Problem w extracting files from system image. format disk?

After searching for a few hours, I decided to post a new thread.

I am trying to extract some specific files from a system image rather than doing a full restore. The WindowsImageBackup is on an external 500gb hard drive.

I have followed all directions on how to do this:

Computer management -> Disk management -> attach VHD

The VHD attaches fine, and it is the correct file. But when it attaches I get the message: "you need to format the disk in drive F: before you can use it. Do you want to format it?"

I clicked cancel, and then tried to right click -> explore. I then got the message: "F:\ is not accessible. The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable."

Out of all the tutorials I have read, the file should open just fine and let me explore it. Why is it asking me to format the disk? And is it safe to do so?

I attached a screenshot from Computer Management when the VHD is attached.

I don't want to lose everything on the system image! Can I/should I format the disk?

Thanks in advance for your help! Let me know if you need more information.

Ben

Do I need to convert the RAW file system to NTFS? If so, how do I do that and will that corrupt any of the data?

Or, when it is asking me if I want to format the disk, does that mean it will format the RAW file system as NTFS?

Thanks again for your help!