I have bought Sony handycam - dcr sx44, which on connecting with USB cable to computer, shows preparing. And nothing happens further. Neither computer detects camera, nor transfer of audio / video/ photo takes place.
Pl advice.

I'm having the same problem. My camera and computer worked flawlessly for three years, but now I have the same "stuck on preparing" problem... and it is on ALL of my pc's... not just a certain unit. Let me know if you find an answer...