.RAW File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .RAW file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

RAW File Recovery

What is a .RAW file?

A RAW file is an image generated by digital cameras such as Panasonic, Leica, and Casio cameras. It contains uncompressed, raw image data that can be adjusted for exposure and white balance using software that supports the format. RAW files are used for storing unaltered image data as captured by a digital camera's CCD.

What Are Common Causes of ".RAW" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".RAW" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: This is one of the most common causes of file loss. Users may unintentionally delete ".RAW" files while organizing or cleaning up their storage devices.
  2. Formatting: Formatting a storage device without backing up the ".RAW" files can lead to their loss. This can happen when users format a memory card, USB drive, or hard drive without realizing that important ".RAW" files are stored on it.
  3. File system corruption: If the file system of a storage device becomes corrupt, it can result in data loss, including ".RAW" files. This can happen due to software or hardware issues, improper ejection of the storage device, or sudden power outages.
  4. Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect storage devices and corrupt or delete ".RAW" files. These malicious programs can gain access to the files and cause irreversible damage.
  5. Hardware failure: Storage devices can fail due to various reasons such as physical damage, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear. When a storage device fails, it can result in the loss of ".RAW" files stored on it.
  6. Software or application issues: Errors or bugs in software or applications used to access or manipulate ".RAW" files can lead to their loss or corruption. This can happen during file transfers, editing, or conversion processes.
  7. Improper file transfer or handling: Interrupted or incomplete file transfers, sudden removal of storage devices during data transfer, or mishandling of storage devices can cause ".RAW" file loss or corruption.

It is important to regularly back up ".RAW" files to minimize the risk of permanent loss and to use reliable data recovery tools or services in case of accidental deletion or file loss.

How to recover lost ".RAW" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".RAW" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".RAW" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".RAW" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".RAW" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".RAW" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".RAW" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo raw Image Data File image file file?

Programs that open ".RAW" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019
Corel PaintShop Pro 2020 Corel PaintShop Pro 2020
ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio
ACD Systems Canvas X 2019 ACD Systems Canvas X 2019
RawTherapee RawTherapee
Microsoft Photos Microsoft Photos
GIMP with UFRaw plug-in GIMP with UFRaw plug-in
Mac
Apple Preview Apple Preview
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019
GIMP with UFRaw plug-in GIMP with UFRaw plug-in
MacPhun ColorStrokes MacPhun ColorStrokes
WidsMob PhotoVault WidsMob PhotoVault
Linux
RawTherapee RawTherapee
digiKam digiKam
UFRaw UFRaw
GIMP with UFRaw plug-in GIMP with UFRaw plug-in
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: Raw Image Data File

  • File extension: .RAW

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Camera Raw Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 6D 68 77 61 6E 68 00 04

  • ASCII: mhwanh

  • File types that use the extension .RAW:

    • Raw Image Data File

    • Dolphin Wii and Gamecube Emulator Game Save File

    • Raw Audio Data

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:44 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .RAW files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the process of ".RAW recovery" and how does it differ from other data recovery methods?

    RAW recovery is a data recovery method used to retrieve data from storage devices when the file system is corrupted or inaccessible. It involves scanning the device at a low level, bypassing the file system, to identify and extract data based on file signatures or headers.

    The process of RAW recovery typically involves the following steps:

    1. Device scanning: A specialized data recovery software scans the storage device sector by sector, searching for file signatures. It ignores the file system structure and focuses on identifying specific file types.
    2. File signature identification: The software recognizes unique file signatures or headers for different file types. For example, it may identify the signature of a JPEG image, a DOCX document, or an MP4 video.
    3. Extraction and recovery: Once file signatures are found, the software extracts the associated data clusters and reconstructs the files. This process may involve dealing with fragmented files and attempting to recover as much data as possible.
    4. File organization: After extraction, the recovered files are organized based on their file types and presented to the user for preview or further actions.

