Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

nippycan · 08-19-2010, 02:46 PM

My *ist DS has always worked fine when I plug it into the computer but the other day while it was plugged in, it just stopped. There was nothing wrong with the cord so I thought maybe it was the front usb port so I plugged it into the back and it still wont recognize, but what it DOES do is lock up my mouse to the point where my only choice is to restart the computer. also, unplugging the cord does not make the mouse work again. pleaaaase help.

JohnBee · 08-19-2010, 02:49 PM

I would try to determine if it's the computer itself or the camera. Perhaps try and plug the camera into another machine to check activity.

**Ex Finn.** · 08-19-2010, 02:58 PM

Any new software that you installed?. New anti-virus updates?.
Maybe try rolling back to last back-up point.

gp1806 · 08-20-2010, 05:24 AM

I got a USB SD/SDHC card reader for 97 cents on sale at Meritline. I think regular price is about $2. Just pull the card from the camera and insert it into the reader, then plug the reader into your computer. It works great.

nippycan · 08-20-2010, 02:01 PM

I plugged it into my brother's laptop, nothing happened. I also tried his card reader and that didn't work either so I'm guessing the SD card got corrupted somehow.

Peter Zack · 08-20-2010, 02:06 PM

If you have another card, just take a few test shots and try again. That will tell you what's happening. What type of card? How old and any idea how many shots it's had on it since new? Do you ever reformat the card (in the camera)? Has the card ever been used to transfer other types of file? Could it have picked up a virus etc?

I hope that there's no much important on it, you may not be able to recover the shots if it's locking up computers.

Marc Sabatella · 08-20-2010, 06:00 PM

If the pictures show on the camera LCD, the card is probably fine - but the USB port on the camera might be shot. No matter; that's a far less desirable way of getting your pictures than using a card reader anyhow. I couldn't even tell you where the USB port is on my current camera; it might have stopped working years ago for all I know, I get my pictures faster and with less battery drain using a card reader.

tibbitts · 08-21-2010, 12:37 PM

I'm guessing most people just use a card reader and never use the cable for downloading, so it's not a big problem if it turns out that the port doesn't work.

Paul

nippycan · 08-21-2010, 03:16 PM

I tried putting in a different SD card and it does the exact same thing.

Peter Zack · 08-21-2010, 04:56 PM

OK Next step is to reset the camera in the menus ( I think there are at least 2 resets, maybe 3) and after doing that, take the batteries out for the night. This may have no effect but the hope is, that right now the camera is recording corrupted files somehow. That a reset will put things back to normal.

My *istD had a backup battery. If this model has one, take that out as well.

Tomorrow, format the card in the camera and record some test shots. Check to see if they show up on the LCD. Then using a card reader, see if they can be read on a computer. If not, there's not much more I can suggest. The camera may have some issue that I can't recall being posted here. Service isn't a great option as with the age and value of this model, it's probably better to get a K-x to replace it. If a repair was under $100, then it's worth repairing. If more, then you'd have to consider your options.

This unit is around 5 years old now and unfortunately with what is basically a computer, that's not an unreasonable lifespan. Although it certainly would be nice to get a lot more time out of it.

Marc Sabatella · 08-21-2010, 04:59 PM

Once more though, there really is no problem here. $10 will get you a card reader, and life suddenly is is fine again.

Peter Zack · 08-21-2010, 05:44 PM

Mark, i didn't realize the OP wasn't using a card reader. You are right, that's most likely the issue. Even though my computers have card ports, I use readers for both SD and CF cards. They are faster and read everything without issue. Any local electronics shop has them cheap as you said.

Oro · 08-21-2010, 07:25 PM

Quote:

I tried putting in a different SD card and it does the exact same thing.

Nippycan,

I recall reading elsewhere in the forum that someone stated the usb compatible port on the camera in the ist Dx models is held on the camera's board by only its solder joint. It is supposedly thus prone to breakage with repeated USB cord use. This is why I use a reader only with both the istD and istDS. Perhaps yours failed in that fashion and now you will be using a reader.

Blue · 11-11-2010, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by Oro

Nippycan,

I recall reading elsewhere in the forum that someone stated the usb compatible port on the camera in the ist Dx models is held on the camera's board by only its solder joint. It is supposedly thus prone to breakage with repeated USB cord use. This is why I use a reader only with both the istD and istDS. Perhaps yours failed in that fashion and now you will be using a reader.

Apparently this is what is wrong with a *istD that I have. I don't like pulling Compact Flash cards in and out because of the risk of bending pens. I had a Nikon that was problematic. The reader in my desktop also has a bent pin.

**tomwil** · 11-11-2010, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by nippycan

I plugged it into my brother's laptop, nothing happened. I also tried his card reader and that didn't work either so I'm guessing the SD card got corrupted somehow.

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Once more though, there really is no problem here. $10 will get you a card reader, and life suddenly is is fine again.

It appears the OP did try a card reader, without success. Maybe his brother's card reader was defective also?

08-19-2010, 02:46 PM	#1
nippycan New Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 4	*computer doesnt recognize my ist DS anymore.** My *ist DS has always worked fine when I plug it into the computer but the other day while it was plugged in, it just stopped. There was nothing wrong with the cord so I thought maybe it was the front usb port so I plugged it into the back and it still wont recognize, but what it DOES do is lock up my mouse to the point where my only choice is to restart the computer. also, unplugging the cord does not make the mouse work again. pleaaaase help.

