Although Hewlett Packard stopped making digital cameras for a few years recently before rejoining the digital camera marketplace in 2010, plenty of photographers still own and use HP cameras ... and some encounter problems with those cameras.

The best way to troubleshoot a malfunctioning HP camera is to find an error message on the LCD screen. Use these seven tips to solve your HP camera error messages.

(NOTE: An "x" in the error messages listed below can represent any digit, zero through nine.)

1. "0xx" or "3xx" error message. For HP cameras using a CF memory card, this error message indicates a problem with the CF memory card. However, the problem can range from having a full memory card to an unformatted memory card to a malfunctioning card. If the card has never been used, try formatting it with the HP camera. Otherwise, try downloading the photos on the card to your computer, creating more room on the card.
   
2. "1xx", "4xx", or "5xx" error message. Use the tips in the "other HP camera error messages" listing below to try to fix these error messages. If those tips do not work, the camera may need repair.
   
3. "2xx" error message. This error message indicates that the camera contains a photo file that is corrupted. You'll need to delete the file to remove the error message.
   
4. Camera Cannot Connect error message. You'll see this error message when your HP camera cannot make the connection to your computer. Sometimes, this error message indicates incompatibility between the computer and HP camera. Try reinstalling your HP camera software on the computer to try to fix the problem. Other times, you'll see the error message when there is a problem with the USB cable you're using, or with the USB connector on either the camera or computer. Try a different cable and test the USB connectors to find the source of the problem.
   

1. Connecting error message. If your HP camera freezes while you are trying to connect to the computer, and you see the "connecting ..." message displayed on the LCD, you can try these tips for fixing the problem. First, make sure the USB cable is connected solidly between the camera and computer. Then, make sure your HP camera is selected in the HP software menus. Make sure the HP camera software is properly installed and is upgraded to the latest version. Finally, try turning the camera on and off to reset it.
   
2. "Err" error message. Use the tips in the "other HP camera error messages" listing below to try to fix this error message. If those tips do not work, the camera may need repair.
   
3. Other HP camera error messages. If you run into an HP camera error message that doesn't seem to have any solutions, HP recommends performing a "hard reset" on the camera. Remove the battery and memory card from the camera for at least 10 minutes. In addition, after the battery is removed with some HP camera models, you may need to open the lens cover or depress the telephoto lens lever for 10-15 seconds to clear the camera's super capacitor, ensuring all power has been drained from the camera. After 10 minutes, reinsert the battery and memory card and turn on the camera again. If the error message persists, your HP camera may need to be sent to a repair center.
   

Keep in mind that different models of HP cameras may provide a different set of error messages than is shown here. If you are seeing HP camera error messages that aren't listed here, check with your HP camera user guide for a list of other error messages specific to your model of camera, or visit the Support area of the Hewlett Packard Web site.

Good luck solving your HP point and shoot camera error message problems!