Canon PowerShot camera isn't seen by my computer.

[ckmk47]

My Canon Powershot SD880 isn't recognized by my computer when I attach it by cable to download the pictures.
I have a few such cameras that have been sitting on a shelf for years.  I wanted to give one to a grandchild, so I took them out to test.
The SD880 works and takes good pictures.  But my computer didn't find the camera when connected.  I downloaded the Canon solution disc, but still not found.
The SD600 at first only took videos; even when the button was switched to take pictures.  But a day later it is taking pictures too.  It also isn't recognized by my computer.
The SD940  is recognized by my computer and I was able to download the SD card in it.  BUT it doesn't take pictures when pressing the shutter button. It focuses when pressing partway down, but won't actually capture a picture when continuing to press down.
1) I assume the problem is my cameras are too old.  How can I download pictures from these cameras?
2) What's wrong with the SD940?  How can I make it take pictures?

[Jojo202]

My Canon Powershot SD880 isn't recognized by my computer when I attach it by cable to download the pictures.
I have a few such cameras that have been sitting on a shelf for years.  I wanted to give one to a grandchild, so I took them out to test.
The SD880 works and takes good pictures.  But my computer didn't find the camera when connected.  I downloaded the Canon solution disc, but still not found.
The SD600 at first only took videos; even when the button was switched to take pictures.  But a day later it is taking pictures too.  It also isn't recognized by my computer.
The SD940  is recognized by my computer and I was able to download the SD card in it.  BUT it doesn't take pictures when pressing the shutter button. It focuses when pressing partway down, but won't actually capture a picture when continuing to press down.
1) I assume the problem is my cameras are too old.  How can I download pictures from these cameras?
2) What's wrong with the SD940?  How can I make it take pictures?

Instead of using the cable to connect the camera to the computer just put the SD card directly in to the computer.

[ckmk47]

Instead of using the cable to connect the camera to the computer just put the SD card directly in to the computer.

Sounds good.  Thank you. But:
The household I'm giving it to only has a(n infrequently used) laptop.  Those don't have SD slots.
But: I learned late this afternoon that there are USB SD card readers! That can be bought for even under $10! So I've got a good workaround for 1 problem!


Problem 2: My SD940 doesn't 'capture' the images or video. Is it the electronics?  Or a manual part?

[etech0]

some laptops have SD slots, it's worth checking. Otherwise the USB card reader will be your friend

[Yo ssi]

Some older cameras require low capacity SDs

[ckmk47]

Some older cameras require low capacity SDs

If you're referring to my SD940 not capturing the picture, the 2 other cameras are older and I was using the same SD card for all.

[Yisroel Tech]

Problem 2: My SD940 doesn't 'capture' the images or video. Is it the electronics?  Or a manual part?

Most likely the manual/physical part.

[ckmk47]

Most likely the manual/physical part.

Ooh! Maybe I can change it. I’ve been watching tear down videos. Which part?

[Jojo202]

Problem 2: My SD940 doesn't 'capture' the images or video. Is it the electronics?  Or a manual part?

Your question is Software or Hardware. Good way to test is to perform a full reset of the software. Probably in the settings menu. And all data will be deleted.

[ckmk47]

I restored to default settings.  Is that what you mean?  Still doesn't capture.

[Yo ssi]

I restored to default settings.  Is that what you mean?  Still doesn't capture.

What happens after hitting the shutter button?

[ckmk47]

What happens after hitting the shutter button?

It starts out feeling regular.  The focus box comes on the screen.  But when I try to push all the way down, nothing further happens.