How to Install a Camera on a Computer

Whether you have a new digital camera, webcam or combination of the two, you will need to install the camera on to a computer to download your pictures to it. Digital cameras can be used without computers, but to get your photos you will have to take your memory card to a photo processing lab, where you can print out only the pictures that you want. The majority of digital camera users will be using them with a computer, and installing a camera on a Windows operating system is a very simple process, basically the same no matter what type of digital camera is being installed. See the camera's user's guide for instructions specific to your model.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Installing the Software

1. Turn on your computer and select "Start," then "Control Panel." When "Control Panel" opens, select "Printers and Other Hardware."

2. Choose "Scanners and Cameras" from the options when the "Printers and Other Hardware" window opens up.

3. Look at the left pane column of the "Scanners and Cameras" window. Select the first option of "Add an imaging device."

4. Select "Next" when the camera installation wizard opens.

5. Choose "Have Disk" if you have the installation CD for your camera. If you do not have the installation disk, choose your camera from the list provided by the wizard. Select "Next."

6. Insert the disk into your computer's disk drive when prompted. Follow the onscreen instructions for installing your camera from the disk. Click "Finish" when done.

Continue Installation without the Installation CD

7. Select your make and model from the list in the installation wizard and then select "Next." (If your camera is not listed, and you do not have the installation CD, you will need to go to your camera manufacturer's website to download the drivers.)

8. Make sure "Automatic port detection" is highlighted, and select "Next."

9. Type in a name for your camera or leave the name in the box "As is."

10. Select "Finish" to close out the wizard and complete the installation of your camera.

Tips & Warnings

• After installation, go to your manufacturer's support website to see if there are any updates to your camera's software.
• Do not hook up your camera to your computer until after you have installed the software, as this can interfere with software installation.

References

• Microsoft Help: Installing a digital camera.

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