With broadband internet widely available, many PC users are actively using their webcams for video chatting and online meetings. Not only does the increased bandwidth facilitate the use of video over the internet, improved webcams and better video compression also help a lot.
But if your hardware is not working as it should be, a webcam is not much fun. So dealing with webcam problems can be a necessary evil. Webcam problems often simply mean there is no image to be seen, but in other cases you might actually get an error message or will not be able to select the webcam as the video source in your programs.
Steps to solve the webcam problems
The very first step is of course to check your webcam connection. Most webcams use the USB port to connect to the PC, so check if your USB cable is properly plugged. For build-in webcams this steps does of course not apply. Many new laptops have a build-in webcam. Also try connecting your webcam directly to your PC instead of through a USB hub (if you are using one).
The next thing is to do is to check your Windows Device Manager and see if the hardware is recognized and installed properly.
It might be that the hardware is recognized as a camera, but the right drivers are not installed. The yellow explanation mark will indicate a problem.
If the device is not recognized in Windows XP, it will be listed under Other Devices.
In either case you can try to update the drivers. Right-click the device, and in the popup menu select Update Driver Software. Then follow the instructions on screen, but make sure you allow Windows to search the web for updated drivers.
In case no driver for the webcam can be found, you can try a third party driver finding program that scans your PC for installed hardware and allows you to install missing drivers.
If this fails, the next step would be to uninstall the software that came with your webcam. Use the Add or Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel. If that does not work you can use a third party uninstaller.
After uninstalling the software, restart your PC and then reinstall the webcam software. In most cases this will solve the problems. Depending on the software, you might need to unplug your webcam during the software installation.
If the drivers and webcam software are correctly installed, and you still cannot see any video, there can be a problem with the program settings. Most chat and meeting software have a configuration option to select the video source for the webcam feature. If you have multiple devices that qualify for video, you might need to select your webcam device as the source for the webcam feature in that program.
Some webcams and programs require additional software, although that should be installed with the webcam if things are right. But is does not harm to check if your Java, Flash and Quicktime software are installed and up to date. But certainly check your DirectX software, since all video applications, including webcams, use DirectX for video processing. Try downloading the latest DirectX version and install it (Windows XP: DirectX 9.0c – Windows Vista: DirectX 10).
Lastly, if your webcam’s image is not sharp, check to see if it has a focus ring. A blurry image can sometimes simply mean the webcam is not in focus. Adjusting the focus through the ring can solve that problem.
Other picture quality problems with webcams can be addressed by changing the video capture properties for the webcam. Most programs that can use a webcam will have an option to access the properties of the video source, which will bring up the video capture properties window.
Do keep in mind that not all settings will be enabled depending on the webcam and the webcam driver installed on your computer. In the example you can see that some settings are disabled. The example shows the video capture properties for an Acer Crystal Eye webcam.
If you are using your webcam for instant messaging with one of the popular chat programs, have a look at EatCam, which allows you to record your webcam chats from MSN, YM, ICQ, Skype, AIM and a few more!
Hi:
I use my TC1000 tablet PC to take field notes, I often take photos with a digital camera to support these notes. When I return to the office I have to download the photos and incorporate them into my notes, not a simple or quick task.
Do you know of a non-obtrusive mini camera that I could directly attach to the TC1000 thus allowing me to seamlessly switch from my note application to the camera, copy an image to the clipboard and past it back into the note?
This real time association between note and image would make things much easier.
Thank you.
Joe
@Joe – If you are looking for a USB version, you could consider the Philips SPC611NC/37 portable webcam. A similar one is the Macally IceCam.
Bluetooth webcams are hardly available, and the WiFi webcams are more targetted at survailance purposes, so USB is probably the best option (also cost-wise).
Kyle
Hi, I have a HP laptop and I just got it last night…
and i tried testing out the webcam and it works fine…on my desktop.
But when I go to use it on aim…it doesn’t show all it showed was a white screen, I saw my friend but she couldn’t see me!
kyle,i’ve got same”ERROR during capture, error code=800706f8′problem with my a4tech webcam.i am using windiws xp,and i tr?ed everything to solve it bu it didn’t work.I would be very glad if you could help me.
