The computer does not recognize the USB connection from a Sony camcorder

Before you start

• Some computer operating systems require you to be logged on as an administrator or with administrator rights.
• If the computer is connected to a network, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the network connection or connect the camcorder to a computer not on a network.
• There are restrictions when importing Digital8™ or Mini DV tape content with a USB cable. Refer to the Video tape importing guide for more information.

Troubleshooting tips

Follow these tips and check for connectivity after each step.

1. Make sure the USB ports on both the camcorder and computer are not dusty or dirty.
2. Try replacing the USB cable .
3. Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to the camcorder.
4. Make sure the other end of the USB cable is securely connected directly to the USB port on the computer.

   

   Notes:

   • Connection through a USB hub is not supported.
   • Use the supplied USB cable or the built-in USB cable of the camera
   • Make sure that the USB mark faces upward and is completely inserted on the USB port of the computer.
   • If the built-in USB cable of the camera is too short to connect to the USB port of the computer, use the USB extension cable bundled with the camera.
   • Third-party USB cables may not function properly.
   • The HDMI® port on the camera does not support file transfer.

5. Remove USB devices and restart the camcorder.
   • Disconnect any other USB devices (except for the mouse and keyboard) from the computer.
   • Turn off the camcorder for 30 seconds and then restart.
   • After 30 seconds, turn the camcorder on again.
     Notes:

     • If you have a camcorder with USB Streaming capability, you may also need to turn on the USB Streaming feature in the camcorder menu.
     • Once powered on, some camcorder models require you to select USB CONNECT or COMPUTER on the LCD screen.
     • Not all camcorders with a USB connection support USB Streaming. Refer to your camcorder instruction manuals for further information.

6. Check the display on the LCD screen.
   • If USB connected, MTP connected, or Mass Storage connected is displayed on the LCD screen of the camcorder, the camcorder is recognized by the computer.
   • If Check the connected device is displayed on the LCD screen of the camcorder, it is possible that the USB cable is disconnected or has lost connection. Reconnect the USB cable.
   • If USB SELECT is displayed on the LCD screen of the camcorder, choose USB CONNECT. If other options like internal memory, internal hard disk, or memory card are displayed on the LCD screen other than the USB CONNECT option, choose the icon where the images or videos you want to transfer are located.
7. Change USB Connect Setting and USB LUN Setting of the camcorder.
   Note: For cameras released after 2011 only.

   • To change the USB Connect Setting;
     1. Go to MENU
     2. Choose Setup
     3. Look for USB Connect Setting
     4. Choose Mass Storage.
   • To change the USB LUN setting:
     1. Go to MENU
     2. Choose Setup
     3. Look for USB LUN Setting
     4. Choose Single

8. If the issue is not resolved, restart the computer.
9. If still not resolved after restarting the computer, try connecting the USB cable to another USB port on the computer.
   Note: For a computer running a Windows® operating system, you should also try uninstalling and reinstalling the USB driver.

10. If you have completed all of the steps above, replaced the USB cable and the issue is still not resolved, connect the camcorder to another computer.
    Note: If the issue doesn't occur with another computer, then the USB ports on the first computer may not be configured properly or there may be installed software that is interfering with the connection. Contact your computer manufacturer for further assistance troubleshooting the computer.

The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If the issue does occur with another computer, the camcorder may require service.  Go to Product Repair.