Abstract: A raw data reader for reading a magnetic medium computer storage device wherein data is stored as binary bits, including a data conditioner responsive to the computer storage device for providing serial binary data representative of the binary data read from the magnetic medium and corresponding thereto on a one-to-one basis, a serial to parallel converter for providing parallel data that includes formatting control information contained in the serial binary data, a decoder for decoding the parallel data, and control circuitry responsive to the serial binary data and the formatting control information for transferring selected decoded data to the host computer.