I have a Nikon D40 and have taken pictures using the RAW setting producing NEF files. I am unable to view them once they are loaded onto my computer which is operated by Windows Vista. I am unable to view the files using Photoshop 7 either. What is the problem and how do I remedy it?

Hi
Not sure how you're trying to view your images. RAW is only supported by specialist programs.
If I'm correct, photoshop doesn't manage raw files until the CS versions, and then it depends on what camera/software version you have. I have Canon and they supply software with the camera - not sure if Nikon do the same? Maybe some Nikon users here will be able to help you out.
There is free software out there that can help but, again, not sure how good it is. I'm sure others can point you in the right direction. A google search might prove useful.

Helen

Hi Steve
As the name RAW implies, the photos have not been processed. There are some viewers which support RAW files but they will not display them to their best.
I believe Irfanview and Picassa can be used and are free downloads. They are considered very good viewers.
You should however have recieved some software with your camera which will convert the RAW files for you to whatever format you prefer. TIFF is quite a common format but does produce very large file sizes. Plus side is that it is uncompressed. JPEG is a compressed format and much more common, giving sensible file sizes and its unlikely you will notice any drop in quality from the compression.
If you dont have the software then you may be able to download it from the Nikon website. Another great conversion program you can use is Rawshooters Essentials. Download here.
http://www.download.com/RawShooter-Essenti...2.html?hhTest=1
I have been using it for years and prefer it to the software that came with my camera. There is a superb tutorial with it explaining how to use it.
If you want to splash out cash. Adobe Lightroom is tops.
Hope this helps
Don

http://www.irfanview.com/main_download_engl.htm
http://picasa.google.com/download/