CHKDSK /R from command prompt just changed my NTFS disk to type RAW

That is good news as sometimes the drive is not recoverable depending on the actual problem with the drive.

Put the drive into another computer as 2nd or later drive or into a USB. Use another computer to back up the data. Or use a Linux Boot disk to do the same (see below).

The safest way is to just copy it, if you try any compression or encryption techniques those require the use of disk space on the drive and may cause compounded failures and/or issues. Of course, the target drive has to be large enough to handle the size of the data.

Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/us...

Hiren's Boot CD

http://www.hirensbootcd.org/

Trinity Rescue Kit

https://trinityhome.org/new_dowload/

System Rescue CD

http://www.sysresccd.org/Main_Page

Knoppix

http://www.knoppix.net/

Please let me know if you have any further questions. If you have a moment, it would be greatly appreciated if you would rate my assistance in handling your ticket and have a great day!

Here to help,

Rob

I am looking into AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro to try to change my partition type ID from RAW back to 0x07 NTFS. (It's possible even this would not be possible from the tool, that it could be limited from changing like an exFAT type ID to NTFS ID, but their tech support might answer that.)

Then, if enough of the folder & MBR structure is remaining from the abend that CHKDSK gave, I might be able to retrieve personal files from the disc, mounted as an external USB device on a 2nd computer.

From what I can see on USB mount, I can follow folder structure to default user C:\Users\Leno19, but when I Windows Explorer on Documents folder, it tells me i need to ask permission for the folder, then runs forever with no result.

Hey, wait! Tried admin Power-shell command-line, and it shows further directory levels. I may be able to retrieve my data!

Any advice for retrieving data & backing up onto DL DVD's in file-retrievable form, and how to reinstall Windows 10 Pro from my USB recovery media?

Doug, please provide any feedback that you can. As I said, the checkdisk did not cause the issue, rather it just reported the problem. Wear and tear, manufacturer's defect, or something that tried to write to the boot sector caused the issue.

Did you try the methods to recover the drive?

Here to help,

Rob

Hi DougTheC, I am Rob, an Independent Advisor not affiliated with Microsoft and a 15 time and dual award Microsoft MVP specializing in Windows troubleshooting and Bluescreen analysis. Please remember as independents we are not responsible for the development of Windows or the computer hardware and drivers. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.

Having seen this quite a few times over the years I can guarantee Chkdsk just indicated the drive was failing or had indeed failed. Something trying to write to the boot sector can also create this issue (like malware).

You may be able to recover the drive though even if the below works you should always be very leery of its reliability.

Most partition software makers have tools and methods to try to recover data and/or possibly save the drive. Your drive maker may also be able to help.

Here are some examples though there are others to be found using BING, Google, or your favorite search engine.

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

https://www.easeus.com/resource/chkdsk-reports-...

Fix the problem: CHKDSK Reports RAW

https://www.diskpart.com/articles/chkdsk-report...

Fix CHKDSK Is Not Available For RAW Drives in Windows 10

https://www.diskpart.com/windows-10/chkdsk-is-n...

CHKDSK Is Not Available for RAW Drives? See Easy Fix [MiniTool Tips]

https://www.minitool.com/data-recovery/chkdsk-i...

If nothing works there are professional data recovery services though they are expensive.

Here to help,

Rob

Standard Disclaimer: Those may be non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Please let us know the results and if you need further assistance. Feedback definitely helps us help all.