The memory-card mystery solved

Upset because we couldn't upload images from the digital camera? Baby reminds us there are more important things to worry about, like where's dinner?

It seemed like weeks but was only eight days ago that we suddenly lost the ability to upload images from our Pentax Optio 450. After a number of false starts trying to diagnose the problem -- blogged here, here, here, here and here -- we're back in business:

Things we had thought it might be but turned out not to be: 1) Neither an overwrite of the software by installation of a new CD burner nor 2) A corrupted memory card.

Things it turned out to be: 1) Camera's receptacle for USB cord damaged and 2) New card reader defective (the Digital Concepts 6-in-1 from Office Max).

Solution: Old Delkin card reader that had suddenly stopped working months ago is fine after all  Just had to plug it in while the computer was turned off and then reboot. Big-time thanks to our gentle readers for their suggestions, to the folks at Pentax and Iomega for their handholding, and especially to the Bromfield Camera Boys -- Bill, Willie and Steve -- who finally figured it all out.