08-20-2010, 02:01 PM	#5
nippycan New Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 4 Original Poster	reply I plugged it into my brother's laptop, nothing happened. I also tried his card reader and that didn't work either so I'm guessing the SD card got corrupted somehow.

08-21-2010, 03:16 PM	#9
nippycan New Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 4 Original Poster	reply I tried putting in a different SD card and it does the exact same thing.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K7 does not recognize Sigma lens (sometimes)	ulrich	Pentax DSLR Discussion	15	08-29-2010 05:01 AM
Won't recognize PEF	nezvanova	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	5	06-15-2009 05:17 PM
Anyone recognize anything in this photo of Pentax gear?	Timarete	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	32	04-30-2009 06:53 PM
My K10D doesn't recognize my SD card anymore	Slowpoke Rodriguez	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	5	11-08-2008 05:32 PM
Need help: Remote Assistant 3 doesn't recognize my K10D	VPT	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	10-11-2008 07:56 AM

08-19-2010, 02:49 PM	#2
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	I would try to determine if it's the computer itself or the camera. Perhaps try and plug the camera into another machine to check activity.

08-19-2010, 02:58 PM	#3
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Any new software that you installed?. New anti-virus updates?. Maybe try rolling back to last back-up point.

08-20-2010, 05:24 AM	#4
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	I got a USB SD/SDHC card reader for 97 cents on sale at Meritline. I think regular price is about $2. Just pull the card from the camera and insert it into the reader, then plug the reader into your computer. It works great.

08-20-2010, 02:06 PM	#6
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	If you have another card, just take a few test shots and try again. That will tell you what's happening. What type of card? How old and any idea how many shots it's had on it since new? Do you ever reformat the card (in the camera)? Has the card ever been used to transfer other types of file? Could it have picked up a virus etc? I hope that there's no much important on it, you may not be able to recover the shots if it's locking up computers.

08-20-2010, 06:00 PM	#7
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	If the pictures show on the camera LCD, the card is probably fine - but the USB port on the camera might be shot. No matter; that's a far less desirable way of getting your pictures than using a card reader anyhow. I couldn't even tell you where the USB port is on my current camera; it might have stopped working years ago for all I know, I get my pictures faster and with less battery drain using a card reader.

08-21-2010, 12:37 PM	#8
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,196	I'm guessing most people just use a card reader and never use the cable for downloading, so it's not a big problem if it turns out that the port doesn't work. Paul

08-21-2010, 04:56 PM	#10
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	OK Next step is to reset the camera in the menus ( I think there are at least 2 resets, maybe 3) and after doing that, take the batteries out for the night. This may have no effect but the hope is, that right now the camera is recording corrupted files somehow. That a reset will put things back to normal. My *istD had a backup battery. If this model has one, take that out as well. Tomorrow, format the card in the camera and record some test shots. Check to see if they show up on the LCD. Then using a card reader, see if they can be read on a computer. If not, there's not much more I can suggest. The camera may have some issue that I can't recall being posted here. Service isn't a great option as with the age and value of this model, it's probably better to get a K-x to replace it. If a repair was under $100, then it's worth repairing. If more, then you'd have to consider your options. This unit is around 5 years old now and unfortunately with what is basically a computer, that's not an unreasonable lifespan. Although it certainly would be nice to get a lot more time out of it.

08-21-2010, 04:59 PM	#11
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Once more though, there really is no problem here. $10 will get you a card reader, and life suddenly is is fine again.

08-21-2010, 05:44 PM	#12
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Mark, i didn't realize the OP wasn't using a card reader. You are right, that's most likely the issue. Even though my computers have card ports, I use readers for both SD and CF cards. They are faster and read everything without issue. Any local electronics shop has them cheap as you said.

08-21-2010, 07:25 PM	#13
Oro Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seattle-ish, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41	Quote: I tried putting in a different SD card and it does the exact same thing. Nippycan, I recall reading elsewhere in the forum that someone stated the usb compatible port on the camera in the ist Dx models is held on the camera's board by only its solder joint. It is supposedly thus prone to breakage with repeated USB cord use. This is why I use a reader only with both the istD and istDS. Perhaps yours failed in that fashion and now you will be using a reader.

11-11-2010, 04:59 PM	#14
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Oro Nippycan, I recall reading elsewhere in the forum that someone stated the usb compatible port on the camera in the ist Dx models is held on the camera's board by only its solder joint. It is supposedly thus prone to breakage with repeated USB cord use. This is why I use a reader only with both the istD and istDS. Perhaps yours failed in that fashion and now you will be using a reader. Apparently this is what is wrong with a *istD that I have. I don't like pulling Compact Flash cards in and out because of the risk of bending pens. I had a Nikon that was problematic. The reader in my desktop also has a bent pin.

11-11-2010, 07:04 PM	#15
tomwil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 778	Originally posted by nippycan I plugged it into my brother's laptop, nothing happened. I also tried his card reader and that didn't work either so I'm guessing the SD card got corrupted somehow. Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Once more though, there really is no problem here. $10 will get you a card reader, and life suddenly is is fine again. It appears the OP did try a card reader, without success. Maybe his brother's card reader was defective also?

computer doesnt recognize my *ist DS anymore.

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!