Is it possible to transfer videos from my ZR 85

You'll need a Mini DV player - I believe Canon or Sony has one. Then you can connect the player to a computer instead of using the camera.

load or reload the drivers for the zr 800,you should be able to get the drivers off of canons website

If your camcorder is Canon ZR85 then it has bad ccd imager problem and that part will be replaced to see live view in camera mode for recording.
Canon offers Free of Cost repair for ZR85 model.
Click Canon CCD Imager Support for details.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=225&modelid=13390&keycode=2112&id=29819

Hello,

Sorry about delayed reply as I just saw it.

Its known problem of ccd imager in Canon ZR85 camcorder and ccd imager needs to be replaced.

Canon will repair your camcorder free of cost as per announced scheme for ccd imager issue.

Click Canon CCD Advisory for details, how to get free repair.

Regarding can't see picture or time code in playback, it is problem of dirty / clogged video heads. Use good quality video head cleaning cassette to clean heads and hope camera will show playback picture.

Good luck.

Hi! If you go to the Canon, they have a trouble shooting section. I copied and pasted some information below. Good luck!
Details Print Friendly Version Issue: How do I transfer video tape recordings to a computer via Firewire?
Solution: Transferring video recordings to a computer ZR80, ZR85, and ZR90

Transferring Video Recordings to a Computer You can transfer recordings to a computer using the IEEE1394 (DV) terminal. With the ZR85 and ZR90 transferring video recordings via USB is not possible.
Before starting the video transferring, make sure to prepare the following:

• A computer equipped with a IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or a IEEE1394 (DV) capturing board (the IEEE1394 protocol is frequently also called "Firewire" or "iLink").
• A DV cable (sold separately)
• Video Editing Software

You can use (1) the video editing software that came bundled with your computer or video capturing board, (2) the video editing software included with your operating system ("Windows Movie Maker" with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows XP and Windows ME, "iMovie" with Mac OS 9 and later), or (3) video editing software purchased separately, with features ranging from very basic to very sophisticated.

• The appropriate driver

A driver is included with Windows operating systems later than Windows 98 Second Edition and Mac operating systems later than Mac OS 9. The driver is installed automatically when you connect the camcorder to the computer. No additional driver is necessary or available.

1. Start your computer.
   (If this is the first time you are connecting the camcorder to your Windows based computer your computer will display the "New Hardware Found" message while the driver is installed automatically.)
   
2. Set the camcorder to mode.
   
3. Connect the camcorder to the computer with the DV cable as shown below. Once the camcorder and computer are connected together the camcorder will display "DV IN" on the LCD/viewfinder. This message confirms that the camcorder is ready to receive or transfer video.
   
4. Refer to the instructions for your video editing software to download your video from the camcorder.
   Note: Because procedures for digital editing software applications vary greatly, Canon cannot offer any additional support or suggestions regarding downloading and editing your video. Please refer to the software publisher or your computer manufacturer (if the software came with your computer) for assistance in using the software.
   

• Operation may not work correctly depending on the software and the specifications/settings of your computer.
• If the computer freezes while you have connected the camcorder, disconnect and reconnect the DV cable. If the problem persists, disconnect the interface cable, turn off camcorder and computer, turn camcorder and computer back on and reconnect them.
• Before connecting the camcorder to the computer using a DV cable, make sure that camcorder and computer are not connected with a USB cable, and that no other 1394 device is connected to the computer.

• We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source while it is connected to the computer.
• Refer also to the instruction manual of the computer.
• The programs ZoomBrowser EX and Image Browser included with the supplied CD-ROM are intended for use only with images recorded on the memory card.
• Video recordings on the tape cannot be transferred to the computer using the software included with the supplied CD-ROM.

YES THE MAIN BOARD HAS FRIED. VERY EXPENSIVE AND HARD TOO PUT IN

CALL CANON FOR FREE REPAIR.

I also have a Canon ZR-- left of the lens and the built-in microphones, there is a small panel that opens to reveal several ports. The middle yellow one is the AV In/Out. You can plug in the cable that came with your camera. One end looks like a microphone plug, the other has 3 RCA type plugs- red, white and yellow. These get plugged into your VCR's OUT plugs on the back of the VCR. Place a tape in the camcorder, open the LCD panel and push the REC PAUSE button. On the VCR, press the Play button. When the tape reaches the point you want to begin recording, press the camcorder's Play/Pause button. When you want to stop recording, press the Stop button on the camcorder.
This is also detailed on page 82 of your manual, manuals are available online at Canon.com. Your specific manual is at: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=174&modelid=9739#DownloadDetailAct
Hope this helps.

Better Late than never....
The usb port is for the memory card only....You will need a firewire to transfer over the DV tape.