Camcorder not recognized through USB?

Question

Im trying to use my camcorder on my laptop. My laptop is a new laptop, Compaq Presario C751NR, I try to use my camera with moviemaker, but it wont recognize it. It recognizes it and says device connected, andsays it is installing drivers, but never completes installation. I have downloaded all the new drivers but movie maker won't recognize it. My laptop is running windows vista home premium. Please Help!!!

Answer 1

The answer given above is 100% true.  I recently puchased a sony hc-20, and the only way i can transfer video is by using a capturing program (windows movie maker works perfect for me) and connecting the IEEE cable.  i have the usb cord, but apparently that is only helpful if you have xp.  i would recommend getting the cable on ebay for 50 cents + shipping rather than buying at an outrageously priced retailer.  if you plan on using your laptop you will have to have a 4 pin to 4 pin connector as the 6 pin is only designed to hook up to a desktop.  Good luck!  I also found that using windows movie maker (free w/ vista) will allow you to cut video into segments so you can edit like a pro with just a few steps!  also be sure you have the camcorder set to playback mode when connecting to pc for video transfer...expect to wait minute for minute on the transfer (e.g. 30 minutes of recording takes 30 minutes to transfer)

Answer 2

Common Vista problem. Not the camcorder's fault.

If you are using a miniDV tape based camcorder, don't use USB - that is used ONLY for transferring stills off the memory card. You need to install a firewire (IEEE1394, I.Link) port and import using a firewire cable.