Hardware technical support — frequently asked questions

How do I use my digital camera?
Most new cameras that connect using a USB cable are "storage class" or "auto connect". If your camera connects using a USB cable then try this steps to determine if yours will auto connect.

1. Turn your computer on with the camera disconnected from your computer
2. Double click on "My Computer" on your desktop - you should see a list of disk drives on your computer like "Local Disk (c:)".
3. Plug the USB camera in to the computer
4. Look back at the "My Computer" window in a few seconds.
5. Did a new disk drive show up? Like "Removable Disk (d:)".
6. If so then you can add pictures to your report in HomeGauge by clicking on where you want a picture then selecting "Folder Picture Selection"
7. Select the folder on the e: disk containing the pictures. You may have to pick sub folders and they are usually called names that do not make sense. On the Kodak 4900 the folder is d:\DCIM\4900.
8. Click the "Use Picture Now" to insert the picture.
9. The next time you select the "Folder Picture Selection" option it will remember the folder you selected the first time

An alternate way to get the pictures to your computer that some inspectors prefer is to use a picture memory card to PCMCIA adaptor. Using this method you take the memory card out of the camera and using a PCMCIA adaptor you can plug the card into your laptop and use similar steps as above. Also, some computer models such as the Fujitsu Tablet PC have memory card readers built in which will also create their own removable drive on your computer.

Do you still have other questions? Try the online Message Boards for inspectors.