[5 Fixes]Raw SD Card Recovery When SD Card Turned Raw File System
Background
SD card becomes raw format and don't know what to do? Don't worry, this article tells about reasons why your SD memory card becomes raw, solutions to repair raw SD card using CMD, and best ways to recover data from raw memory card and partition a raw sd card if your transcend sd card has raw file system, Sandisk sd card is raw, Samsung micro sd card shows raw or unknown format...
The type of file system is raw on sd card, you need to format the sd card before you can use it. Do you want to format it? Error. Usually the sd card shows raw in disk management, and raw sd card in 0 bytes if you check its property and asks a formatting.
Table of Contents:
5 Fixes to Repair Raw SD Card
MUST-READ: You need to backup your data before the formatting if the sd card data can still be accessed, or you may recover data from damaged sd card in the Fix #1.
Fix #1 - Recover data from raw sd card if data matters
Download read-only program iCare Pro Free which could let you recover files from sd card that is in raw format.
Also read: how to recover data from raw sd card ->
Fix #2 - Repair raw sd card by formatting it in camera/phone
Note: Formatting or partition a raw sd card would erase all files on memory card as it says: "Formatting sd card will delete all data. Data cannot be recovered. Continue?" -> so, please backup or recover files from sd card to somewhere else in advance if data matters.
Format raw memory card on your camera/phone
Fix #3 - Change drive letter for raw sd card
Changing sd card drive letter and paths may work. This shall be done via disk management which can be accessed by the following route:
Right click THIS PC -> Manage -> Disk Management
And then right click your sd card in this window, select option 'Change Drive Letter and Paths...', and then sign a new drive letter for your sd card.
If it does not work, try the following solutions.
Fix #4 - Repair Raw SD Card with CMD Command Prompt
For Windows users, CMD command prompt can be a very useful tool to solve this problem. CMD can perform many commands on the system. You can try it to format your raw drive to FAT32 or NTFS, I will show you the steps as follows:
Step1: Run CMD and type diskpart.exe in Windows 11/10/8/7 to get it started.
Step2: Type"format F: /fs:fat32" (F is the drive letter of the corrupted raw SD card that you should replace it by your own sd card drive letter. You may open THIS PC on desktop and see which drive letter your sd card has. And use the drive letter here.)
If you do not know which drive letter your sd card has, you may use the following cmd instead, to order the computer show your disk volumes, and get it selected, and then convert its format.
Steps: how to fix raw sd card using diskpart cmd
Format the raw memory card fat32 in diskpart cmd step by step
Fix #5 - SD Card RAW Format Fix with computer disk management
Go to Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP computer Disk Management and right click raw sd card -> Format, confirm the formatting, and computer disk management will start to partition a raw sd card to make it available for new use.
Format raw sd card in Windows 10 disk management
Possible error: Unable to format raw sd card? Windows was unable to complete the format for raw sd card?
Format raw sd card in disk management failed
Solution: If sd card cannot be formatted no matter in disk management or right click format, you may delete it in disk management, and then create a new volume for the sd card in disk management.
Delete raw sd card in disk management, and then right click the sd card -> create new volume
Also read: Unable to format raw sd card fix [6 free ways to try when it is unable to format an sd card]
How to Recover Data from Raw Memory Card
recover data from raw memory card
If you have backup at another place, things will be much easier. You only need to restore your data from backup. However if there was no previous backup, a data recovery tool would help.
You’d better use it before you use CMD or format tool to format your raw device, or it will make your data recovery more complicated.
Instructions of data recovery from raw memory card
Step1: Install a reliable data recovery program, like iCare Data Recovery,on your computer, insert your raw SD card on your computer by a card reader.
step1 to recover the data on the sd card
Step2: Scan your SD card for a few minutes.
step2 to recover the data on the sd card
Step3: Preview the found data after scanning.
step3 to recover the data on the sd card
Step4: Save the data to another safe device.
Format RAW SD Card FAT32/EXFAT Without Losing Data
The key: Formatting would definately erase all files on the raw sd card, if you want to format raw sd card without data loss, recovering files from raw sd card shall be done before the formatting.
Step1: Recovering data from the raw sd card at first.
Step2: Format sd card fat32, or exfat with Windows format utilities (Disk Management, cmd diskpart, file explorer right click format) or third party format tools such as IM-Magic Partition Resizer, Rufus, Disk Storage Format Tool, SD Card Formatter etc.
Question: Can Users Format RAW SD Card FAT32/EXFAT Without Losing Data
Answer: No, users cannot format a RAW SD card to FAT32 or exFAT without losing data. A RAW SD card typically indicates a file system error or corruption, making it impossible to access data. Formatting is a process that erases all existing data and initializes the card with a new file system. To retain data, users must attempt data recovery using specialized software before formatting. Once data is recovered, they can proceed with formatting to the desired file system, but this will still erase data. Regular backups and cautious handling of SD cards can help prevent data loss in the future.
Also read: how to format sd card without losing data
Why Did SD/Memory Card Become Raw Format
When an SD card shows a RAW file system format, it means that the file system of the SD card is not recognized by the operating system. This can happen due to various reasons such as file system corruption, virus infection, or improper removal of the SD card.
To fix this issue, you can try formatting the SD card to a different file system such as FAT32 or NTFS. However, formatting the SD card will erase all data stored on it. Therefore, it’s recommended to recover the data from the SD card before formatting it.
This following image shows an error that you need to format sd card when it's raw and cannot be recognized.
Computer reports You need to format the disk in drive before you can use it on SD Card
Raw drive error can be a common problem between SD card and USB flash drive. Here are some more common causes:
- SD card is corrupted after a long time use.
- SD card quality problem
- Improper operation on SD card like: abruptly unplug SD card without safe ejection, interrupt the format process, etc.
- Virus attack
- Internal files get lost or corrupted somehow
How to Prevent This From Happening Again
Here are some general suggestions that might help prevent sd card from turning to raw format again.
- Do not interrupt a format process.
- Do not eject USB flash drive or SD card when you are transferring data from your device.
- Do not use your SD card or USB on a public computer to avoid virus infection.
- Choose a good quality device such as Kingston, Sandisk, Toshiba, SAMSUNG, etc.
- Keep your SD card clean: Ensure that the SD card and its contacts are free from dust, dirt, or other contaminants. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the card if necessary.
- Handle your SD card with care: Avoid removing the SD card abruptly from devices or card readers while it’s being accessed or written to. Eject it safely using the appropriate software or hardware options provided by your operating system.
- Avoid exposing your SD card to extreme conditions: Protect your SD card from extreme temperatures, humidity, and physical damage. Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Use reliable devices and software: Choose reputable brands for your SD card, card reader, and other devices. Be cautious when using third-party software or tools that claim to recover or repair SD cards, as they may cause more harm than good.
- Backup your data regularly: Regularly back up the data stored on your SD card to another storage medium, such as a computer or cloud storage. This way, even if the SD card encounters issues, you won’t lose your important files.
- Scan for malware: Periodically scan your SD card for malware or viruses using reliable antivirus software. Malware can corrupt the file system and cause various issues.
- Avoid overfilling your SD card: Try to leave some free space on your SD card to prevent it from becoming too fragmented or overloaded. This can help maintain its performance and reduce the risk of file system errors.
Also read: how to repair sd card without formatting
FAQs
Question: Memory card turned raw after power failure/outage, how may I fix the raw memory card?
Answer: When memory card was damaged due to unstable power supply or power surge, its file system could be damaged and became unknown, you may use SD CARD raw recovery tool to restore data at first, and then format it to fat/fat32 in Windows.
Last updated on Nov 28, 2023
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