Version 1, which could explain a few things.

Not being a great fan of raw I very rarely use lightroom, i was experimenting becuase I'd heard that A200 raw files come out a lot better than jpeg files (quality wise).

Sony's own Image data convertor cannot open the images either, which should rule out a software problem.

Jpeg files work with no problems at all, with either programme.

I would'nt have thought there was a problem with the camera or usb cable and becuase I had no problems uploading raw with my A100 and software, I'm leaning towards the memory card as being faulty, I can't believe play.com would sell knock off's, I'll get a cheapy from somewhere else & will try it to confirm things.

Annoyingly I have'nt got a memory stick duo adaptor, if i had I'd have been able to check it out with my PSP's 2gb memory stick. While on the subject of the adaptor I'm amazed how much they go for on ebay, it's cheaper to buy a 4gb extreme 3 with "only" jpeg functionality

In jpeg mode I've set the camera sharpening to +1, what other adjustments could I make to help produce out of the can photo's, I'm very happy with the camera but having looked at thumbnails raw definetly looks to be the better option, are there settings that'll get me as close to raw quality as possible. (as mentioned I'm not a fan of raw).