Windows 98 And New Digital Camera Problem.

[Gene]

I know, Windows 98 is WAY outdated but a friend of mine still has it in his computer and says it does all he wants with his old computer.

My question is, he recently bought a Kodak 7 MP camera and the install disc provided with the camera won't install in Windows 98, (too old), and he can't yet access the pictures in his camera .

What would you gents recommend that he do to retrieve his pictures using his new camera with Windows 98?

 

[adnj]

Read the media separately. Windows 98 requires a media card reader driver. XP and Vista do not.

Frankly, it may be time to spend $300 on a new PC with a new OS.

 

[Glasstream15]

"What would you gents recommend that he do to retrieve his pictures using his new camera with Windows 98?"


A new computer!!

 

[LuxLuthor]

First thing I would do is try searching for Win98 (or maybe WinME, Win2K) driver for that camera. There may also be some listed that are compatible doing a google with something like: "Kodak 7 megapixel camera Windows 98 driver" Kodak support may also be of help.

 

[lildave]

you can try kodaks website, but you can always get a card reader (but you'll need drivers for that too). 98 does not support plug n play. I sujest the card reader anyway. thats all I use usually faster and more reliable.

 

[Gene]

I knew I'd get the "get a new computer" replies but he's totally old school and likes his old computer just the way it is including dealing with these minor problems. I've tried to get him to upgrade but to no avail. It's hard to believe but there are folks in this world that just want the basics I guess.

He doesn't really use it for anything but e-mails and the occasional online purchase or Google search and doesn't go on any forums so I guess it wouldn't do him any good to have the latest and greatest.

He didn't even have a digital camera until his sister gave him this one. He had never downloaded pictures and just wants to save them on his computer to check them out once in awhile.

Thanks for all the ideas and I visit him about every 3 months, (he lives about 3 hours away), and the next time I go I'll try and figure it out but keep them coming!

 

[HeadCSO]

Unfortunately Windows 98 lacks the built in common mass storage device driver that lets things like digital cameras and USB memory sticks connect automatically. For win 98, seperate drivers are required, but with time, manufacturers have stopped supporting this operating system.

Your choices are:

1. New PC with new OS such as Vista or XP - camera will work fine.

2. Search for older card readers from a few years ago as some still came with win 98 drivers.

 

[Lit Up]

He doesn't really use it for anything but e-mails and the occasional online purchase or Google search and doesn't go on any forums so I guess it wouldn't do him any good to have the latest and greatest.

He could use Linux if he had someone local show him the ropes.

 

[baterija]

New hardware or new OS seems a bit extreme merely to add camera support, when he is perfectly happy with everything else.

The KISS options:
- Find a driver - Free and simple if you can find one. A quick look showed some win98 support at kodak's site still. Google is your friend.
- Buy a card reader with Win98 driver- Quick looks showed external card readers available at DX, Newegg, and Best Buy that have drivers for Win98. Low cost and simple. If he orders from KD or DX it might even be there before your next visit.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Download Kubuntu Live-Cd. Pop in CD and reboot. Boot to CD. Use Digikam to get the pics. Save Pics to external media, or safe place on hard disk. Reboot, removing cd when prompted.

This way, you can get the pics, and expose this person to a slightly more modern OS, without changing the current setup.

This link may work better on an older computer, but if the computer has over 400MB of memory, I would try the first link first.