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    External backup drive failed, it lost it's file system, and only reports a RAW format - RAWRAWRAW

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Dragnoak, Dec 23, 2014.

  1. Dragnoak

    Dragnoak Notebook Evangelist

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    My sweet daughter, bless her heart, came running to me to report that all of her files, on her external drive, couldn't be accessed because the drive "lost" her file system, and the system tools has the drive listed as being formatted in the RAW data format.

    It's been years since I've run into this corrupted file system problem. I can think of two recovery software programs, iCare, and EaseUS, but I was wondering if there are some others that will do the same job. I don't mind paying for a solution, as most of the "freebies" come with a data cap, and she has 1 TB of data (mostly selfies :rolleyes2: must have!) on the drive.

    So, what do you fine posters use, to recover a corrupt file system on a external drive. Which recovery software will read the RAW data, then move it over to another drive into an NTFS file system?

    For those using iCare, or EaseUS, are there any "gotchas" in their operation?

    Thanks for all replies!

    DragonRider
     
    Dragnoak, Dec 23, 2014
    #1
  2. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    I've succesfully used Recuva.

    I received Sandisk Extreme usb stick from Amazon not so long ago. Inside the box was a voucher for RescuePro Deluxe. I haven't tried it yet myself.

    Something else to try out... pop the drive open and try another disc with the controller. If it doesn't work either, then the controller is probably broken. Then try the disc in a desktop or another adapter in a laptop, if files work normally backup them immediately.
     
    KLF, Dec 23, 2014
    #2
    katalin_2003 and killkenny1 like this.
  3. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    Sorry to hear of her loss. My assumption then is she has a larger than 1TB storage device with about 1TB of data? Since it appears she was using this as a primary archive for the future she should also get a similar sized drive for archive backup too.

    The big issue here is if these files are reconstructed they will be without file associations etc. so with 1 TB this will be a daunting task. Since it is an external I would disconnect it asap from the system to minimize any writes as this will damage the data. Another thing is to be sure what killed the file system. If it is one of those virus that corrupt the system you could be in for much further work.
     
    TANWare, Dec 23, 2014
    #3
  4. Lnd27

    Lnd27 Notebook Evangelist

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    Lnd27, Dec 24, 2014
    #4