How to Extract Data from Unrecognized SSDs
Table of Contents
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
How to Tell If the SSD Problem Is Logical or Physical
Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter).
What You Need to Know Before Starting SSD Data Extraction
When an SSD becomes RAW or unrecognized, many users think reformatting is the fastest fix. Unfortunately, this often makes unrecognized SSD recovery much harder—or even impossible.
Instead, you should:
- Stop using the SSD immediately.
- Avoid any changes to prevent overwriting.
- Clone the SSD before attempting recovery.
- Choose the correct recovery method depending on whether it’s logical corruption or hardware damage.
Attempting SSD Data Extraction with CHKDSK
One of the first troubleshooting methods for Recovering data from a broken SSD is running CHKDSK, a Windows command-line utility that checks and repairs file system errors.
Steps to run CHKDSK:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the command and press Enter:
chkdsk X: /f /r
(Replace X with the drive letter of your SSD.)
CHKDSK will attempt to locate and repair errors in the file system, potentially restoring access to your SSD.
⚠️ Warning: According to Microsoft’s official CHKDSK documentation, using CHKDSK on a RAW disk is not a safe option. Running CHKDSK on a RAW or severely corrupted SSD can sometimes worsen the problem. It may overwrite file structures, making later unrecognized SSD recovery more difficult. If CHKDSK fails, do not retry repeatedly—move on to safer solutions.
Advanced SSD Data Extraction with WinHex
For IT professionals, hex editor tools like WinHex is a powerful forensic editor that enables detailed analysis of corrupted or RAW SSDs. It allows you to:
- Access sectors directly to inspect damaged areas.
- Rebuild broken file systems.
- Extract files even when the partition table is missing.
When a partition became RAW, it is normally caused by damaged file system. Here is an example to repair file system.
1.Open the disk with Winhex and check the partition status. As the screenshot shows, the sector for DBR has been damaged.
2.Locate the NTFS Backup DBR. Every NTFS volume stores a backup copy of the DBR at the last sector of the partition.
- In WinHex, scroll to the last sector of the disk.
- Search backwards for the hexadecimal signature
EB 52 90, which identifies the start of a valid NTFS DBR.
3: Replace the Corrupted Primary DBR
- Navigate to the first sector of the RAW partition (where the original DBR is corrupted).
- Carefully copy the contents of the valid backup DBR.
- Overwrite the corrupted DBR with the backup.
- Save changes in WinHex and safely close the editor.
4.Check drive status in Disk Management. If repaired correctly, it shows NTFS, instead of RAW.
Simple and Reliable Unrecognized SSD Recovery for Everyone
For most users, manual tools like WinHex are too complex. A safer and easier choice is Magic Data Recovery.
This software is designed to simplify SSD data extraction by:
- Supporting unrecognized SSD recovery with automatic scans.
- Handling RAW drives, formatted partitions, and deleted files.
- Recovering documents, photos, and videos with a few clicks.
- Offering a clean, intuitive interface—no technical expertise required.
With Magic Data Recovery, Recovering data from a broken SSD becomes accessible to anyone, not just professionals.
How to Use Magic Data Recovery for SSD Data Extraction
Using Magic Data Recovery is straightforward and beginner-friendly:
1.Download & Install: Get Magic Data Recovery from the official website.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
With just these simple steps, Recovering data from a broken SSD becomes something anyone can do without specialized knowledge.
Here is a video tutorial for reference.
Conclusion
When it comes to SSD data extraction, many users worry that once their drive becomes RAW, unrecognized, or even broken, recovery is impossible. The truth is, as long as the problem is not physical, there are reliable ways to bring your files back. Advanced methods such as replacing the DBR in WinHex or attempting repair with CHKDSK can sometimes succeed, but they require professional knowledge and carry risks.
For most users, especially those facing unrecognized SSD recovery or struggling with recovering data from a broken SSD, the safest path is to use dedicated software. Magic Data Recovery simplifies the entire process—allowing anyone to scan, preview, and restore lost files in just a few clicks, without needing technical expertise.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
FAQ
1. Why do SSDs sometimes turn RAW or become unrecognized?
2. What is the best method for SSD data extraction?
3. How do I approach unrecognized SSD recovery?
