Digital cameras forum: Need some help here on why a PC cannot read a JPG file name

Probably no help but interesting.

Go to google and search for IMG_0305.JPG.

There are a lot of those files on the internet. For example:

http://www.pbase.com/elsinger/image/62260270

See if you can open them.

If they are jpegs, they are named IMG_nnnn.jpg where nnnn is a number. If they are raw files, they are named _MG_nnnn.CR2. Windows has no trouble working with, or displaying, such files. As long as they haven't been corrupted on their way to a PC, it will read them.

What are you trying to read them with, and why do you think the PC cannot read them? A file name starting with .IMG would cause a problem. I think that's a Mac file name. Windows sees the dot as a separator. Try changing the name from .IMGwhatever to IMGwhatever.

However, I think Apple creates these dot files in addition to the actual jpg file, and that they are Apple related files.

Sorry about the rambling. My camera, BTW, is a 20D.

You still haven't said what is trying to display these images in Windows, and what happens when you try to open or display the files.

I can't find it right now, but I have seen Macs write 'dot' files when I copy or save files to my media. I routinely delete these files.

One other possibility. What formatted the media? If Apple did it, Windows may not be able to read it. The emphasis must be on 'may'.

I routinely work with files saved and/or generated on a Mac. I have never had a problem.

When you say you do not you don't know how he is trying to open them, or how the machine responds, that raises red flags. Anything could be going on with his PC. He could, for example, have jpg files associated with a nongraphics program.

I think that you and Kiddpeat have hit it right on the head of the problem. Here is what my neighbour sent to me before:

Attached is a ".IMG" file and a numbered file, both of which are "jpg" files. I can't read either of these types of files.

Now a question. How can I avoid copying a JPG file to a memory stick and have that .IMG thing happen again??? Not good :(

I guess that little dot creeps up everywhere!
Thanks lgrunin for your help along with Kiddpeats.

-Kevin

I went to an image file and inserted a dot before the file.
Double-clicked it and here was what I found:
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/505/dotthisfileqt7.jpg

How about that! No wonder my friend and neighbour cannot open it!
Who would have thought that?

It's kind of neat having a Graphic Forum that is both PC and Mac.
All of us trying to help each other out.
Thanks everyone and friends, now we all know.

-Kevin

You should get yourself A good file viewer anyway it is something everyone really should have Here is an excellent one I have been using for a while. It is freeware but you can make a donation i did it is well worth it when you see it I was really amazed all that the guy put into it and it was freeware only for personal use. I enclosed a link for you.
http://www.irfanview.com/
Joe D
God Bless A have A Great Day