Understand the Procedure to Change Raw File System to Fat32
Most of the users must have encountered an instance, wherein their external or internal hard disk drives have turned to raw format. This can occur due to any file system error or removing a partition. It is generally observed among users that when the PC is turned on, it prompts a message saying the hard disk is not formatted. In this, the file system type is RAW in which users can no longer use the drive unless the drive has been formatted. So, what needs to be done in such a situation? Is that we need to delete the drive? No, here is the blog for you, which will help you understand the reasons that how the file system turns raw along with the result-oriented solutions. So, readers read on and follow the procedure to change Raw to Fat32 using CMD.
Table of Content
Why the File System Appears to be RAW?
A RAW file system means that the disk is not formatted and also there is no file system assigned to it. There could be multiple reasons, which may turn the file system raw. Some of the common reasons are listed below,
- Sudden Power failure when the PC is working can lead the disk to become raw-type
- When some inappropriate modifications are done to the hard disk partitions can cause to create a raw file state
- When an external hard disk is connected to a television, sometimes the TV generates its own format, which the PC fails to read the data and sees it as RAW file system
- Due to malicious software or virus intrusion on the PC can affect the disk, which can turn out to be raw
- Whenever the hardware is physically damaged. After which, the file system appears to be raw-type
- When an external hard disk like USB cable becomes disconnected after some data is being copied. This can turn the disk to go under raw state
User Scenario 1
“Due to some additional storage space in my local disk, I separated the partition to a new disk. After creating the new disk, now the disk is under the raw state. Hence, I need to change Raw to FAT32. Kindly let me know the steps to process the same. Requesting to reply back at the earliest possible.”
In order to convert Raw file system to FAT32, the user needs to follow the below-explained process,
- Firstly, hit Window+R keys to execute the command
- Now, type compmgmt.msc and hit the Enter key
- Go to Computer Management>> Storage>> Disk Management
- Once the partition is created, it will appear as Unallocated
- Now, right-click on the new partition>> New Simple Volume>> click Next and assign the drive letter
- Then, format the created volume to change Raw to FAT32 file system and click Finish
Note: One can convert raw to Fat32, only if the drive size does not exceed beyond 32GB. As Fat32 has got the maximum limit of up to 32 GB.
- By this approach, one can convert Raw file system to FAT32 using disk management
User Scenario 2
“I have a 32GB USB flash drive, which was in Fat32 format. Yesterday, when I opened the drive, I was surprised to see that it has turned to RAW without any reason. Because of this, I am no longer able to open the same. Could someone let me know to change raw to Fat32 using CMD without any loss of data?”
In the above-discussed scenario, the user needs to convert raw file system to Fat32 using CMD. For that, follow the below steps in sequence,
- In the search field, enter diskpart
- Now, right-click on diskpart and click on Run as Administrator
- After that, type list volume, which will list all the available partitions
- Select the target drive to change from raw to Fat32 using cmd
- Then, type select Volume 3 and hit Enter. Make sure to select the correct partition or drive
- Now, type format fs=fat32 quick and press the Enter key
- In order to close the command prompt, type exit and hit Enter
- Finally, the user can access the drive so as to change Raw to FAT32 using cmd
After implementing the above steps, you may see that the data which was stored before converting the file system has been lost. This is one of the major drawbacks while performing manually. In addition, one should execute all the steps without skipping any, for that technical knowledge is a must. So, what will be the solution to recover the lost data after the process to convert Raw File system to FAT32.
How Can a User Recover the Deleted Data After Formatting the File System?
Although, a user can follow the above methods to change Raw to FAT32, provided there is enough technical expertise. Somehow, this method leads to data loss after converting the file system. Then, what needs to be done to recover the lost files. The files can be restored back using a third-party tool. As most of the users trust reliable and secure software like SysTools Hard Disk Data Recovery Software tool. It is a proficient software, which allows users to recover corrupt, hard or soft deleted files from any hard drive. It is incorporated with the most efficient features, which can support both formatted and corrupted file systems like FAT, ExFat, NTFS.
Final Words
For users who need to change raw to Fat32 using CMD, they can use the Windows inbuilt utilities which are mentioned in this blog. Even though it changes the file system from raw to Fat32, it fails to sustain the data that means all the data is lost. Therefore, one can switch to a highly equipped professional tool which is discussed above. By using this tool, now users don’t have to worry about any data loss during the process to convert Raw File system to FAT32.