External HDD shows as RAW

jumanji said:

In Disk Management does your disk still show with a drive letter and RAW?

jumanji said:

Does Partition Wizard > explore show all your files?

jumanji said:

Both are exactly same as in your first post?

If it is so we may have to try data recovery.

You have to run TestDisk again. Following the process in post #6, The sixth screen should show that boot sector and backup boot sector OK - the same as in your post #7,. In that screen, highlight
[List] and press Enter.

Does the next screen list all your files?

I need to go out now so I will have to continue this tonight.

jumanji said:

In that case quit TestDisk.

Prepare another external disk with adequate space to copy the files.. Create a folder named Recovery in it. Plug it in along with the faulty drive. Note down the drive letter of your Destination disk

Repeat Test Disk. When the files are listed copy those to the Destination disk.

Copying files listed by TestDisk to the Destination Disk: Read this My external hard drive suddenly became unllocated: - Page 3 - Windows 7 Forums

I actually do have all the data somewhere else but I really wanted to get the folders/files structure back.

I know that I can either use a Linux Live CD, which I have on a bootable USB, or reformat the external HDD and re-copy the files across [ I might actually do this as it would probably be quicker ]. I just thought that it would be easier if possible to re-build/re-map the drive.

Thanks as always for your input, time, and expertise, it is appreciated.

Yes, you may try Live Linux.. Post the results when done..

Corrupt files also can cause the Disk not accessible error. Since MFT and MFT mirror are ok, it is safe to run checkdisk. If you haven't run check disk already you may run CHKDSK K: /f /v /r /x Note: Replace K: with the actual drive letter of the external drive. You may keep this as a last resort since at times it may take a long time to complete.320GB shouldn't be a concern though..
Do not abort the run in the middle.
I am still curious to know what you did in post #5 - the code at the end of which you put a joyous