I have a Sony handycam dcr hc 40E but the picture package software has been corrupted. Can I get download the software from somewhere directly

You should be able to use any capture software, such as Windows Movie Maker. See this thread for more details and ideas:

Re: Sony DCR-HC40 Camcorder/USB & saving tape to hard drive - CNET Camcorders Forums (http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7813_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=41902&messageID=596529)