Uploading photos with MSN TV by Emily Wilska In this issue: How it usually happens, Save images to Scrapbook, Add images to a Web page, What to know before you upload, Use a transloader, Check out the finished product, More help In your travels around the Web, you've probably come across a number of sites that offer the ability to upload photos. Perhaps you wanted to add a picture to an item you listed on eBay, or to a Web page you've created outside of MSN TV. Well, good news — you can!
How it usually happens
If you've ever uploaded photos from a PC (that is, put pictures stored on your computer on a Web site), you know it's a pretty simple process. You tell the Web site where you've stored the photos and it retrieves them from that location.

Well, the process is a bit different with MSN TV. Below, we'll take a look at how it's done.
€ Back to top

Step 1: Save the images to your Scrapbook
First, you'll need to save the pictures you want to upload in your MSN TV Scrapbook. Your Scrapbook is a place to store images you can later add to any Web pages you create with Page Builder.

There are a number of ways you can add images to your Scrapbook. For detailed instructions, choose this link: Adding to your Scrapbook.

Note: if the image you want to upload is from a camcorder or e-scanner, you can skip this step.
€ Back to top

Step 2: Add them to your Page Builder Web page
Once you've saved the images you want to upload in your Scrapbook, you'll need to add them to a Web page you've built with Page Builder. If you're new to Page Builder, check out this Page Builder overview.

If you've already created a Web page but aren't sure how to add photos to it (or if you just want a refresher course), choose Help in Page Builder, and then choose Adding pictures.

Once you've added the photos you want to your Web page, be sure to publish it, and make a note of the URL, or Web address. You'll need it for the next step.
€ Back to top

Step 3: Get the info you need from the site you're uploading to
In step 4, you'll move your photos from the Web page you created with MSN TV to whatever you want their final destination to be. However, before you can do that, you'll need to get some info from that final destination.

Normally, in order to upload pictures, you'll need to know the name of the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server on the Web site you're uploading to, as well as your user name and password for that site. You should check with the Web site to get this info, and to see if there's any other info you'll need in order to upload photos there. While each Web site is different, most have Help with the info you need.
€ Back to top

Step 4: Use a transloader to move your images
Next up is a visit to a handy Web tool called a transloader, which is sort of like a launching pad for the pictures you want to upload. Generally speaking, transloaders let you move pictures from one place to another online — either from another Web page to your own, or from your Web page to another. But here's where things get a bit sticky: each transloader works differently, so there's no simple set of steps to follow. Your best bet is to check out several different transloaders to find one you like; once you do, be sure to read the instructions for that transloader carefully.

Remember, transloaders aren't part of MSN TV, so if you have problems or questions along the way, contact the site directly. Also, be aware that some transloaders are free, while others charge a fee for their services.

Here are a few transloaders that work with MSN TV:

> http://www.webscissors.com

> http://davmagic.com/PAGES41.html

> http://wtv-zone.com/TheKid/tools.html

> http://www.domania.net/freeload

> http://www.draac.com/extractor/index.html

€ Back to top
Step 5: Check out the finished product
After you've uploaded your pictures to a Web site, you may be able to make changes to them (size, resolution, etc.). Since each site has different policies, you should check with the Web site you're uploading to.
€ Back to top
Need more help?
Admittedly, uploading pictures using MSN TV isn't the easiest thing in the world. If you're looking for more detailed info on uploading and using transloaders, consider posting to one of the MSN TV user newsgroups. You can find them by choosing Discuss from your home page, and then searching for groups related to MSN TV. Or, if you've figured out some nifty tips you're willing to share with others, write to us and let us know!
€ Back to top