Digital cameras 101

[jimbobby]

   Howdy: does anybody know what this kodak easy share error code means.  it comes up when the computer starts and I cant load pictures from dx4900 camera,  there are pictures in the camera.   I went to their interactive area and looked through the codes but they did not have this one listed.  it said"kodak easy share was unable to finish your task (error code  2088889139x300x2088889139x).   I removed old software and loaded new and got same result.  when you push button on dock light blinks and it says retieving for just a flash and the model of camera but thats as far as it goes.

[Deb]

Hi there and welcome to the Q&A Board Jimbobby!

Kudos for trying their interactive support. I did the same and also could not find that particular error code listed. I noticed that an "email Kodak" icon came up however. Did you have a chance to try that? (If not go here http://faqs.kodak.com/EasyShare_Software_English/ask.html and enter TOPIC: "error codes/tricodes"; SUBJECT: "transferring pictures to the computer"; SERIAL OR CATALOG NUMBER: enter the number found on the bottom of your camera; then answer the remaining fields.)

In the meantime, I'll keep looking around. It's bound to be described somewhere.

By the way, have you tried unplugging the device from the computer the plugging it back in? Are you following the order of initiation sequence of "turn on computer", etc.

[Deb]

Hi again, are you running a Windows driven computer? If so .... I just came across this http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/knowledgebase/easyshare.jhtml?locsvcsEntryPath=2099

Have you seen it? Look at point "C" which describes how to run the "repair utility". If you are running Windows, then give this utility a try. (This does not apply if you are using a Macintosh operating system.)

Hope this helps.  

[jimbobby]

Deb:  I just wrote and exhaustive letter then hit preview and it erased it all.      I tried the repair thing first.  then I removed software and downloaded new.  Got same message.  (took over 2 hours to download 24MB.  Then I rebooted and got same message again.  Then I unplugged camera and computer to let them rest, as I was told that sometimes is a good thing to do.   I rebooted again and got same message.  I dont know if you are familiar with this camera but this is how it used to go.  Start computer, ussually the kodak icon was last to load in right corner.  then you push button on docking cradle and message something like retrieving pictures from kodak dx4900 appeared. then easy share software appeared and my photos were loaded to the my pictures file in win xp pro.   Now the little icon never shows up and when you try to start the program by clicking on desktop  icon or through programs I just get the error message.   Out of desperation I removed the software again and re downloaded it again.   Got the same message again so I am thinking that it gave the same message through three sets of the software, there must be something else at play.  I went to the ms config thing but the icon was checked.  I am not very savvy with this stuff and thats about all I know how to do. I hope you folks got better ideas than me.   :-/

[Deb]

Hi there, do you remember if you've changed anything with your computer (installed Service Packs, other software, etc.) before these errors began? You said it ran correctly before which makes me wonder what's different. From your description, it sounds like your EasyShare software isn't loading at all now.

I'll need to check to see if this applies to your software but ... Windows XP Service Pack 2 (if you've installed that update) has played tricks on some of the software I use. Something about security issues and compatability.  

I'll keep researching, but in the meantime, perhaps one of our readers has a helpful suggestion.

Hang in there ......  (I'll be back.)

[Deb]

Jimbobby, just found this at Kodak. If you have loaded the Microsoft update described below, the Kodak "fix" may help you.

This appears on the Kodak site:
"This update works around problems encountered with installing EASYSHARE Software on systems with Microsoft's April 12 update to WINDOWS XP and 2000"

Kodak fix:
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=1465&pq-locale=en_US

PS: I've put in a support email to Kodak.

[jimbobby]

Deb :

service pack 2 was loaded a long time ago and the camera software was updated since then.   The current version on the page you sent is what I downloaded yesterday.   However, friday is my maintenance day and I did download two windows updates.  one had something to do with net frame or something like that ,and the other I cant remember what it was. , but it was an important one, or I wouldnt bother.  I dont know how to check what updates are loaded if you need to know.  I just usually download what they say is important.   Like  the net frame thing, I have no idea what that does.  I keep very current on theses updates so that I wouldnt have problems .   Also it was virus check day and i ran spybot SD, spyblaster, adaware se, and a norton full system scan . Norton did not find any problems.  spybot did not find anything and adaware found two tracking cookies it said were of low importance.   An odd thing happened a week or two ago though spybot found 50 something backweblites, that I removed,  I just looked at a couple of sites and said there are good and bad backweb things,  havent figured it out yet what the right thing would be.   However the  camera worked after the backweb removal so I doubt that would be  it either.   I dont know enough about other stuff like how software loads to make a good guess there,

[jimbobby]

DEB:
This is what I got from Microsoft.   Are the two net framework things the same?  They told me to download it again.    

