My Laptop Webcam Will Not Work

n happen due to various reasons but mostly becauseAfter reinstalling or installing the new drivers check for
of a faulty webcam application or software orthe problem.
because of bad webcam drivers.Also check if the Startup type of Windows Image
ResolutionAcquisition (WIA) service is set to Automatic, if not set
Examine your webcam with a new webcamit to Automatic. (WIA is the service that is required for
application (application other than what you are usingrunning the webcam applications in the system).
now) i.e change your webcam application. (You mayYou can do this from Services, click on Windows key
try with Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Windows Liveand R simultaneously to open the Run window.
Messenger, Quick play, Youcam, etc)Type services.msc in Run window and click on OK.
Check if your webcam functions with the newlyNow in the Services windows, scroll down to
installed webcam application.Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service and check
If the webcam works well with the newly installedits Startup type. If it is not Automatic, then double click
application, then the problem could be with the builton the service and set it as Automatic (beside Startup
— in webcam application or with the one thattype) and click on “Start” to start the service and
you were using earlier.click on Apply. Click OK.
Uninstall and reinstall your previous application (the oneCheck if your webcam works now.
with which the webcam did not work). Check now, ifIf the problem still persists, then the issue could be due
the webcam works.to an internal webcam hardware problem.
If not, you may have to use the one with which yourBefore concluding if the problem is related to
webcam works.hardware, you might have to perform some more
If the webcam does not work any of the applicationstroubleshooting steps.
or software, then the problem could be with theSome of the notebook manufacturers provide
corrupted webcam drivers.diagnostic tools that you need to run to fix these
Press and hold Windows Key and break keyissues and sometimes you might have to be online to
simultaneously.perform these diagnostic tests.
In the System Properties window, select Hardware tabIf you are running Vista in your notebook, ensure that it
and click on Device Manager.is Vista Service Pack 1.
Click on “+” sign next to Imaging Device and seeIf not, upgrade to Vista Service Pack 1 since comes
if any yellow exclamation mark is present beside thewith a new webcam driver which is like a hotfix to the
webcam device, if it is present then it is a messageone in Vista.
that the devices is under bad condition.You can upgrade from Vista to Vista Service Pack 1
The device may function even in this situation but evenfrom Microsoft website.
has a few chances for not functioning.The webcam may not work even when your system
Now reinstall the webcam drivers from Recoveryresumes from Hibernation or Standby mode. This
CDs or from the Recovery Partition in the notebook.happens because most of the video applications could
Just see if the webcam works.not adjust to the change in the Power State of the
If reinstallation of the drivers will not fix the problem,system.
test the issue by reinstalling the new drivers from theTo resolve this problem, restart your webcam.
webcam support link and if you are using the webcamIf restarting will not resolve the problem then restart
application that came with your notebook then visit theyour computer which will resolve the issue.
notebook support website and in the drivers page youThe general procedures have been mentioned, there
will be able to find the recently released drivers formight me few more steps that have to be followed to
that application.isolate the problem.