature for anyone facing this issue, as formatting typically results in complete data loss. Utilizing specialized software can help you perform this conversion safely and efficiently.

How to Convert RAW to NTFS without Losing Data

To convert RAW to NTFS without formatting means avoiding the data loss. Let's see how it works:

1. Convert the RAW Partition

#1. Convert RAW to NTFS with Professional Format Tool 

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a comprehensive hard drive partition manager that helps you fix external hard drive RAW format issues. For some RAW drives caused by severe damage, the tool can also easily repair them. In addition, in addition to NTFS, you can also format RAW drives to FAT32, exFAT, and Ext2/3.

Tips: The tool also provides Disk Surface Test, Repair bad sectors, and Check File System functions. If you want to check other errors of the hard drive, the tool can also help you perform the task easily.

Step 1. Connect the RAW drive and launch the RAW drive formatting tool. Right-click the RAW drive (it will show as unformatted) and select Format Partition.

Step 2. In the dialog box that pops up, select NTFS file system and change the partition label and cluster size.

Step 3. Click Apply to confirm the operation and then click Continue.

#2. Convert RAW to NTFS with CMD

You cannot format the RAW drive directly using the format H: /FS: NTFS command. Also, you cannot use the convert command, which is only valid for NTFS and FAT32 conversions. Please make additional changes before formatting:

• list disk
• select disk n (where n is the RAW hard drive)
• attributes disk clear readonly
• clean
• create partition primary
• select part 1
• active (if it is the boot drive)
• format fs=ntfs label=new quick (you can replace new with another desired name)
• assign

#2. Recover Data from Formatted RAW Partition

AOMEI Partition Assistant provides a “Recover Data” function that can recover more than 200 types of files from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and SD cards. After formatting and repairing the RAW partition, you can use this tool to recover the data present on the storage media.

Step 1. Install and launch the AOMEI software. Click Recover > Recover Data.

Step 2. On the Recover Windows Data page, select the partition location where you want to start data recovery and click Start Scan.

Step 3. Select the target files to be recovered and click Recover Files.

Step 4. Select the folder path on your PC to save the recovered files.

Conclusion

Converting a RAW partition to NTFS without formatting is not only possible but also essential for data recovery. By following the steps outlined above, you can restore your partition and safeguard your files. Utilizing tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant can streamline this process, making it accessible even for those with limited technical skills.

FAQs About How to Convert RAW to NTFS

1. How to convert to NTFS without formatting?

To convert to NTFS without formatting, use partition management software such as AOMEI Partition Assistant, which allows you to convert file systems safely.

2. How do I change from RAW to NTFS?

You can change from RAW to NTFS using partition recovery tools that support file system conversion without data loss, such as AOMEI Partition Assistant.

3. How to convert RAW to NTFS without losing data using CMD?

While using CMD, you can attempt to fix the file system using the chkdsk command, but this method may not always guarantee data safety. For a more reliable solution, use dedicated software like AOMEI Partition Assistant.