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework, Version 1.1 Service Pack 1 (KB886903) Successful Monday, May 09, 2005 Windows Update website

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - April 2005 (KB890830) Successful Sunday, May 08, 2005 Windows Update website

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 Successful Sunday, May 08, 2005

Do you have to run the malicous software removal tool or does it run by itself?

I think the easy share software wont run for some reason.  I turned on camera and it appeared as the f/drive in my computer window,  so the wiring must be ok.   I am at a loss here?

[Deb]

Good morning Jimbobby,

I'm glad to hear your camera connection is working properly. But, the EasyShare software snafu has me baffled. I'm afraid I'm out of my league with regard to the Windows XP updates you mentioned. The fact that you mentioned the error message appears when the computer starts (is booting up) still leads me to believe something is interferring/conflicting with EasyShare's startup. I'll ask around and see if anyone has any other ideas.

[ShutterbugGail]

jimbobby, your dilemma, unfortunately, is most likely out of the scope of the help we are able to provide, since it appears to be an operating system/software conflict problem, and not a camera one.

Do you recall if the problem when you installed a new program or utility. If so, try uninstalling it.

I feel your pain and have been through similar computer snafus. After spending hours and getting nowhere, I've usually ended up doing a clean install of my OS and reinstalling everything. Not fun at all!

Alternatively, you could buy a memory card reader...though I know this doesn't really solve your problem. Also considering calling Kodak tech support.

[jimbobby]

I tried e-mail, no response,  do they have real people to talk to?  If so how would I find one?

[Deb]

Hi Jimbobby,

At the Kodak website (http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/contactKodak/easyshare.jhtml) they list the EasyShare Software support contact phone numbers.

Go to http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/contactKodak/digitalCameras.jhtml for Consumer Digital Camera phone support.

(For United States, they appear to be the same phone number.)

Hope this helps.  

[jimbobby]

Howdy!    Thanks for the clue to the kodak phone number.   I called and after being disconnected after waiting for 45 min.   I got hold of a guy who after lengthy explaination was able to figure out the deal.   Im glad I didnt redo the hard drive.   I would never have figured this out on my own.   It involved  going into easy share program files and deleting two of them and then changing the name of another one.  Now it works.  WOW!     Thanks!

[Deb]

Jimbobby, problem solved! That's super news! I think a margarita is in order.   Glad all is working dandy now and you can get back to more serious matters, like enjoying photography again!  

[ShutterbugGail]

It involved  going into easy share program files and deleting two of them and then changing the name of another one.  Now it works.  WOW!     Thanks!

Fabulous! What two files did you delete. If you can, please share with us as it may help someone else who visits the Q&A Board.

So glad you got it worked out!

[jimbobby]

oops!   I forgot to write them down.  That was stupid of me.  iT could happen again.   But what I dont understand is why did it work before .   Its not like I changed them first and then it stopped working,  but then how would a guy thats not bright enough to write down the solution, ever solve such a problem himself.  
I got another question.   If you go to one of those photo printing things you see in some stores and print something is that a real photo that will last a hundred years or it just printer ink??

[ShutterbugGail]

If you go to one of those photo printing things you see in some stores and print something is that a real photo that will last a hundred years or it just printer ink??

I honestly don't know how long the photos will last. I've only used a digital photo kiosk twice and the quality was better than I could get with my photo printer; at least the quality of the paper looked better.  My guess is that the inks or dyes used to make the prints have a high permanence rating.

Here's an interesting article about them:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/201575_photo30.html

[Deb]

Hi there.

Permanence ratings do vary quite a bit. For instance, an Epson PictureMate Personal Photo Lab print using EPM inks and paper has a longevity of 104 years. A print made with an Olympus P-10 Printer lasts 8 years. Don't forget these are ratings based on prints being displayed matted under glass. (See www.wilhelm-research.com for testing procedures and results.)

Kiosks vary in what type of system they use for printing. You'll need to check with them to get their permanence ratings. A lab I use for very large enlargements here in my town has a 100 year rating. Fujicolor Crystal Archive Type One Paper process is 40 years. Kodak Edge Generations is 19 years.

By the way, all data provided by Wilhelm Research:

http://www.wilhelm-research.com/articles.html

Bottom line? If longevity is important to you, just ask your printer what they use and what their rating is. If they don't know, don't use 'em.  

[Adam Pizer]

jimbobby,

I'm getting same error message.  If you find solution, please post here.  I'll do likewise.

[DaFi]

Hi there!  
@jimbobby and all others:
I had the same problem with easyshare software.
It is an error within easyshare, obviously caused by a damaged save- or backup-file!
But there is a simply solution for it:
Go to the installation folder, open the folder 'Kodak EasyShare software'. There you will find another folder called 'Catalog'. Just rename it into 'OldCatalog'. Relaunch the PC afterwards and everything will work.

Hope this helps you... my programm is running know as fine as ever.


best regards...