Upgraded Kodak Camera Software, Now Cant Transfer Pictures?

Infopackets Reader Paul H. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I have a Kodak DX3600 camera equipped with a 'docking' unit. I upgraded the camera software (from version 1.2 to latest revision), but can no longer transfer pictures from my camera to the computer (I am using Windows 2000, by the way).

To resolve this dilemma, I sought a local computer 'expert' to contemplate my problem, but he could not produce a solution. I have done everything that Kodak has suggested over at their web site with no luck. I am one of several people in my area who has the same problem with their Kodak software. Are you aware of any fixes, or should I just use this thing for a fishing weight? "

My response:

I don't have any experience with the Kodak software you are referring to, but perhaps the new revision requires an update for your USB host controller? I base assertion on the fact that you now have problems transferring the pictures from the camera to your computer after upgrading the software.

Side note: USB stands for 'Universal Serial Bus'. USB is "an interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to computers. Hardware components for implementing a USB interface include connector ports on computers and cables for connecting peripheral devices to the computer. The USB standard supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices." (Source: iet.ucdavis.edu)

The device driver for your USB host controller should be available from your motherboard manufacturer (if the USB connection operates from the main board). If you don't know the manufacturer of your main board, you can download a utility called Belarc Advisor, which can extract all sorts of useful information about your computer (free).

If upgrading your USB driver doesn't work, I have two more suggestions:

1. Scale back to the previous camera software reversion in order to reclaim functionality of the software and camera (remember that old adage -- if it isn't broke, don't fix it?).  
2. If reverting back to the old version of the software does not sound appealing, you can try a 'workaround' by copying the image files to your hard drive and then accessing the images with the new software. The camera most likely has a TWAIN-compliant interface and therefore *should* allow you to access its images, much like you would a floppy disk (via My Computer). To do so: plug the camera in, then access My Computer -> Camera device. You should be able to explore / cut and paste the files from the camera to your hard drive... then use the new camera software to import / manipulate the images locally (via the C drive instead of the camera).

Side note: "Though the real story [which defines the acronym 'TWAIN'] may never be known, the purpose of TWAIN is quite clear: it is a graphics and imaging standard that allows companies to make drivers for scanners and digital cameras. Nearly all scanners on the market today are TWAIN compliant, meaning the way they interact with your computer is based on the TWAIN standard." (Source: Sharpened.net)

Good luck!