@Raini – Although it does not appear to be a network issue, make sure you have the AIM ports (1024 to 5000) open in your firewall (only for AIM!).
Apart from that, you can try and use SplitCam, in some cases that solves webcam issues.
@Dothan – I assume you have made sure you got the latest drivers and reinstalled the drivers already. That would be the first place to start.
Is the problem happening with all programs? And what OS are you running?
I would also suggest you try SplitCam, it is a very simple program that basically works with most webcams and then lets all other programs use the webcam through SplitCam itself.
I’ll put up a review on the program shortly, so things are a bit clearer.
Kyle
thank you for paying attendion to my problems.i’ve got windows xp.i think my computer has a problem about webcams.i have just tried another one(fly oml-300)and it did’t worked too.also,i am having problems with other programs.i restarted the computer,reinstalled the driver,used splitcam but i still can’t use webcam.what can i do now?
@Dothan – That does not look good indeed. If you have the option, try the webcam with the same driver on a different XP system to confirm it is your configuration.
If that works fine, you might need to do a fresh install of XP on your system.
This of course assumes you have tried all the other options, like plug your webcam directly into a USB port on your mainboard and not use a bug, and check the USB settings in your BIOS (changing between 1.1 and 2.0 can make a difference).
Kyle
i had to reinstall windows XP Pro in the last few days. now i find out i cant send or recieve webcam calls on my MSN version 2009. webcam works fine on yahoo sending and recieving. i have zonealarm firewall and iolo antivirus i have shut both of them down and it still wont work. have uninstalled and reinstalled MSN as well. i am about ready to reinstall windows XP Pro.
So please help!!!!!!!
@Chris – MSN 2009 supposedly used UDP ports 5004 through 65535 for webcam calls, so as long as you configure zonealarm to allow those to pass through it should work. Your antivirus should not have anything to do with this problem.
Would be best to define MSN as an exception in the ZoneAlarm program list (inclued the “Msnmsgr.exe” as an “Allow” program). That should allow all ports for MSN.
Kyle
I have uninstalled zonealarm with no luck i have even uninstalled MSN 2009 and went to verison 8 and still i cant send or recieve webcams. i see another XP install coming. lol
Kyle,
So glad to read through the discussion.
I am facing a problem with MSN 2009 where the webcam (whether mine or the other party’s webcam) disconnects. after <1 minute from connecting.
Any idea how to fix this? I use a DSL connection and I am wirelessly connected to the router.
I searched the web and contacted some local IT support friends but didn’t solve the annoying problem. (does it have anything to do with the fact that I don’t have a fixed IP?)
Would appreciate any support.
Thank you in advance.
Best,
James Hin
jameshin22@gmail.com
@James Hin – The issue you mention is something I have seen more with MSN 2009. I can not give an absolute answer, but there are a few things you can try in case you have not already:
- try connecting the laptop to the router by cable if possible to exclude the wireless connection as a problem. I do not suspect the IP to be an issue, the router will take care of properly forwarding traffic, but the bandwidth could be a cause.
- try using a 3rd party program like Trillian or aMSN to make sure it is not your MSN account.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/amsn/
http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/
Other suggestions would depend on what you are running, XP or Vista (other)?
Kyle
Hi Kyle,
Thank you for your reply. I have ready many thread and discussions online but none were able to solve it.
I am using Windows XP and a SpeedTouch 585 router. My MSN account was working prior to installing MSN 2009 (I don’t know how to go back to an earlier version, it forced me to upgrade).
My current router configurations are:
Game or Application Definition
A game or application is made of one or more TCP/UDP port ranges. Each incoming port range can be translated into a different internal (local network) port range. Port ranges can be statically assigned to devices or dynamically assigned using an outgoing trigger.
Protocol Port Range Translate To … Trigger Protocol Trigger Port
Any 1863 – 1863 1863 – 1863 - - Edit Delete
Any 5190 – 5190 5190 – 5190 - - Edit Delete
Any 6891 – 6900 6891 – 6900 - - Edit Delete
Any 6901 – 6901 6901 – 6901 - - Edit Delete
Thank you again for your support.
James Hin
I have a Microsoft Lifecam NX-3000. I can take pictures with it and I can record audio with it. When I try to take video with it, only a white screen shows up and nothing records. It has worked in the past but suddenly it stopped working.
