I need some HELP

I was gonna send this in an email but maybe someone else who has the same issues will find this helpful. I spent a few hours last night sifting through Google and I'm fairly convinced that the issue is with the Picture Package software. It seems to give a lot of people problems with many different Sony camera models. Here are a couple of things to try:

1. Sometimes XP doesn't get along with the autolaunch of the software. To disable Picture Package Menu from launching automatically, run Picture Package Menu, go to Settings and uncheck 'Launch Automatically'.

2. I did find you an update to that software. Maybe try installing the update and see if it resolves anything. You can download it at: http://www.ppackage.com/e/index.html . Choose "Picture Package 1.8".

3. Sony recommends you call the software maker for tech support if neither of those two options help. Mind you, I friggin HATE tech support but I imagine they have dealt with this particular issue before. Give them a chance to help you get the software working but if that doesn't work, tell them that you want them to help you get that piece of shit software OFF your computer. Their number is 1-800-458-4029.

I don't know who the genius is at Sony that partnered up with this software company, but I'd like to give him a swift kick in the ass LOL.

You want to skip all the program bullshit?? Go to bestbuy and getcha a USB card reader. plug er' in, the computer "sees" it automaticly as a removable drive. Then just stick the card in, open it (it'll be just a file with thumbnails), then drag & drop the pics wherever you want em.

I had a cannon and the software they sent with it took years off my life due to agrivation.

Some excellent suggestions by Chablis. One other thing to consider -- if you haven't installed Service Pack 2 for your Windows XP then that is most likely the cause of the problem. Major upgrades to the "TWAIN" driver in SP2. Now, there are lots of good reasons NOT to install SP2 on an older machine which I won't get into here. So, if a call to Picture Package tech support doesn't do it, consider doing what Heath suggested, instead.

Cat -

You just need some place to hold the pics, assuming that you have the USB driver in place. Google has a good one that you can download for free... called Picasa (sp.).

Have fun.

Bob

Catfish, I have a Sony DSC-85. Similar. Under settings, does 'usb connect' point to "ptp?" I don't know what that means, but that's the setting I had to use to get mine to download.

Why not try just hooking the camera up to the PC via the USB cable, then just go to "MY COMPUTER" and look for the icon that says "removable disk" Then double click on that, and it should open up a folder that holds all your photos. I never bother with any software that comes with a camera. Its not needed.

Another cracker tyrin to use the computer...

Did you turn the camera on before or after you plugged it in? Plug it in while it's off then turn it on.