HDD in RAW mode - Is there a way to solve it?
When a hard drive goes into RAW mode, it usually means that the file system is corrupted or damaged in some way. A partition in RAW mode indicates that the operating system cannot recognize the file system structure on that partition.
RAW mode is a state that occurs when the operating system is unable to identify or access the partition due to errors or failures in the file system. In this case, when trying to access the partition, the computer may display error messages such as "Format the disk", or simply not show any data on the drive. This can be worrying, especially when you have important data stored on the drive.
It is important not to try to format the RAW drive or try to recreate the HD partition in RAW mode.
And this can happen for several reasons:
- File System Corruption: File system corruption is one of the most common causes of this problem. This can happen when there is a failure while reading or writing data to the partition, which causes the file system to become unstable and eventually unusable. A common example is when a file is being written and the system experiences an unexpected shutdown.
- System failure: Another possible cause is a failure in the system itself, such as improper shutdowns, power outages, or abrupt removal of USB devices. In addition, problems during the formatting process can also damage the file system structure, leaving the partition in a RAW state. These failures can occur at any stage of the HDD's use, rendering the drive unusable until the problem is resolved.
- Hard Drive Bad Sectors: Bad sectors, known as bad blocks, are one of the most complex causes of file system corruption. When these sectors are present, the operating system may not be able to access stored data correctly, causing the partition to be recognized as RAW. The problem is compounded because these bad sectors can spread across multiple areas of the disk, compromising the integrity of the file system.
Native operating system utilities, such as CHKDSK in Windows, are often the first steps in the recovery process. There are also several third-party tools that promise to recover lost data. However, it is important to be aware that these programs are not always successful, especially when the problem is more serious, such as the presence of bad sectors.
But there is a big problem.
If the hard drive has entered RAW mode due to bad sectors on the hard drive, disk checking programs and data recovery software may fail. In fact, in some cases, using these software may even make the situation worse, further corrupting the file system. This is because these tools are not designed to properly deal with physical faults on the hard drive, such as bad sectors.
When detecting a bad sector, many programs may attempt to repair the error, which often leads to a system crash. This can make recovery even more difficult and increases the chances of permanent data loss.
HDD being scanned with scratches on the media
In more advanced cases of disk failure, software utilities may not be enough. Continued use of these programs without a proper strategy may result in irreversible data damage, making information recovery even more difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that in cases of bad sectors, the conventional approach may not be the best solution.
Formatting a drive in RAW mode should be avoided at all costs, especially if the goal is to recover data. This is because formatting can overwrite data stored in sectors that, although damaged, can still be recovered. Instead, it is essential to preserve the drive in its current state until a data recovery solution is applied. The more you write or modify the drive, the lower the chances of successful recovery.
We have specific equipment to deal with bad sectors on the hard drive, and normally the read rate of disk sectors is quite high.
But it is important that you do not format the drive or perform any type of recording on it. This will help preserve data by avoiding any writing or alteration of regions on the disk that may contain data that they hope to recover.
Data recovery from a disk in RAW mode directly depends on an accurate diagnosis of the origin of the problem. If the error is caused by file system corruption, recovery can be relatively simple. However, if the cause is physical failures, such as bad sectors, recovery will require specialized tools and technical expertise. Without careful assessment, attempting to fix the problem may make the situation worse and result in permanent data loss.
Therefore, there is a solution, but without a correct diagnosis of the cause of the problem, the result could be disastrous.
* updated on 24/02/2025
