Installation Disks for camera/camcorder not working on Windows 7.

Moonshine · Oct 10, 2012, 22:26:52

Hi,

I have just updated to a new desktop computer, and have finally moved over from Windows XP to Windows 7. I have come across an issue when trying to re-install my software installation disk for my Pentax Optio M90 camera (okay, not the greatest camera in the world, but it does the job!). It worked fine on my old XP computer, and I could download all my photos with no issue. However, it won't let me install it onto the new computer, even though the box for the camera states it is compatible with Windows 7!

I had to click on 'computer' and then find the Pentax file there. Then I had to right click on that and find 'set up'. When I right clicked on that, it brought up details of a 'compatibility test' type thing! I then tried to install the disk again once it had run the compatibility test, but it comes up with an Autorun error 'Demo 32.exe cannot found!'. I actually think it's supposed to say 'cannot BE found', but that's just the grammar queen in me!

Anyway, I have absolutely no idea what this means, nor how to resolve this issue, which basically means I cannot download any photos!! There shouldn't be an issue, as the box clearly states it is compatible with Windows 7.

Where do I go from here? I have a similar issue with my Panasonic SDR-H85 video camcorder. Again, the Panasonic Videocam Suite 3.0 is indicating it is not compatible, even though the box says it is compatible with Windows 7, and it won't let me download from the software installation disk (though again, it worked fine on XP!

If anyone can throw any light on this or help me in any way, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks for reading.

Moonshine.

pctech · Oct 10, 2012, 22:40:57

Hi

Have you tried the Pentax site for your camera and Panasonic for your camcorder?

If you forget the disk for a moment and just plug in the camera Windows should go off and find the correct drivers for it.

Moonshine · Oct 10, 2012, 22:56:24

I tried the video camera all plugged in, but it didn't do anything!?!! Should it have come up with a box or a message to tell me what to do next?!! (Resident computer idiot here).

I'm not sure where to look on the Pentax website. I have emailed them, so I guess I'll have to wait for a response. Not sure if they're UK based....

Thanks.

Simon · Oct 10, 2012, 23:32:35

Have a look here for your Pentax software and drivers, Moonshine:

http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/Photo-Downloads.html

Moonshine · Oct 11, 2012, 07:44:20

Quote from: Simon on Oct 10, 2012, 23:32:35
Have a look here for your Pentax software and drivers, Moonshine:

http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/Photo-Downloads.html

Thanks Simon, but I could only view a data sheet for my specific camera on there (Optio M90), and the link for downloads didn't have my particular camera model on it. Unless I'm completely missing something. Thanks anyway.

Steve · Oct 11, 2012, 08:15:52

Having had a look at the m90manual, in theory this should work I quote below

"Transferring Photos/Videos to your PC
To transfer photos and videos to your PC, you need to set the USB mode as MSDC first. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation:
Connect the camera's PC/AV port to a free USB port on your PC
using the USB cable.
The camera's internal memory and/or SD/SDHC card appear as removable drives in the file manager. Copy the files from the drives to the directory on your PC.
Use ArcSoft MediaImpression (provided on the software CD) to view or edit the photos and videos respectively."

Later versions of the above software are available whether the upgrade works I've no idea.

http://arcsoft-mediaimpression.en.softonic.com

Moonshine · Oct 11, 2012, 14:15:26

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your reply.

I think I will have to play around and see what happens. I can't use the ArcSoft MediaImpression software CD, because it seems to now be incompatible to Windows 7! Anyway, I'll see if I can plug the camera directly into the computer without using the CD software and see what happens.

Many thanks for your help.

Moonshine.

Steve · Oct 11, 2012, 14:28:59

I think that's the way forward as Windows 7 just then sees a device in 'disk' mode, then you can copy & paste.

Technical Ben · Oct 11, 2012, 18:04:35

Yep. I think you should be able to do it manually or with a Windows 7 transfer option. If you plug it in and windows detects it as a "disk" click the option for "transfer photos" or whatever it's called, and Windows will look for photos for you and do it's best.
Else you can browse the "disk" (memory card) and find the photos. Might help to make a handy shortcut if you do it this way.

Moonshine · Oct 11, 2012, 22:49:55

Quote from: Technical Ben on Oct 11, 2012, 18:04:35
Yep. I think you should be able to do it manually or with a Windows 7 transfer option. If you plug it in and windows detects it as a "disk" click the option for "transfer photos" or whatever it's called, and Windows will look for photos for you and do it's best.
Else you can browse the "disk" (memory card) and find the photos. Might help to make a handy shortcut if you do it this way.

Sounds like a plan! I will definitely give that a go. Many thanks all.

Moonshine.