Digital Camera Problems

[simsfreq]

We recently bought a Vivitar ViviCam5385 Digital Camera, and now want to download the images from the camera to the computer.
I can view the images from the camera on the computer to a certain extent and then Windows Explorer crashes.
So I tried directly copying the files to my hard drive but they never appeared.
I tried going into my graphics program and importing the images, about 3 thumbnails loaded up and the rest came up as red crosses, so I tried getting the three which had come up and the computer told me the files were corrupt.
I then got the CD which came with the camera and put it into the computer. It said both on the packaging and on-screen that the driver was only needed for Windows 98. I'm running Windows XP.
The driver is for the "USB Mass Storage Device." I have a Flash Drive/USB Stick which came with that same driver, again, only needed for Windows 98, and that works fine.

So:
1. How would I have corrupted my files and is there any way of retrieving them?
2. Do I need to install the driver, even though it says I don't and the other device works fine without it?
3. Why is my computer doing this?
4. Anything else important?

[wideboy]

I would buy a card reader (not expensive now) and try that, otherwise contact your supplier.

[alunrw]

Just checked their website and this does appear as one of their frequently asked questions - no personal experience i'm afraid but you could have a look here
http://www.customernation.com/pls/ps/ps.ps_main?p_host=5 &p_supplier=590&p_parm=PSHPP
Good luck

[simsfreq]

Thanks, The card reader seems the easiest option but for now I just realised I can download the pictures onto my ancient mac, transfer the files to my USB Pen and take it down to the main computer. Seems a long way to go about it though, so I'll get a card reader. Thanks :)

[LeMarchand]

Normally you can just attach the camera and it will show up as another drive that you can explore and copy/move the files from.

[wideboy]

Simsfreq, seeing as the Vivitar takes an SD card, there is a fantastic wee device available from Aria.co.uk which is an SD card reader which doubles up as a memory stick! I bought one for myself and for each of the 'kids' to use with their cameras.

USB 2 SD/MMC pen drive card reader

�4.95 exc, �5.82 inc.

Stock code : BAY-CR-SD-MMC 

A multi-card reader might still be useful if you need access to other cards but the one above is just soooo portable (and cheap).