Kids' Digital Camera Software

[Riggs]

I'm a tech-no ignoramus, any help would be appreciated.

Our kids got cheapo digital cameras (Argus - ?) for Christmas, just tried to install the downloading software, and a message that said this came up:

"Software has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify it's compatibility with Windows XP. Continuing may impair or destabilize correct operation of your system either immediately or in the future. Microsoft strongly recommends you stop installation."

So is this just a lame threat because cheapo Co. didn't pay Microsoft, or is it possible could really cause a problem? :confused: We have a PC with XP on it. Don't want to screw anything up, don't like that "destabilize" word. :(

[jeffb]

I think all it means is that its not tested on Windows XP...Or as you stated, they didn't pay MSFT....

[seattle]

That message is very common with Hardware drivers. The company did not go through the Microsoft testing. I would check online for newer drivers and install those.

[jeffus]

Ours got a camera too. It came with software and a USB cable.

I didn't even bother installing the software. Just hooked it up to the USB ports, the computer recognized it as an external drive, and I just dragged the pics onto the computer's hard drive.

Give that a try.

[Riggs]

Hmmmm. Tried just plugging it in, came up with some hardware stuff, everything I tried said cannot find driver or software not found. Tried the arguscamera.com site, when I hit the download, it says invalid digital signature, do you want to run? I'm guessing the download's the same thing as the disc anyway, cameras were just bought last week.

Now when I plug it in, does nothing. Guess it needs the disc. Still :confused: :confused:

[TuffDogStudio]

you might consider using www.snapfish.com software, will load the images right onto their site for storage and sharing.

Heres a direct link: http://www.snapfish.com/picturemover/otsc=SOM/otsi=y122506

[Riggs]

Looks interesting, TuffDog. I was kind of wondering about online downloading, haven't done that before. Is snapfish what you guys would recommend? Or is that just the one that can download directly? Thought I should look into it before I leapt, we have a Nikon digital for our photos, looks like once I sign onto Snapfish it's pics go there too, instead of the Nikon software (on computer only) I've been using. Not a big problem, just wanted to check before I sign up. I don't seem to be able to figure out quitting a software as easily as starting. :rolleyes:

I saw your magazine work on here, TuffDog, looks pretty amazing. You obviously have a bunch of experience. I've seen Jackson's Dad's photos too, cool! Anybody's thoughts welcome! :wtg:

[jeffb]

we've been using Kodak Gallery (http://www.kodakgallery.com/) for a long time. I don't know anything about the other services out there. I love what they have to offer. Before we got the Mac, we used Adobe Photoshop Elements (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/)

[TuffDogStudio]

Looks interesting, TuffDog. I was kind of wondering about online downloading, haven't done that before. Is snapfish what you guys would recommend? Or is that just the one that can download directly? Thought I should look into it before I leapt, we have a Nikon digital for our photos, looks like once I sign onto Snapfish it's pics go there too, instead of the Nikon software (on computer only) I've been using. Not a big problem, just wanted to check before I sign up. I don't seem to be able to figure out quitting a software as easily as starting. :rolleyes:

I saw your magazine work on here, TuffDog, looks pretty amazing. You obviously have a bunch of experience. I've seen Jackson's Dad's photos too, cool! Anybody's thoughts welcome! :wtg:

We love Snapfish, ordered a bunch of calendars this year for christmas gifts, so far everyone has loved getting one.

Thanx for the kind words Riggs, made that post just to try and do some WAHD networking :)

[jeffus]

I ignored the warnings about not working properly without re-booting, blah, etc.

Then I just dragged & dropped onto the hard-drive.

[chuck]

just install the software that came with the camera, that digital warning message means not to much, what it really boils down to is the company didnt want to pay microsoft to say it's ok to use with their software. I would say there is a 99.9percent chance it will work just fine.
If your really worried about it set a restore point before installing it so you can go back to were you once were.
Enjoy your new camera! And thing no wasted film!

[Riggs]

That's kind of what I was thinking jeffus and chuck, so many damn warnings about things on computers it's ridiculous, most seem meaningless. I'd do the snapfish thing, but it looked like then it always downloads to them as soon as you plug in any camera if it's set up that way. Rather have a choice I think.

How do you set a restore point? Never heard of that. My computer knowledge is very basic.

[jeffus]

To create a Restore Point

Access the System Restore Wizard through Help and Support Center.
Click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
In the Restore point description box, type a name to identify this restore point. System Restore automatically adds to this name the date and time that this Restore Point is created.
To finish creating this restore point, click Create.
To cancel restore point creation and return to the Welcome to System Restore screen, click Back.
To cancel restore point creation and exit the System Restore Wizard, click Cancel. Or, you could just un-install it if it didn't work to your liking....

[Riggs]

Thanks jeffus, and everybody else. Took me a while to find that. :doh: Hey, now I know about restore points though, good to know! Turns out they're created as I install the software anyway, and now I know where, cool. Looks like it all works, now I have to figure out the software. Or, hey, one's 8 now, he should be showing ME, right?? :mrgreen: