Format a RAW SD Card Without Losing Data: Step-by-Step Guide

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An SD card turning RAW is one of the most dreaded problems for users, especially when valuable photos, documents, or videos are stored on it. Many rush to format the SD card to make it usable again, only to realize their precious files are gone. But here's the good news - you can format a RAW SD card without losing your data, if you follow the right process.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to safely recover your files first, and then format the SD card to restore its functionality - all without compromising your data.

What Does It Mean When an SD Card Becomes RAW?

When your SD card becomes RAW, it means the file system is damaged or missing. Instead of showing as FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, your computer detects the card as having a RAW file system - which it cannot read or write to. You might encounter messages like:

• You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it.
• In Disk Management, the file system shows as RAW.
• The SD card displays 0 bytes used and 0 bytes free.
• You cannot open or access any of your files.

This situation often stems from:

• Improper ejection of the SD card while data is being written
• Corruption due to malware or viruses
• File system errors or partition table corruption
• Physical damage or bad sectors on the card

Can You Format a RAW SD Card Without Losing Data?

Yes - but not directly.

If you format the RAW SD card immediately, all your files may be permanently lost. However, if you recover the data first, you can then format the card to restore usability. This process ensures you don't lose your photos, videos, or documents in the process.

Important: Do not save any new data to the RAW SD card before recovering files. This can overwrite existing data and make recovery difficult.

Step 1: Recover Data from the RAW SD Card (Before Formatting)

When your SD card becomes RAW, it doesn't mean the data is gone - it just means your operating system can't interpret the file system. The files are usually still present on the card, just inaccessible through standard means. Attempting to format the card before recovery can permanently overwrite that data. That's why data recovery must always come first.

Let's explore this recovery step in more detail using both automated recovery tools and manual command-line techniques.

Method 1: Use SD Card Data Recovery Software (Recommended for All Users)

Data recovery software scans the entire storage structure of your SD card, looking beyond the broken file system to find intact files that haven't been overwritten.

Donemax Data Recovery is one of the best data recovery software. It can deeply scan the RAW SD card and find all existing files, inaccessible files, hidden files, deleted/formatted/lost files, etc. Before formatting the RAW SD card, you use it to help export all data from the card to your computer.

Step-by-Step Example Using Donemax Data Recovery:

Step 1. Download & Install: Download and install the software on your computer by clicking Download button below. It can help you completely recover files from the RAW SD card.

Step 2. Insert SD Card: Connect your RAW SD card to the computer using a card reader. Avoid using USB hubs or malfunctioning slots.

Step 3. Select the SD Card Drive: Open Donemax Data Recovery. Your SD card should appear under the "External drives" section.

Step 4. Click 'Scan': The software will perform a quick scan and then a deep scan. This might take time depending on the card's size and damage level.

Step 5. Preview Files: Once scanning is complete, browse through files by file type, name, or location. Most tools including Donemax Data Recovery allow previewing images, videos, documents, etc.

Step 6. Recover: Click Recover after selecting the files you wish to restore. Select a secure area on the hard drive of your computer or an external drive - not the SD card.

Method 2: Try Command Prompt Using chkdsk (Advanced Users Only)

The chkdsk command can sometimes repair file system errors and restore access to your SD card without the need for third-party tools. However, it doesn't always work with RAW drives and can cause further issues if the card is physically damaged.

Steps:

Step 1. Attach the RAW SD card to the computer.

Step 2. Type cmd into the Start Menu, then select Run as administrator by right-clicking Command Prompt.

Step 3. Type this command:

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X: with your SD card's drive letter.

Step 4. Hit Enter and wait for the process to complete.

Possible Outcomes:

• If successful, chkdsk will fix the file system and restore access to the card and its data.
• If you see an error like:

"The type of the file system is RAW. CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives."

…then chkdsk cannot help. You'll need to fall back on professional recovery tools.

Why Method 1 (Recovery Software) Is Preferred

While chkdsk might work in rare situations, data recovery software is far more reliable and versatile:

Feature	chkdsk	Recovery Software
Works with RAW drives	No	Yes
File preview before recovery	No	Yes
Supports photo/video/docs recovery	No	Yes
User-friendly GUI	No	Yes
Free trial availability	Yes	Yes

So, unless you're confident using command-line tools and the file system isn't deeply corrupted, it’s best to stick with recovery software.

Bonus Method: Use PhotoRec (Free, Open Source)

For advanced users and those who prefer free tools, PhotoRec is a powerful, command-line based recovery tool from the creators of TestDisk.

• Works with RAW drives
• Can recover more than 400 file extensions
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Downside: Doesn't recover file names or folder structure. You'll need to sort recovered files manually.

Step 2: Format the RAW SD Card to Make It Usable Again

Once your data is recovered and saved securely, you can now format the SD card. Formatting will restore its file system and allow it to function normally again.

Method 1: Format via File Explorer

If the SD card shows up in File Explorer:

1. Open This PC.
2. 2Choose Format with a right-click on the SD card drive.
3. Choose a file system:
   • exFAT (for cards larger than 32GB)
   • FAT32 (for 32GB or less)

4. Leave Quick Format checked and click Start.

Method 2: Format Using Disk Management

If File Explorer doesn't allow formatting:

1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
2. Locate your SD card. Right-click its volume and choose Format.

3. Choose file system and allocation unit size, then click OK.

Method 3: Format with DiskPart Command

If Disk Management fails, try using DiskPart:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type the below commands, one by one:

diskpart
list disk
select disk # ← (replace # with your SD card number)
list partition
select partition # ← (if needed)
format fs=exfat quick or format fs=exfat
Exit

Be careful to select the correct disk, or you might erase another drive.

Method 4: Use SD Formatter Tool

The SD Formatter Tool by the SD Association is specially designed for formatting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards:

1. Download from the official SD Association site.
2. Install and launch the tool.
3. Choose the correct SD card.
4. Select Quick Format or Overwrite Format.
5. Click Format.

SD Formatter ensures compatibility and optimized performance with SD cards.

Precautions Before and After Formatting

• Verify all important data has been successfully recovered.
• Backup the recovered data to multiple locations (e.g., cloud, external hard drive).
• After formatting, test the SD card by transferring files to and from it.
• If the card fails repeatedly or becomes RAW again, it may be physically damaged and should be replaced.

Tips to Prevent SD Card From Turning RAW Again

Here are some tips to avoid data corruption or RAW file system issues in the future:

• Before taking the card out of a device, be sure it is properly ejected.
• Avoid using the same SD card in multiple devices (e.g., cameras, phones, laptops).
• Do not remove the card while data is being written or accessed.
• Scan your system and SD card for malware regularly.
• Avoid full storage: leave some free space to reduce fragmentation.
• Format SD cards in the device itself (camera, GoPro, etc.) if possible.
• Use quality card readers and branded SD cards (e.g., SanDisk, Samsung).

Conclusion

When your SD card turns RAW, panic is understandable - but acting carefully can prevent data loss. By following a methodical approach:

1. Recover data using professional tools (such as Donemax Data Recovery).
2. Format the SD card safely.

…you can restore both your files and the functionality of your SD card. Regular backups, safe removal habits, and proper formatting can also reduce the risk of this issue recurring.

Whether it's precious vacation photos or essential documents, your data is valuable. Don't let a RAW SD card compromise that - follow this guide, and take back control.