Just purchased a Dell XPS 410 in December 2006 with fire wire.

PC does not recognize/detect camcorder (Sony TRV-140) when connected USING fire wire.

I "Googled" this PROBLEM and it seems to be a common problem with most camcorders and Microsoft XP Operating Systems.

Device Manager states firewire is working properly.

Tried to solve problems various ways:
Rebooting computer w/ camcorder connected
Used Sony's troubleshooting page advice
Emailing Sony - no response
Checked Microsoft help page
Under network connections/advanced tab, UNCHECK protect my computer

Any help would greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Did you turn the camcorder on BEFORE attaching it?Yes,  the camcorder was on before attaching it.

I also tried plugging the camcorder (turned on) in while rebooting.

Power down and remove the camcorder...do a cold re-boot and SHUT down again. While powered down re-connect the camera but this time leave the power off. Re-boot and see if this changes anything.I will give it a try but my guess from what I have reading on the internet the problem exists with Windows XP.have you installed the drivers for the DCR-TRV140 you can download them from here

http://support.sony-europe.com/DIME/camcorders/D8/D8.asp?l=en&m=DCR-TRV140E
there are also some support help files hints and tips, connectivity troubleshooting help as well as the manuals


or here but more complicated
http://www.css.ap.sony.com/consumer/template/DDSummary.aspx?Id=1656&Category=Handycam&Model=DCR-TRV140
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/ShowSupportProductHome.action?supportProductModelName=DCR-TRV140&targetTab=home&site=odw_en_GB&sectiontype=Support