4 Ways to Fix Raw SD Card without Formatting [2023]
Overview: To repair a RAW SD card without formatting, try using the chkdsk command in Command Prompt with administrator privileges. If that doesn't work, consider changing the drive letter or using data recovery software like iCare Recovery Free. Formatting should be a last resort as it will erase all data on the card.
Table of Contents:
4 Ways to Fix RAW SD Card without Formatting or Losing Data
Fix #1 – Recover RAW Memory Card without Data Loss
When an SD card becomes RAW, the file system is damaged or missing, making files inaccessible. Before attempting repairs that could overwrite data, the safest first step is data recovery. This ensures your important files are saved before fixing the card.
One reliable option is iCare Data Recovery Pro, which can scan RAW SD/microSD/CF cards and restore files without requiring a format. It supports FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS systems and works with most brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, and Lexar.
- Recover photos, videos, documents, and archives
- Supports SD, microSD, CF, XD, and MMC cards
- Works even if the card is not recognized by Windows Explorer
Recover files from a RAW memory card without data loss
Fix #2 – Repair RAW SD/microSD/CF Card with Windows Error-Checking Tool
Windows has a built-in Error-checking utility that can repair file system errors on storage devices, including memory cards. This method is safe and doesn’t format the drive.
- Connect the SD card to a PC using a card reader.
- Open This PC, right-click the SD card, and select Properties.
- Navigate to Tools → Check under Error Checking.
- Enable Automatically fix file system errors and click Start.
Windows Error-Checking tool to repair RAW SD cards
This tool scans and repairs logical issues. If the damage is minor, it can restore the file system so the card becomes readable again without formatting.
Fix #3 – Repair SD Card Using CHKDSK (Video Guide)
CHKDSK is a Windows command-line tool that checks for and repairs file system errors. It is more advanced than the Error-checking GUI and can fix deeper issues in RAW drives.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
chkdsk X: /f /r
(Replace X: with your SD card’s drive letter. /f fixes errors, /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable data.)
If you see the error "CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives", this means the file system is severely corrupted, and you may need to try Fix #4 or recover data before proceeding.
Fix #4 – Repair RAW SD Card with CHKDSK /f /r /x
This is a more forceful CHKDSK command that also forces the volume to dismount before fixing. Use with caution, as it will close any programs accessing the drive.
chkdsk X: /f /r /x
/f– Fixes errors on the disk/r– Locates bad sectors and recovers data/x– Forces the drive to dismount before repair
Using CHKDSK /f /r /x to repair RAW memory cards
Video – How to Use CHKDSK /f /r /x
Understanding File Systems
Most SD cards use FAT32 or exFAT for compatibility. Windows hard drives often use NTFS. macOS primarily uses HFS+ or APFS. A card appearing as RAW means the system cannot recognize its file structure, often due to corruption or partition loss.
Also read: 8 ways to fix damaged SD card without formatting
Data Matters in Damaged RAW SD Card Format
When data comes as the primary factory for recovering a damaged raw memory card, you may feel safe if you could get the out of the damaged sd card ahead of all repairings or changings made to the memory card.
Among all the data recovery tools in the market, I will suggest you to choose a safe and read-only program, like iCare Data Recovery It is a read-only software which means it won’t change the file format, so the data found won’t be unreadable, and it won’t do harm to your computer. But what makes iCare Data Recovery special is it sharp ability of data recovery, data loss problems like raw drive error, formatting, deletion, device corrupted can be solved easily, and it suitable for many devices including USB flash drive, SD memory card, external drive, PC, phone, etc.
If your computer is in Windows system, you can free download this useful data recovery tool here.
Instructions to Repair Raw Memory Card without Data Loss
Step1: Install iCare Data Recovery on your computer, insert your memory card into computer
Step2: Run the program, enter “Deep Scan Recovery” module, select your SD card.
Raw memory recovery without data loss
Step3: Preview the found data, choose those needed to recover, and save them to another drive.
Raw memory recovery without data loss
Then your data can be recovered easily.
Free to Convert Raw SD Card into NTFS or FAT32
Data recovered, then you can convert your raw SD card to normal safely, you can use CMD command line or try a formatter freeware.
Free to Convert Raw SD Card into NTFS or FAT32 with CMD
Attention:
When you use CMD command prompt, do not make mistake, writing a wrong letter can format a wrong disk drive sometimes.
Step1: Run CMD.
Fix raw SD card with CMD
Step2: Type"format F: /fs:fat32"(F is the drive letter of your RAW SD card).
Fix raw SD card with CMD
If this solution doesn’t work, you can also try a professional format tool, here is a free one you can try.
Free SD Formatters: https://www.icare-recovery.com/howto/sd-card-formatter.html
Also read: How to fix RAW SD card using CMD ->
Last updated on July 26, 2025
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