400D downloading pictures to PC

I have a 400D and am having problems downloading Jpegs onto my pc. When I have a large number of photos, >100 or so, part the way thro' the download I get an error message saying the equipment has been disconnected ( no it hasn't and I have tried a couple of cables). Sometimes I get a thread lost message. I have tried using both the pathetic Canon software and used direct downloading by using My Computer and copying the files directly (as tho' the camera is a hard drive) and pasting them into a folder. I am using XP.
When this happens I then have to try and download the pictures in batches which sometimes gives me empty picture file ie I get the file name but the file is empty.
I also have a Fuji camera which downloads 100's of pictures whith no problem - and uses the same cable but the far superior Fuji software.

Any Ideas please before the camera and pc go thro' the window????

Welcome to the forum.

I would suggest you buy a card reader and use that to copy the photos to your pc. It will be much faster than using the usb cable connected to the camera.

I'll second Tommy's recommendation. Get yourself a cheap usb card reader. Faster, easier, and less problematic than doing direct camera downloads.

i got a sandisk card reader from bestbuy for 20 bucks. aside from my xti, probably one of the best purchases. so much easier.

1. saves you from having to fight with the usb cover to get it back on. i hate that thing.
2. your camera says its disconnected because you have the auto-off set up. after the auto-off time elapses, the camera turns off, and closes the connection.

Card readers are the best. That said you should be able to use the software. Do you have PS you could try using that for the downloads?

Thanks a lot for card reader suggestion. Bought one from Tescos for the princely sum of £6.95. Works a treat.
I did check the auto power down setting and tried it disabled - still got the disconnected message. Also downloaded the latest software - still does not work. So the card reader wins!
I guess Canon use the same software writers as HP, they always fall over as well.