What should I do if the file system of my LUN shows as RAW on Windows?

Purpose

When a volume on your Windows becomes RAW in Disk Management, you cannot access the data on its LUN. However, this does not always mean that your data are permanently lost. This article will explain how to bring your volume back to NTFS or ReFS file system with Windows CMD commands.

Resolution

LUNs are usually formatted as NTFS or ReFS on Windows to retrieve or store files on your Synology NAS. However, a network disconnection or an abnormal shutdown may cause file system corruption, and the LUNs will show as a RAW format in Windows Disk Management. The corruption makes the data stored on the LUNs inaccessible.

To run the Windows check disk utility:

You can fix an abnormal file system or partition table by running the CHKDSK utility on Windows.

Open Windows Command Prompt, and make sure to run as Administrator.
Run the command below to check and fix the LUN. Replace E: with the drive letter assigned to the corrupt LUN.

chkdsk E: /f

If step 2 fails, you may try using data recovery software, TestDisk, to repair the LUNs. Visit the website for more information on the software.

Should there be any other NTFS or ReFS related issues, contact Microsoft Technical Support.

Notes:

It is always possible that the data on the LUNs have been corrupted beyond repair. The instructions provided are only for advice and performed at your own risk.

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