In general, running CHKDSK solves problem if you cannot open a partition on your computer.
But if your drive throws an error saying “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” this may sound alarming. Especially so in a scenario in which critical data resides in your RAW drive.
But, relax. We’re going to disclose why “check disk not available for RAW drives” error materializes and its symptoms. With that being said, we’ve also listed some effective ways of resolving it in this post. So, you can safely regain your inaccessible files.
Part 1: What Does “CHKDSK Is Not Available for RAW Drives” Mean?
When you receive an error “check disk not available for RAW drives,” this means Windows can’t discern its file system because the drive has become RAW. Thus, commands like CHKDSK won’t work on it. When a drive is RAW, you might notice these issues:
- It may not appear in File Explorer or Disk Management.
- You might see error messages like ‘The type of the file system is RAW.’
- You won’t be able to open or examine your files.
- The drive might be slow or unresponsive.
The “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” error occurs because of following reasons:
- When your disk is not formatted with a standard file system like NTFS or FAT32,
- There is corruption on your disk’s file system caused by power problems or malware.
- Bad sectors of a drive make it unreadable.
- Your drive won’t be readable if it has hardware or firmware issues.
Part 2: How do I Fix “CHKDSK is Not Available for RAW Drives” Error?
You can fix error “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” on Windows 10/11 in 2 stages. Here we’ve discussed each stage in detail:
Stage 1: Recover Data From a RAW Drive
You can’t get your data from a RAW drive, and you’ll have to format your RAW disk to a suitable file system.
As we all know, formatting will wipe away all files from your disk. In order to avoid data loss, using a data recovery tool is extremely necessary. Tenorshare 4DDiG can recover files lost due to corruption, accidental deletion, RAW drive, system crashes, etc. Here is what more this software has to offer:
- It promises to recover files from various storage device like USBs, SD cards, hard disks, etc.
- Can recover 1000+ file types consisting of videos, images, documents, archives, audio files, and so forth.
- Does support both Windows and macOS systems.
- You can inspect recovered files for free.
- Provides a high recovery success.
- No technical background required.
Follow steps below to retrieve files from a disk displaying “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” on Windows 10/11 error with this tool:
Step 1: Execute recovery tool on your computer. Then, pick your RAW drive with inaccessible data. Hit “Start.” You can also select file types from top-right corner before scanning.
Step 2: The tool will scan your RAW drive for missing files. You can pause or stop scan in mid if you find files you need.
Step 3: Use “Tree View” to see categories like Deleted, Existing, Lost Location, RAW Files. Or switch to “File View” to see types like Photos, Videos, or Documents. Use “Search” or “Filter “on the right to refine results.
Step 4: Once you locate your recovered files, preview and hit “Recover” to send them to your computer.
Stage 2: Format Your RAW Disk to Normal State
If “the type of the file system is RAW” manifests alongside “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives,” error, then, format your disk. To do this, choose a suitable file system. For formatting your RAW drive, you have the option to choose any tool from Disk Management to Diskpart or a third-party formatter. Here are each method’s steps listed in detail:
Option A: Use Disk Management
Disk Management is an ideal tool for basic formatting tasks with a graphical user interface that anyone can utilize easily. However, it gives you limited control over formatting process. To “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” fix error, and format your RAW disk through Disk Management, follow instructions beneath:
Step 1: Right-click “Windows” icon. Select “Disk Management.”
Step 2: Right-click RAW drive. Then, choose “Format.” Next, adjust “Volume label,” “File system,” and “Allocation unit size.”
Step 3: Decide if you want “Quick Format” and “File Compression.” Hit “OK.”
Option B: Use Diskpart
Use Diskpart when your RAW disk does not appear on Disk Management, or you want more control over its formatting process. It is a command line app that can do complex tasks you may want to perform for your disk such as cleaning, partitioning, and formatting.
Not user-friendly, though as it requires technical knowledge and its command syntax is not for any fresher. To format your disk showing “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” error with Diskpart please proceed with following steps:
Step 1: Type in “Windows search field.” Input “cmd.” Right-click “Command Prompt” and execute it with admin rights.
Step 2: Type following commands. Hit “Enter” after each one:
- diskpart.
- list disk. (All connected disks will be shown).
- select disk n. (Here replace n with your RAW disk’s drive number).
- clean (This is to delete all partitions and data).
- create partition primary.
- format fs=ntfs quick (or use fat32 or exfat if preferred).
- exit.
Option C: Use Third-Party Formatter
Your disk still displaying “the type of the file system is RAW,” along with “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” error? Then, use a third-party formatter like Rufus. It also provides more options for customization and can even make bootable USB drives. Here is how you use this tool:
Step 1: Download Rufus from its official webpage then run it on your computer. Then, plug in your RAW USB drive to same PC.
Step 2: In Rufus, choose your drive from “Device” dropdown. Next, pick “MBR” for partition scheme and “FAT32” for file system compatibility.
Step 3: Uncheck “Create extended label and icon files.” Then, mark “Device for bad blocks” if needed. Hit “Start.”
Part 3: How to Prevent “CHKDSK Is Not Available for RAW Drives” Error?
After settling “check disk not available for RAW drives,” error it is most important to ensure your disk doesn’t become RAW next time. You can do this by taking some countermeasures. Here’s what you must do:
- Keep copies of important files with backup software or manual methods.
- Keep antivirus software updated and scan regularly to prevent malware.
- Always remove external drives safely to avoid file corruption.
- Use health-check tools to detect issues early on.
- Use tools like CHKDSK regularly to fix minor drive issues.
- Update your OS and drivers to prevent possible file system errors.
- Physical damage can cause bad sectors and a RAW state of your disk.
- Protect against power surges with help of devices like a UPS to prevent sudden shutdowns and corruption.
- Invest in reliable storage devices from trusted brands.
- Make certain there’s ventilation and avoid high temperatures for drives.
CHKDSK Is Not Available for RAW Drives FAQs
Q1: Why is my disk showing as RAW?
If your disk shows up as RAW, it could be due to file system corruption that comes from improper ejection, power surges, or which can also be caused by malware. Bad sectors within your drive may also appear due to physical damage, making your disk unreadable. If your drive has an unsupported file system like EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 it may also show RAW in Windows.
Q2: How to fix convert is not available for RAW drives?
You can fix “Convert is not available for RAW drives” error by formatting your RAW disk with Disk Management, File Explorer, Diskpart, or a third-party formatter.
Final Words
Formatting your RAW disk is an effective solution to fix “CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives” error. However, as formatting can cause data loss, to avoid that use a tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery. It can safely recover your files from a RAW disk before you format the drive.
With this tool, you can also retrieve files from unbootable disks, and more, helping you regain important files quickly. Taking preventive steps, like safe ejection, regular backups, and keeping your system updated, can also help protect your disk from becoming RAW in future.