Ultimate Guide for Data Recovery from RAW SD Card

2024-08-10 Ashley S. Miller Specialist of Customer Service Dept.

Summary

Discover effective strategies to retrieve data from a RAW SD card and return it to a functional condition using proven repair techniques in our comprehensive guide.

Table of contents

I. About SD card and RAW file system

• 1. What is SD card?
• 2. What is a RAW file system? Reasons why SD card becomes RAW

II. Use Renee Undeleter to recover data in RAW SD card

• 1. What is Renee Undeleter?
• 2. How to recover RAW SD card data with Renee Undeleter?

III. How to repair RAW SD card?

• 1. Repair by disk error check
• 2. Repair by formatting
• 3. Use the diskpart command to repair

I. About SD card and RAW file system

1. What is SD card?

SD memory cards are advanced storage devices utilizing semiconductor flash memory , distinguished by their compact size , rapid data transfer rates , and hot-swapping capability . As SD card technology advances, a variety of derivatives have been developed, offering different capacities and dimensions . This versatility has made SD cards a popular storage option for a range of portable electronics, including digital cameras , tablets , Android smartphones , and multimedia players .

For detailed information on SD card types, speed classes, flash memory chips, and lifespan, please click here to learn more.

2. What is a RAW file system? Reasons why SD card becomes RAW

Compatible file systems for SD cards and hard drives include FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT . If an SD card’s file system appears as RAW , data access is disrupted. RAW indicates an unrecognized file system , resulting in no operational files or folders and preventing data storage. To verify this, right-click the Start menu, choose Disk Management , and check the SD card’s file system status.

The SD card becomes a RAW file system, which may be due to the following reasons:

● SD cards exposed to various computer devices are susceptible to virus or malware attacks , increasing the likelihood of data loss or corruption . It is strongly recommended to perform regular backups of the SD card data, along with ensuring that the connected computers have robust virus protection .

● To prevent damage to the SD card and its files, always ensure it is not being formatted or accessed for read/write operations before removal. Eject the card safely using the system’s removal process to avoid the card becoming RAW .

● SD card defects or wear: SD cards can fail due to manufacturing defects or reach the end of their lifespan, especially with frequent or prolonged use , potentially turning RAW . Opt for reputable brands , regularly back up your data , and be prepared to replace the SD card if necessary.

When facing the challenge of an inaccessible RAW SD card , don’t lose hope. Specialized data recovery tools are capable of retrieving the data. Renee Undeleter stands out as an effective solution, offering compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems. It provides a variety of scanning modes tailored to different data recovery needs.

II. Use Renee Undeleter to recover data in RAW SD card

1. What is Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is a specialized software designed for data restoration . It becomes invaluable when you inadvertently delete critical files , empty the recycle bin, or format devices like disks, SD cards, or external drives. The software features four key modules: file recovery , format recovery , partition recovery , and image creation , providing comprehensive solutions for various data loss scenarios.

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2. How to recover RAW SD card data with Renee Undeleter?

Step 1: Insert the SD card into the computer using a card reader. Download, install, and launch Renee Undeleter . On the main interface, select ‘Whole Disk Scan’ . Ensure Renee Undeleter is not installed on the disk from which you wish to recover data to prevent overwriting.

Data Recovery Features:

• Fast Partition Scan: Recovers files lost from accidental deletion or recycle bin emptying.

• Whole Partition Scan: Restores files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.

• Whole Disk Scan: Gathers partition info and thoroughly scans entire disk.

• Image Creation: Generates partition mirror images for backup, enabling data restoration from the image.

Step 2: Next select the SD card device that needs to recover data. After the selection is complete, click ( Next ).

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. The system will automatically detect all partitions on the SD card. You’ll be prompted with “Select the partition you need to scan,” providing an opportunity to specify a particular partition. In the absence of a selection, all partitions will be scanned by default . This comprehensive scan is more time-consuming but enhances the chances of recovering a greater number of files.

Step 4: Preview files during the scanning process. After identifying all essential files, select them and click the Recover button to restore them to a different disk on your computer.

III. How to repair RAW SD card?

After the SD card data is recovered, you can try to fix the problem that the SD card becomes RAW. The following are three common methods.

1. Repair by disk error check

Step 1: Open “My Computer/This Computer”, right click on the RAW SD card and select (Properties). Switch to the (Tools) option in the Properties window and click the (Inspect) button.

Step 2: Next, select the (Scan Drive) option in the error checking interface, then wait for the scan and repair it according to the prompts.

2. Repair by formatting

Performing formatting in Disk Management can reset the file system recognized by Windows for the SD card, thus solving the problem that the SD card is displayed as RAW. Proceed as follows:

Step 1: Right-click the Start menu, click ( Disk Management ).

Step 2: Right-click the SD card whose file system is RAW and select (Format).

Step 3: Select the appropriate file system. For a quick format, check the corresponding option and click OK . Uncertain about which file system to choose? Research the characteristics and differences between FAT32 , NTFS , and exFAT .

Step 4: The formatting operation will prompt you to clear all the data in the SD card, click (OK), and then wait for the formatting to complete.

3. Use the diskpart command to repair

We can also use the diskpart command to format the RAW SD card, the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Search Command Prompt by typing (cmd) in the search bar on the left side of the taskbar.

Step 2: Right-click (Command Prompt) in the search results and select (Run as administrator).

Step 3: Enter the following command to format the RAW SD card and reset the file system of the SD card. Note: You need to press the (Enter) key after entering a command.

diskpart

list volume

(will list all partitions/volumes in the computer, and you can see the file system of each partition in the “FS” column)

select volume 6

(select volume 6, because its file system is displayed as RAW, which is the target partition, please change the number according to the actual situation)

format fs=fat32 quick

(format the target partition, set the file system of the SD card to FAT32, perform a quick format operation, FAT32 can also be replaced by exFAT or NTFS)

exit

To fix a RAW SD card , you can try three methods. If the card remains inaccessible and the file system is still RAW, the SD card may be at the end of its lifespan and should be replaced . It’s advisable to promptly back up data when issues arise or use Renee Undeleter for data recovery. Download a free trial of Renee Undeleter by clicking the button below.

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Ultimate Guide for Data Recovery from RAW SD Card