OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this guide is to assist you in connecting your digital camera to your PC. You have all those nice pictures on your camera; now is the time to get them on to the PC so you can share with them family and friends! In this method, we will cover the PC automatically copying the pictures to your hard drive. 

INTRODUCTION

There are several methods of uploading pictures to your computer or photo sharing sites. Some cameras even have the functionality to connect to a wireless network and do the uploading for you! For the purpose of this 2 Minute Miracle, we'll be assuming that your camera will not be using any of these special features. The following instructions apply to virtually all digital cameras on the market.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1. An digital camera
2. A PC running Windows 7, Vista, or XP
3. Your camera's PC sync cable

PROCEDURE

You will need to connect your camera to your PC with its cables. Normally you will have one of three different cables. The method is simple: plug one end of the cable into your camera, and the other end into the computer. Typically, these cables will have a full size computer connection on one end and a smaller camera connection on the other. 

1. Firewire cable: uncommon in modern cameras.
2. Micro USB cable
3. Mini USB cable

Most cameras, once plugged in, will automatically be recognized by your PC. If this does not occur, you will need ot install the software included with the camera. 

1. When the camera is recognized, the “Auto Play” menu will pop up. Simply select “Import Pictures”
2. You will have to option to tag the photos with terms relating to the pictures; this will make it easier to find them later.
3. This method will place the pictures in a folder with the date (or the tagged name, if tagged) in the folder labeled "Pictures" (in Vista and 7) or "My Pictures" (in XP)

Need More Help?

Import not working for you or can’t find where the pictures went to on your PC? Never fear, Geek Squad is here!

Chat with an Agent online, by phone at 1 800 Geek Squad (433-5778), or at a Geek Squad Precinct inside a Best Buy store near you.