Fuji F30 problems with xD 1 meg M card

[Bright]

I dowload image files from the Olympus (Sandisk) xD 1 meg card by putting it n the built-in cardreader on my Sony Vaio PC, opening the folder on the card in My Computer and lassoing the files I want to download, right-clicking on them, dragging them to a folder on my hard disk, and selecting "copy". What could be simpler? But I have had problems. Partway through the transfer, I sometimes get a peculiar message about something being write-protected and, if I chose to continue, sometimes another message that the xD card is not initialized (formated). When I check on the computer and in the camera, sure enough, it no longer is. When I reformat the card (as always, in the camera), it works well until the next (unpredictable) problem. I don't get this problem using a Sandisk Imagemate twelve in one card reader with a Dell PC. Sandisk tells me the problem is the card reader, which probably needs a software update, and Sony tells me there is no update and I don't need one anyway, and the problem must be a defective card. I did return the first card but had exactly the same problems with the second. Can anyone tell me what's happening and, if I need a softwear update, where to get it? I wonder if, as part of the copying process, the computer tries to write something on the card which messes up the format. Thank you for reading this and if you can help, more thanks. P.S. Could xD stand for extra dumb, referring either to the engineer who designed it or the unwitting fool (aka me) who bought it?

[dotbalm]

If you don't want to load the Fuji F30 CD and download using the included cable connected to the camera, then you can do what has been recommended on dpreview.com Fujitalk forum. Get an Olympus MAUSB-200 or 300 USB reader, aka memory adapter. They're about $20 more or less.

I have a similar problem with my SanDisk 8-1 reader, it is USB, connected to a Dell Inspiron laptop. And we are not alone.

When I try to read my Oly xD type H 1 Gb (I think you meant 1 Gb too?) card, it says something about the card being unformatted. Others have experienced "Insufficient disk capacity. Process aborted." My issue may be related to the SanDisk not able to read Type H, I don't have Type M to test.

The bottom line is my computer does fine with the camera connected to the laptop (something I prefer not to do, inc. loading their sw), and with the Oly memory adapter. I prefer to use the card in a reader - ONE reader to reduce clutter, but I'm S.O.L. it appears. I've *never* had a problem with ruining the contacts on the cards I use (CF, MS) knock on wood, and so prefer to keep doing this. Unfortunately I had to get the Oly memory adapter.

I wanted the latest Olympus MAUSB-300 USB memory adapter, it's a thumb style USB adapter, but wanted it *now* so online was out. Went to Circuit City and they only had the 200, so I bought it knowing I could return it if it didn't work. It worked, though maybe it's slower than the 300. They had very few Type H cards and no Fuji F30. Seems like the new stuff is slow to brick and mortars, my .02.

Here is the 200 I got at CC:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Olympus-USB-Reader-Writer-MAUSB-200-/sem/rpsm/oid/149469/catOid/-13084/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

This is the 300 I wanted:
http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/2587_MAUSB-300_Kit.htm

Hope this helps.