Canon EOS utility - won't download pics

ellay864

I've got a Canon EOS 400D and until recently when I've taken pictures I just connect to PC, the EOS utility window opens and it automatically downloads. Recently it seemed to be slow and I would go to my programs menu and manually open the EOS utility and then the transfer would occur. Preferences are set to download on opening.
Today I connected the camera to PC, tried to open the EOS utility programme and nothing happened. I got the red light on my camera come on as it does when it transfers but nothing else. I fiddled with leads, checked connections but to no avail. In the end I switched the camera off and at that point the screen came on!
I've uninstalled and reinstalled the EOS utility but it's still the same. I know they say you shouldn't turn the camera off while it's connected but I felt I had no choice - I didn't want to remove it with the camera still on. My pictures are still on my camera OK but I just don't know how to get them onto my PC now! Has anyone got any suggestions? Any help would be much appreciated as I've taken about 100 today and just can't get to transfer any

paddyrg

I never use their software, I just pop the memory card out and drop it in a reader (with my eos 550D), copy all the files just like any other files. Does the 400 take an SD card? Try a cheap SD reader, or many machines have them built in.

alanwjones

I'd agree with paddyrg above and go for one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Integral-USB-Single-Slot-Reader/dp/B000VY80AM/ref=dp_cp_ob_ce_title_1 Also available in your local Poundworld, Then it's a simple drag and drop job to upload to your PC.

eyeinthesky

I also never connect any of my cameras to my pc, too long winded! Much easier to use a card reader, but you will need a CF card reader, not available in cheapie shops unfortunately.

debitcardmayhem

Does not the camera card not show up in windows explorer ?not familiar with canon

ellay864

Thanks all...may consider investing in a card reader. I got told that sometimes the direct route just takes forever and sure enough when I tried again earlier today it did fire up, but took about 15 mins to get there! Not sure why it's doing this now as it was always fine before but thanks for the suggestions so I now have a plan B