USB cann't make your video transfer. You can do it with a fireware cable only (other name - "i Link"). You have to buy it (4x4 type). I hope your laptop has a fireware port.
USB will help you only with your still images, and about Sony software - forget it for your video capturing. Just for your stills.
Browse the net (yahoo, google...) and download a free WinDV software. Easy to use and very fast capturing program.
I have purchased a sony DCR HC-40 camcorder. Now I am facing a problem to copy it from the camcorder to my laptop. when i try to do this with my USB connection and with the help thier software, automatically my recorded movie converted in some random scene and also the music which provided by thier software. So, i did not get my original movie which I acually recorded. Can anybody let me know step by step procedure that what should I do to handle these things?
Thanking you.
reguards,
dhaval

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