SD450- Pics look fine on LCD, d/l fragmented! Help!

[videobum]

Just got my SD 450, and suspect there may be an issue with it. Tried various settings, including automatic, with superfine and large settings. The pics look wonderful on the LCD. When I download them, either with the supplied software, or XP, or Nero, they all look the same- they look to be "cut up" into sections, sometimes the bottom 1/3 of the picture will be all yellow, or various other issues that make them unviewable.
Before I return my camera and try another one tomorrow, I thought maybe someone might have an idea what the issue is.
Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to offer!
PS- I have also tried using the media card that came with it and the 512 that I purchased as an extra.

[Juan Zas]

First welcome,

It looks like a p roblem with the SD card. First I suggest you to test another SD card from somebody else that you know is working and see what happens. Another thing is to format first in your camera the SD card, then shot and after download to your PC.
Try also in another PC, may be you have a problem in yours.

[videobum]

Update:
I took the camera to my office computer and downloaded the pictures fine with the standard issue Canon USB cable. So I knew the problem wasn't with the camera or card itself.
Talked to Canon support, which was only slightly less painful than a blow to the backside ("Yes, the camera is turned on...."). They had no suggestions.
Went and asked at Best Buy. They too were of no help, other than to suggest getting a card reader to hook up to my home system.
$10 for a card reader.
$4 in gas to purchase it.
FINALLY getting pictures to download and look like they should = Priceless.

Thanks for the above suggestion :)

[RossW]

Glad you got it sorted out, videobum. Personally, I'd much rather use a card reader vs. plugging my camera into the computer. The less I have to connect to the camera, the safer I feel, given how cheap PC components have gotten, and how contrary some software can act. I've never had an issue with a simple USB card reader setup, even though my otherwise rock-solid PC regularly refuses to recognize other USB devices.