A number of things could cause a digital camera to stop working when connected to a computer.
When digital cameras stop working when they're connected to a computer, the solution can be simple. Among the possible reasons are dead batteries in the camera; a low computer battery; a bad connection between the two devices; or even forgetting to power the camera up. Another, more complicated possibility is a mechanical malfunction, which could be caused by a hardware or software glitch.
Instructions
1. Check the camera batteries. Dead batteries are the most obvious cause of a digital camera's failure to function. Take them out and swap them with the same type batteries in another device, such as a television remote. If the camera's batteries are able to power the remote control or other device, but not vice versa, then problem likely isn't the batteries.
2. See if the cable connecting the camera and computer is loose. The USB cables that are used to connect digital cameras to computers can sometimes come loose during the photo transfer process, and micro USB cables are particularly notorious for coming loose. So check your cable to make sure that both ends are fully secured to each device.
3. Check the power button. The camera's power has to be on if you're transferring files to a computer. If you're not sure or can't tell whether the power is on, press the button. If the device makes a sound, the front lens extends and/or the viewfinder light up, then the camera is on. If a camera is turned off while it is connected to a computer, it will cease functioning.
4. Review your computer's imaging software, if you have any installed. Imaging software--the kind that transfers pictures from a digital camera to a laptop or desktop computer--can sometimes freeze or otherwise stop working properly. This in turn could cause your camera to stop functioning for a period of time. Verify that your software is working by going to your computer's control panel, then clicking the "Add or Remove Programs" link. Then highlight your installed imaging software program and click the "Change" or "Change/Remove" tab. Then choose the "Change" option again to begin the software repair procedure, which should automatically fix any software bugs or errors.
5. Inspect the camera for sand or water damage. One of the more common reasons for cameras to stop working properly--particularly lens shutters--is sand and/or water damage. If you've used your camera outdoors at a location such as a beach, examine the device for granular damage. You can do this by taking a mini-flashlight and looking at the lens battery, compartment USB port and other areas that sand might reach. If you have a small lens brush of the kind used by professional photographers, use it to gently dust the camera parts.
Tags: stop working, connected computer, camera batteries, camera computer, camera stop, cameras stop
