File systems · raw DD image
Open a DD image for file recovery
How do I open a DD disk image for recovery?
Short answer
Do not mount it: open the DD file in a recovery tool's image mode, which reads the raw blocks and interprets the partitions and file systems inside. File Recovery Hero accepts uncompressed IMG, DD, RAW and BIN images on macOS and Windows. Keep the original image unchanged, work from a copy if needed and export results elsewhere.
The situation
You have a sector-by-sector image and want to inspect it without touching the original device.
You have a sector-by-sector image and want to inspect it without touching the original device. If the original source has not been written to again, useful file-system traces or data blocks may still remain for raw DD image. A read-only scan can assess the source, but no result should be promised before that examination.
01 / Diagnose
Work out what actually disappeared
A DD file is raw block data, not a normal document. Recovery software must interpret the partitions and file systems inside it. For raw DD image, first separate a missing path, folder or volume name from actual deletion. That distinction determines the safest next recovery step.
Check the last known path, trash and backups without writing to the original device.
02 / Protect the source
Preserve the best recovery chance
- 1
Disconnect or remove raw DD image and prevent further writes.
- 2
Write down the device, the date and the last action before the loss so you can match recovered files later.
- 3
Check known destinations, backups and trash without restoring anything onto the source.
- 4
Export every candidate only to internal storage or a physically different drive.
Keep the image unchanged, work from a copy if needed and select image mode rather than mounting it read-write. Do not record a test file and do not approve formatting or file-system repair.
03 / Choose the method
Match the tool to the source
For stable, readable exFAT, NTFS and FAT16/FAT32 or uncompressed IMG, DD, RAW and BIN images.
Unconfirmed exports are marked .UNVERIFIED.
Software cannot reconstruct overwritten blocks or storage cells that are no longer readable. If the source disconnects repeatedly or becomes unusually warm, a professional laboratory is the safer route.
04 / Verify
Check the recovered content, not just its name
Validate files recovered from raw DD image completely: compare the size and format, then read the content from beginning to end. A preview or surviving filename is not proof of a complete recovery.
Keep the source until two verified copies exist. One working preview is not enough.
Sources and technical references
FAQ
Questions about this recovery case
Can raw DD image be recovered in this situation?+
You have a sector-by-sector image and want to inspect it without touching the original device. If the original source has not been written to again, useful file-system traces or data blocks may still remain for raw DD image. A read-only scan can assess the source, but no result should be promised before that examination. The result still depends on what remains readable on the source.
How do I know whether the result is complete?+
Validate files recovered from raw DD image completely: compare the size and format, then read the content from beginning to end.
Does scanning write to my memory card?+
Your memory card is only read. Nothing is saved to it.