Morning, I'm new to this list, and I'm hoping that others on the list are interested in scanning their old photos in order to share and preserve them. I'm currently scanning the pictures in my parent's photo albums (ca 1920). Many are brittle, faded, yellow, and torn. I'd like to exchange ideas on the optimum settings for scanning in order to restore. I use Paint Shop Pro 7 for working with the photos. I apologize if these questions have been answered in the past. If so, could someone point me to where I can read old messages. (1) I'd like to know what is considered the best format in which to save these files for long term storage; I'm presently using *.tif for archive purposes and *.jpg for using the photo in genealogy programs. I've read many like the *.bmp format better, and I've read that there is another newer format. (2) I'm experimenting with the histogram function and would like some specific help on the mid range slider; what is the purpose of it? After adjusting the histogram, do you then use the "contrast & brightness" feature? (3) How do you enlarge a small photo? I'm presently scanning at 1400+ dpi and then enlarging the size of the original photo. Is there a better way? (4) What do you do with your original photos after scanning them into archive files? The books my photos are in have that old black paper that is now breaking up. Many of the photos were 'glued' into the book, so there is a photo on both sides of the black paper. (5) When a scanner is not available, I've copied old photos in other family member's album with my camera with mixed results. Any thoughts on this method of obtaining photos from other people? (6) Finally, What storage media is considered best? CD disk, Zip drive, etc.? Many thanks. Kay in Maryland --- Kay Keating's outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.303 / Virus Database: 164 - Release Date: 11/24/2001