FAQ
TL;DR: 1 tool suggested (Paragon Partition Manager) and “first delete the partition, then create a new one and format.” [Elektroda, borg18, post #16654172]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows users fix or diagnose an Innodisk 3ME SATA SSD that shows RAW and won’t format.
Quick Facts
- Windows reported 29.6 GB RAW, Healthy (Active, Primary Partition), and kept prompting to format. [Elektroda, andrz6, post #16653989]
- Formatting failed both over USB and when installed internally via the Win10 installer. [Elektroda, andrz6, post #16653989]
- “If it can't be formatted then it's damaged,” one responder concluded. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654101]
- Suggested workflow: delete the partition, create a new one, then format with Paragon Partition Manager. [Elektroda, borg18, post #16654172]
- HD Tune surface tests were called “not suitable for testing SSDs” in the thread debate. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654298]
Why does my Innodisk 3ME 32GB show RAW and keep asking to format in Windows?
Windows can see the drive but the partition isn’t readable, so it shows RAW and prompts to format. In the thread, the 32 GB Innodisk appeared as 29.6 GB RAW and Healthy, yet remained inaccessible. That symptom points to a damaged or corrupted partition structure on the SSD. [Elektroda, andrz6, post #16653989]
Does a failed format mean the SSD is dead?
A respondent stated, “If it can’t be formatted then it’s damaged.” Treat repeated format failures across different ports or hosts as a strong failure signal. Back up any recoverable data before further writes. “If it can’t be formatted then it’s damaged.” [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654101]
What’s the first fix to try when an SSD is RAW?
Try a partition-manager workflow: delete the existing partition, create a new partition, then format it. Paragon Partition Manager was suggested specifically for this sequence. This can repair a broken partition table without deeper firmware work. “First delete the partition, then create a new one and format.” [Elektroda, borg18, post #16654172]
How do I check this SSD’s health quickly?
Pull SMART data and review health indicators with tools mentioned in the thread, such as CrystalDiskInfo or SMART Monitoring Tools. These tools surface reallocated sectors, wear indicators, and power-on counts that help confirm failing media or controller issues. “I also recommend CrystalDiskInfo.” [Elektroda, borg18, post #16654217]
Is HD Tune good for SSD diagnostics?
One participant argued that HD Tune’s surface test is not suitable for SSDs. If you use it, focus on SMART data reporting rather than surface scans. Prefer SSD-aware tools for wear metrics and controller health. “Not suitable for testing SSDs.” [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654298]
I tried USB and internal SATA, and even the Win10 installer. Format still fails. What does that indicate?
Cross-environment failures (USB enclosure and direct SATA with Windows installer) suggest a drive-side problem, not a cable or port issue. In the case discussed, both routes failed and a respondent deemed the device damaged. Consider replacing the SSD after data attempts. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654101]
What capacity should I expect to see for a 32 GB Innodisk?
In the case reported, Windows showed 29.6 GB available for a 32 GB-labeled SSD. That aligns with overhead and formatting differences users commonly observe in practice. Treat sudden RAW status at this size as a red flag to check SMART and partitions. [Elektroda, andrz6, post #16653989]
Can Windows show Healthy but the SSD still be unusable?
Yes. The drive in the thread appeared Healthy (Active, Primary Partition) while the file system was RAW and inaccessible. Healthy refers to the partition’s presence, not a readable file system or sound NAND/controller state. Proceed with partition rebuild or replacement. [Elektroda, andrz6, post #16653989]
What metrics matter in SMART for a quick go/no-go?
Look at power-on hours and power cycles first, as one commenter highlighted. Combine these with reallocation and wear indicators in an SSD-focused tool. If attributes look abnormal and formats fail, plan for replacement. “Working time, number of starts...” [Elektroda, r103, post #16654634]
What’s a safe 3‑step how-to to attempt recovery?
- Delete the existing partition using Paragon Partition Manager.
- Create a new primary partition on the full disk.
- Format the new partition (NTFS/ exFAT) and recheck access.
If any step fails, stop and assess SMART data. [Elektroda, borg18, post #16654172]
Should I trust a surface scan to find bad areas on an SSD?
Avoid relying on classic sector-by-sector surface scans for SSDs, as noted in the thread. These tests were designed for HDD mechanics and offer limited diagnostic value for flash media. Use SMART and vendor/SSD-aware tools instead. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654298]
Who is this guide for and what problem does it solve?
It targets Windows users with Innodisk 3ME SATA SSDs that appear as RAW, show Healthy partitions, and refuse to format. It consolidates the thread’s practical steps and viewpoints to help decide between partition repair and replacement. [Elektroda, andrz6, post #16653989]
