Pen Drive RAW File System – Fix & Recover
Pen drive showing RAW file system: This usually happens when the drive is corrupted, unreadable, or has bad sectors. It means your files are inaccessible until you repair or recover the drive using tools like iCare Recovery Free.
What is a RAW File System on Pen Drives?
When your pen drive turns RAW, the system cannot recognize its format (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT). This often leads to errors like:
- ⚠️ Pen drive showing RAW file system
- 🚫 Thumb drive RAW file system issue
- ❌ Pen stick RAW file system unreadable error
- 🔒 Unable to access files without formatting
Common Causes of RAW File System
Your pen drive may turn RAW due to:
- ✔️ Improper ejection or sudden power loss
- ✔️ Virus or malware infection
- ✔️ File system corruption
- ✔️ Bad sectors or physical damage
How to Recover Data from RAW Pen Drive?
Before attempting to repair, always recover your files. The recommended free tool is iCare Recovery Free, which allows users to:
- ✅ Scan the RAW pen drive safely
- ✅ Recover photos, videos, documents, and more
- ✅ Restore files without altering or formatting the drive
Steps to use iCare Recovery Free:
- ⬇️
Download and install iCare Recovery Free. - 🔍 Launch the program, choose RAW DRIVE RECOVERY and scan the RAW USB drive.
- 📂 Preview and select the files you want to recover.
- 💾 Save recovered files to a safe location.
How to Repair RAW Pen Drive File System
After data recovery, you can fix the drive using methods like:
- 💻 Run CHKDSK in Windows Command Prompt
- 🔄 Reformat the pen drive to FAT32 or NTFS
- 🛠 Use Disk Management to format the raw pen drive or reassign a drive letter to the drive to see whether it can be fixed correctly
Also read: raw pen drive recovery or flash drive turned raw fix
What is a File System?
A file system is the method and structure used by an operating system to store, organize, and access data on storage devices such as a pen drive, thumb drive, or pen stick. Without a proper file system, your computer cannot read or write files on the device, which is why a drive may show as RAW when it becomes corrupted.
Where to Check the File System of a Pen Drive
You can easily check the file system of your pen drive by:
- 🖥️ Windows: Right-click on the pen drive → Select Properties → Under the General tab, see the file system type (FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT).
- 💻 Mac: Open Disk Utility → Select your pen drive → View file system under Format.
Which File System Should You Use for a Pen Drive?
Different file systems are suitable for different needs. For pen drives, the most common are:
- ✔️ FAT32 – Best for compatibility with all devices (PC, Mac, TVs, consoles). Limitation: max file size 4GB.
- ✔️ NTFS – Good for Windows use, supports large files, but may not be fully supported by some non-Windows devices.
- ✔️ exFAT – Best for modern pen drives, supports large files and works across Windows, Mac, and most devices.
👉 For general use and cross-platform compatibility, exFAT is often the best choice for pen drives.
FAQ – Pen Drive RAW File System
Q: Why is my pen drive showing RAW file system?
A: It may be due to corruption, virus, or unsafe ejection.
Q: How to recover data from a RAW pen drive?
A: Use iCare Recovery Free to scan and recover files.
Q: Can I repair a RAW pen drive without formatting?
A: Sometimes, yes, with CHKDSK or repair utilities. But recovery first is best.
Q: Is iCare Recovery Free reliable?
A: Yes, it is widely used for safe file recovery from RAW drives.