Re: Can't transfer SmartMedia pics fron digital camera anymore

>-----Original Message-----
>I've had my current XP system for a little over a year
>now. I've been sucessfully transfering digital camera

pics

>from our Fujifilm 2600z the entire time. Just recently
>(after windows update) when I plug the camera in via USB,
>XP recognizes removable disk "F:". But when I double

click

>to get to the pics I get the following:
>
>Disk in drive F not formatted.
>Do you want to format it now? Y/N
>
>I've never pressed Y with the 128mb card. It's almost

full of valuable family photos.

>I haven't changed anything in the way I'm trying to

access the smartmedia card in the camera.

>I tried re-installing the software that came with the

camera with no success.

>
>I put in an old memory card (16mb), got the same thing

and

>clicked yes to format, just to see what would happen.

After trying, it could not be

>formatted. And still no access to my pictures.
>
>I've never seen this message before.
>I need help!!!! Please....
>
>.

You need to get a card reader. But don't just get a card
reader--make sure you get one that comes with a CD that
includes a formatting utility (usually called SMPREP.exe
for SmartMedia cards). These utilities will work only with
the reader they were designed for. As you found out, if
you format a card with XP (or any other OS format utility)
the camera won't recognize it. You should be able to
reformat your 16mb card with a card reader and the proper
format utility. You may also be able to transfer the
images from the 128mb card. If not, Google for "recover
digital images" and you'll find some apps that might help
to recover your pictures. A card reader can be had for
< $20 and is well worth it.