Polaroid PhotoMAX Image Maker

Instructions for installing PhotoMax on Windows XP system: THIS IS A RE-POSTING FROM 1/7/04 BY Josely IMPORTANT: Do not insert the PhotoMAX CD into the CD drive until you get to Step 3 of this procedure. Start the Wizard by clicking the Start button and choosing All Programs > Accessories > Program Compatibility Wizard. Follow the on-screen prompts. Select I want to use the program in the CD-ROM Drive. Insert the PhotoMAX software CD-ROM into the CD drive. Click Next. Select Microsoft Windows 98/Windows Me and click Next. Uncheck the following items: 256 colors 640 X 480 Screen Resolution Disable Visual Themes Follow the on-screen prompts. The PhotoMAX software will begin installing. Follow on-screen prompts to finish the installation. Close the Compatibility Wizard when the software installation is complete. NOTES Limited testing of the Program Compatibility Wizard has shown that the PhotoMAX application is functional within Windows XP -- however, some special PhotoMAX features (Screensaver, Sticker Store Deluxe) may not work properly. If PhotoMAX will not run after using the Program Compatibility Wizard, there may be a conflict with the computer's hardware system. Polaroid's Digital Camera Serial Troubleshooting Guide offers complete overview of serial port conflicts and gives detailed instructions for diagnosing and correcting these errors.

This an inexpensive camera and is great for kids and beginners. It takes a decent picture, especially to email back home on vacation. A lot of fun, lots software can do to photos after storing.

Not great on indoor photos of objects over 6-7 feet away when flash is needed.

This is not a review so much as it is to confirm what two other reviewers posted about making the PhotoMAX software work and/or compatible with Windows XP. I tried it and it works!!!! Thanks so much to reviewer JOESLY who posted his instructions on 1/17/04 - it took all of 5 minutes and I was able to use the software and download the images from my camera. Also, reviewer "mrszimmy" on 2/16/04 gave some helpful advice and it is appreciated. I can't believe that 6 people posted reviews and/or complained AFTER the review by JOESLY on 1/7/04. Don't people read other people's helpful reviews and at least try them. I'm glad that I did - look for the review I'm referring to and it will probably solve most of your problems with the PhotoMAX software issue in Windows XP. FYI - I do think we should all complain to Polaroid for making it so difficult to find any answers on their website. Furthermore, it appears that ARCSOFT is the manufacturer for the PhotoMAX SE software and they are NO HELP at all either. (I got my camera "free" as part of a special AOL offer when I had my Windows 98, which is why I put 0 as my purchase price)

It's a fun camera for "fun" projects.

Practically need Klieg lights or some sort of intense light to get a clear picture.

I too got this software when I had my windows ME computer. I recently purchased a new computer running Win XP Home. I tried to install the program and got the error not compatible with win NT. I got on Polaroid's webpage and got to the support page, went to the xp section and followed the instructions for using XP program compatibility wizard(start>all programs>accessories>program compatibility wizard). Now the program works great!!

EASY To use

Takes a little time to get XP to be compatible.

Although the softwear is good, it does not work at all on XP driver's. If there were drivers for it , then it would be great. Other wise it is worthless unless you have windows 98.

I bought this camera when I had win 98 and it was a great camera for the price. it is not great on close ups. they come out blurry. it does take good normal pictures except for red eye sometimes. BUT!!!XP ended the fun. I built me a new comp with XP and the software did not work.trying to contact the company to get updated software was a hassle. if anyone has solved that problem then drop me a line @ KenSmith1964@hotmail.com

Great in pre XP era.

don't work in XP

Bad