Camera to PC problems

[SMKurt]

For some strange reason my Nikon D40x has stopped connecting with my laptop via the USB cable. Cable and USB ports are fine. I can see that something is still working as when i plug the cable in, the screen on the camera lights up but the 'Connecting to PC' screen doesnt come on.

Anyone know what the problem is? It been going on a few weeks now. I have to remove the memory card, put it into another camera and plug that camera in, which is a bit of a chew on. So help anyone? Thanks.

[Simpo Two]

Have you twiddled with the 'PTP/Mass Storage' setting?

If all fails, try a card reader.

[VxDuncan]

Nikons have a setting in the menu to set file transfer as a mass storage device or MTP/PTP. Possible a reset has put it to the other one. Try that first. Usually mass storage device would be best, though I use both (PC at work prefers MTP/PTP for some reason).

Alternatively it could be drivers on the PC, network drives meaning there are not enough drive letters for mass storage devices (a known issue with windows and novell when the first drive letter in the novell (sp?) client is set too low) or the format in the card is incompatible with the OS.

[SMKurt]

Right, cheers for the replys chaps. Checked the settings and changed it from MTP/PTP to mass storage device and its come up with the 'Connecting to PC' screen. Although theres nothing happening on the PC. As i removed the USB cable for the first time i got the usual noises that you get when you connect something via USB to the computer, i got the bleep for when you plug it in and then straight after the noise for when you unplug it. This happend as i removed the cable. Sounds like a dodgy connection or something right? Well i dont think so. Cause my USB ports are fine on the laptop and i tried connecting to another laptop and it worked perfect for about a week then it got to where i am now. Nothing happening

So guys, any more ideas? Sounds like its something to do with the ports on my PC. What do i need to do? Thanks.

[LongQ]

Is it safe to assume you have re-booted at some point during the time you have had the problem?

Could be a dodgy cable? It might cause the USB port(s) some grief.

FWIW I have always removed the cards and used a card reader.

[Stickers]

You might have already thought of/done this - if not, try asking the boffins on the 'Computers, Gadgets & Stuff' forum under the 'Pie & Piston' section.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/forum.asp?h=0...

[SMKurt]

LongQ said:

Is it safe to assume you have re-booted at some point during the time you have had the problem?

Could be a dodgy cable? It might cause the USB port(s) some grief.

FWIW I have always removed the cards and used a card reader.

Yes, this problem started about a month or two ago. Like i say, it started not connecting on my laptop, but it worked for a while on my other laptop but now its stopped on there too.

Iv changed USB cables aswell now yes.

Stickers said:

You might have already thought of/done this - if not, try asking the boffins on the 'Computers, Gadgets & Stuff' forum under the 'Pie & Piston' section.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/forum.asp?h=0...

Thanks, yeah i wasnt sure which section to post it in so i thought id try here first.


Iv been toying round with it, when i first plug it in on the laptop, it appears in My Computer but after a split second it disconnects is self. Iv managed to be quick enough to open it and i seen the DSC folder or what ever its called but its just disconnected straight away.

[andy-xr]

Do you format your memory cards? Obviously dont do it while you've got photos on the card that you want off.

I prefer a card reader rather than connecting the camera, then format the card in camera once I've backed up what I've just taken off, it might be worth a look as I've heard of both read and write errors by not doing this.

[Simpo Two]

SMKurt said:

Checked the settings and changed it from MTP/PTP to mass storage device and its come up with the 'Connecting to PC' screen. Although theres nothing happening on the PC. As i removed the USB cable for the first time i got the usual noises that you get when you connect something via USB to the computer, i got the bleep for when you plug it in and then straight after the noise for when you unplug it. This happend as i removed the cable.

Sounds promising but its not opening the window for you. Try plugging it in again and waiting for the beeps and ker-plonk noises. Can you then browse to it via 'My Computer'?

[VxDuncan]

Slim chance, but also try connecting direct to the ports on the PC and with a fully charged battery, rather than through a hub. Apart from there being more cause problems a USB port can only sink 500mA (sometimes more, but that's the spec), so having hubs and high power devices like scanners etc can drag the power down. Give it a clean connection.

Sounds like you're at the point of having a dig in the device manager (control panel-> system->hardware) to see if there's a flag against your camera device when connected. Though if you're unsure what you're doing leave well alone and buy a cheap card reader from 7dayshop...

[Simpo Two]

Card readers are frequently quicker than the camera to download. If you've got 5Gb to shift it can make a big difference!