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Schmidtw
11,205 pts.
 Problem with built in webcam on vista laptop
built-in webcam, Hardware, Vista, Vista Laptop, Webcam, webcam drivers, Webcam Software
I have a client laptop running vista with a built in webcam. Device manager says the webcam is there. There is a link in the programs to uninstall it, but no software that uses it. Unlike a normal camera, it does not appear in the my computer area and I cannot find a link to it anywhere. I should probably search the manufacturer's website, but the client has told me she has not removed a single thing from the unit since purchasing it. Any ideas? -Schmidtw

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ASKED: March 20, 2009  12:20 PM
UPDATED: December 7, 2009  12:05 AM
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I would roll back drivers first, if that does not work then uninstall/reinstall from device manager.
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  March 20, 2009  3:17 pm  by  Securityn00b12   850 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  Securityn00b12   850 pts.
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The manufacturer should have some bonus software preinstalled on the laptop, it’s just a matter of sifting through the miscellaneous software that they have.

mshen
 27,310 pts.
 

Drivers can’t be rolled back/

No bonus or miscellaneous webcam software.

Schmidtw
 11,205 pts.
 

Let me clarify…

No driver updates have been installed since the original image (it’s pretty new)…so the roll back option is not available.

Also, the only listing in program files that makes use of the camera is the “Uninstall Webcam” executable, and there is no other software on the machine just for the use of the webcam. I can open up windows movie maker and see if it will recognize the camera.

Another problem:
On Stickam.com the camera is not recognized soon enough for the “Go Live” option to work. If a session is joined, then it will recognize the camera.

Do you know any software that manages webcams?

-Schmidtw

Schmidtw
 11,205 pts.
 

Webcam software is manufacturer specific as far as I know, so your best bet is to find the manufacturer of the webcam.

mshen
 27,310 pts.
 

If you are not able to reinstall it’s driver again, the try to restore you system operating system.
Follow these steps:
> Go the system tools
> Now select the System restore option
Here you can restore your system on your last good working date.
For more help please visit at: http://www.iyogi.net

Lusy
 825 pts.
 

Thanks, I know how to restore, but I fail to see how restoring the computer would bring the webcam back…as the user reports it never worked to begin with.

I think what I am in need of is a simple method of one either forcing recognition of the camera, or two, finding a simple program that will manage the camera apart from windows, since Vista isn’t doing it.

-Schmidtw

Schmidtw
 11,205 pts.
 

I am having the same problem with my web cam and I also have Vista. If you find a quick fix to the problem would you let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

MusickMan
 10 pts.