@James Hin – You can assign a static IP to your PC and make sure the MSN ports are forwarded to that IP in the router. THis will ensure the webcam traffic follows the proper route. But I do not think this has anything to do with the 1 minute issue, as the wrong IP route would cause it not to work at all.
You can try the old version from: http://www.oldversion.com/MSN-Messenger.html
@Lisa – The first thing to try would be to uninstall the webcam and reinstall it (force the drivers to be reinstalled). Further steps depend on the program you are using for recording the video, have you looked at: http://www.pcauthorities.com/multimedia/record-video-with-your-webcam ?
Kyle
hello i have a problem….my webcam driver is properly installed and is working properly also but i cannot seee any images through it ,web cam shows broadcasting below but images are black….please help me
@drshubhekshya – What operating system are you using and which program are you using for the webcam? Have you tried different applications to show the webcam image?
Kyle
I am no whiz with computer terminology but hope I can get some help here.
My GE web cam used to ALWAYS work. My problem now is that it will not work with someone in Florida, (I am in Minn). It works with all others. When I click on actions, then Invite to view web cam…….nothing. In fact I cannot even use the BUZZ feature. You know how those are highlighted usually, well with my FL, connection they are not. Sometimes they are highlighted but only if they are not online.
Hope I made this clear,,,,,any help. Thanks. V.
@Vicki – Considering that it works with all your other contacts, it is probably something to do with the setup/configuration of the person you are chatting with in Florida. So not your setup.
Two things i’d suggest you try:
- advise your friend in Florida to use the exact same software version of the chat program that you are using (Skype/MSN/Yahoo/AIM, whatever). Different versions can have compatibility problems with video chat.
- let you friend in Florida check his/her network settings (this will depend on which chat program you are using, but details are available in earlier comments).
Can your friend in Florida see the webcam of other friends and just not yours?
Kyle
my camera in my asus laptop cant work when i try to capture a pictures it says please check the device connection and make sure that the device is not being used by another application or user………..im using skype instead of yahoo messenger when i entering yahoo messenger it says the webcam is not connected…..how can i work the webcam?help me
Kyle, thanks for the input. We are both using Yahoo for camming. He can cam his family out east so dont think that is the problem. Every now and then it will let us connect, this morning it actually worked, but was very blurry, which was not the case a month or so ago. Seems like a mystery, Thanks Vicki
@Leah – Make sure you use only a single application at the time to exclude “in-use” problems. You can try SplitCam (http://www.pcauthorities.com/software-reviews/splitcam-share-your-webcam) if you want to use multiple applications. SplitCam might help solve your problem anyhow.
I am assuming that you checked the Device Manager to ensure the webcam is working?
@Vivki – Really seems to be a connection issue between both your locations. You could try both using Skype or GoogleTalk to see if you have the same problem with those.
Kyle
Hi,
I have an Acer Laptop with a built in webcam and run Window’s XP. My computer is 3 years old.
The other day I was using my webcam on 2 different MSN chats and it was working fine for an hour or so, then it just suddenly froze. I decided to just leave it. Then I tried it today again on MSN and the screen is just black. The I tried opening it from the desktop and it doesn’t work there either, it just shows a grey screen and freezes. Is there anyway I can fix it?
@Alicia – It’s rare for a built in webcam to break down, so more likely is that there is some problem with the drivers or software. Even a Windows update could have caused it.
First check the Device Manager, to make sure the webcam is still shown there and does not have any problems. If necessary uninstall it and reinstall the drivers.
If it shows okay in the Device Manager, you can try an application. You can try SplitCam instead of MSN, also handy for sharing the webcam on more than one application. Check out: http://www.pcauthorities.com/software-reviews/splitcam-share-your-webcam
Kyle
KYLE im having problem on my webcam. i have installed it on vista home. when i tried to use amcap software the camera is working is just fine. but when i started to broadcast it on yahoo messenger 9 , the camera doesn’t have a image it only has a black output. so i told my friends to accept the invitation to view my cam he says that it has no image. . i also tried to configure the webcam on the preferences of my messenger….. hope you could help me on this problem..