    The main difference between RAW recovery and other data recovery methods lies in the approach. Other methods, such as logical recovery, rely on the file system metadata to locate and retrieve files. However, if the file system is damaged, inaccessible, or overwritten, logical recovery may not be effective. RAW recovery, on the other hand, directly scans the device for file signatures, allowing the recovery of files even when the file system is severely compromised.

    While RAW recovery can be powerful in retrieving lost data, it has some limitations. It may not recover filenames, folder structures, or other metadata since it bypasses the file system. Additionally, the recovered files may not be in a usable state if they were partially overwritten or damaged. Therefore, it is important to use RAW recovery as a last resort and always have backups of important data to avoid such situations.

  • What are the common scenarios where ".RAW recovery" is necessary and how can it help in recovering lost or inaccessible data?

    There are several common scenarios where ".RAW recovery" is necessary:

    1. Accidental deletion: If files or data are accidentally deleted from storage devices such as hard drives, memory cards, or USB drives, .RAW recovery can help retrieve the lost data.
    2. Formatted drives: When a storage device is formatted, it erases all the data on it. However, with .RAW recovery, it is possible to recover files even after formatting.
    3. File system corruption: If the file system on a storage device becomes corrupted, it can make the data inaccessible. .RAW recovery can scan the device at a low level and recover the data bypassing the corrupted file system.
    4. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can corrupt or delete files on a storage device. .RAW recovery can help recover the files that have been affected by the virus.
    5. Partition loss: If a partition on a hard drive gets lost or deleted, the data stored on that partition becomes inaccessible. .RAW recovery can scan the drive and recover the lost partition along with its data.
    6. Bad sectors on the drive: Bad sectors on a storage device can make the data stored in those sectors inaccessible. .RAW recovery can bypass the bad sectors and recover the data from the rest of the drive.

    . RAW recovery helps in recovering lost or inaccessible data by performing a deep scan of the storage device at a low level. It ignores the file system and analyzes the data directly from the disk. This allows it to recover files that may not be accessible through normal methods.

    During the .RAW recovery process, the software identifies file signatures and reconstructs the files based on those signatures. It can recover various file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and more.

    However, it is important to note that .RAW recovery may not always be able to recover all the data or maintain the original file names and folder structures. It is recommended to consult professional data recovery services in case of critical data loss situations.

  • What are the potential risks or challenges associated with ".RAW recovery" and how can they be mitigated to ensure successful data recovery?

    Potential risks or challenges associated with ".RAW recovery" include:

    1. File fragmentation: RAW recovery may not be able to recover fragmented files properly, leading to incomplete or corrupted data. This can be mitigated by using a file recovery software that has advanced algorithms to handle fragmentation.
    2. Overwriting data: If the RAW recovery process is performed on the same storage device from which data needs to be recovered, there is a risk of overwriting the lost data. To mitigate this risk, it is important to immediately stop using the device and perform the recovery process on a separate system or storage device.
    3. Lack of file names and metadata: RAW recovery often retrieves files without their original names or metadata, making it difficult to identify and organize the recovered data. To overcome this challenge, it is recommended to use a file recovery software that provides options to preview and sort the recovered files based on their content or file types.
    4. Time-consuming process: RAW recovery can be a time-consuming process, especially if the storage device is large or has a high level of fragmentation. To ensure successful data recovery, it is important to have patience and allocate sufficient time for the recovery process to complete.
    5. Limited success rate: RAW recovery may not always be successful in recovering all the lost data. Some files may be too damaged or overwritten to be recovered using this method. It is crucial to have realistic expectations and be prepared for the possibility of partial or incomplete data recovery.

    To ensure successful data recovery with RAW recovery, it is advisable to:

    • Immediately stop using the storage device from which data needs to be recovered to prevent further data loss or overwriting.
    • Use reliable and reputable data recovery software that specializes in RAW recovery and has a good track record.
    • Follow the instructions provided by the software carefully to avoid any mistakes or accidental overwriting.
    • Make regular backups of important data to minimize the impact of data loss and reduce the need for RAW recovery in the future.
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