I got a Nikon D3000 for Christmas. I am unable to get the Nikon transfer software to work. After plugging the camera into the computer the computer asks which program to open and I select Nikon transfer. It acts like it is going to open the program but all Nikon transfer will do is say preparing to start up the application. I have uninstalled, used Nikon registry cleaner, reinstalled, and downloaded the update none of which worked. Please help! I have scoured the internet for answers with no luck.

If you have not done so, go to the Nikon website at www.nikon.com and download the free Nikon transfer software. Install it on your computer. Once you do, you will be able to transfer both raw and jpg photos from your camera. If you are shooting all raw photos, Windows will not recognize nef file extensions without adding the proper codecs. The Nikon software lets you do this.

The software is available as a free download on the Nikon website at www.nikon.com.

Dropping a D3000 is one to make you you say something bad

Outside of trying different lenses and memory cards, there\'s probably little anyone can tell you that you\'re going to like to hear. If it\'s a problem inside the camera, it should go back to Nikon for repairs. If you obtain an RMA from Nikon and send it in, they will evaluate it and give you a repair price. At that point you can decide whether or not to go through with repairs or cut your losses and buy a replacement.

Good luck!

Put the media card into a USB card reader and transfer the images that way

You can download the current versions of all (free) Nikon software from http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive. Or you can use any photo cataloging program, such as Nikon Transfer.

You can download the current version of all (free) Nikon software from
http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61

Having said that, I will also add this. The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive. Or you can use Nikon Transfer.

Check the memory card, it could be damaged, or the contacts are not clean. If this does not solve the problem get the camera to a Nikon dealer for repairs, as it could be a software problem.

Yes. You can always remove the memory card from the camera and insert it into a card reader. Many laptops and netbooks come with card readers. If your laptop doesn't have one, you can buy an inexpensive card reader that plugs into either USB or FireWire, as appropriate.

This is actually the preferred way of transfering pictures. This is often faster, and also conserves the camera's battery.

If you do go and buy a card reader, I'd also suggest a second memory card, if you don't already have one. You don't want to have to cut short your day's photography just because you filled your one and only card.

Oh, I had I this problem last week. My drivers were outdated and I used this software:

http://www.windowsdriverhelp.com/landing/driver/wdh/driver.php?key=nikon p80

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive.