Yes you could try the external webcam.
As for the clean install, you already own a legitimate product key for win 7 so you are within your rights to do a superior clean install using that key. Your only investment will be time.
In my post #73 are links to tutorials that will assist you along with the best install gurus on the web we can and will walk you through the whole process.
Thank you for the reassurance. Are you offering the two links at the bottom of your post as part of what to use when/if I do the clean install, or as something additional to try now, first? I'm sure there's a charge for both? Along with my unanswered question about what I can expect to shell out for the clean install software, what are the costs of these two 3rd-party programs?
sbuxman
BTW, if I perform a clean install, will that guarantee that the built-in ACER webcam will work?
I thought I did answer your question when I said your only investment would be time, meaning no cost to you in money.
Those links are tutorials on how to do a clean install, they are instructions and are completely free of charge.
The clean install software is an official installer from Microsoft and is also free to use with the windows 7 product key that you already own. No charge.
Sorry, but I can't guarantee something I can't put my hands on.
Failure is not an option here so you will get endless help in solving your issue.
Thanks so much...my bad for not paying (no pun intended) attention to your reference to time : ) The help available at this site has been uber-impressive and nothing but supportive, no kidding.
sbuxman
Thank yoiu.
And I now understand my confusion about 3rd party software and money vs your links to clean install...at the bottom of your post #81 were two links to the former...one for registry fix, the other for driver analysis...but your clean install links were at the bottom of post #73, as you said. I hate ads such as the above for 3rd party software, but I uess we just have to live with them. Occasionally they trip me up, but then I realize it before it's too late...
So another mystery solved.
Check again, my post #81 had no links.
I don't see any links for a registry fix or a driver analysis and I certainly do not recommend or offer them, they are snake oil in my opinion.
If you are seeing ads in between posts that may explain your confusion, although you shouldn't be since you are logged in.
sbuxman: your not alone in webcam issue, theres several forums and questions on yahoo about acers webcam. you might look ito buying a usb webcam and clipping it on monitor. i hardly ever use my webcam, probably why i dont have issues with it. i do know that the latest windows esstential 2012 you can use webcam for IM on messenger and movie maker but it requires a processor with a 2.0 or higher ghz.
i was looking up the system requirement to use skype, maybe this will help you.
If your webcam is not working correctly with Skype, the following advice can help. You can also visit our forum dedicated to video issues, or watch our troubleshooting video.
ProblemResolutionHas your webcam been switched off or disconnected?Check that your webcam is switched on and is connected to your computer.Is another program using your webcam?Close all programs that may be using the webcam. These include video editing software, instant messengers (such as Yahoo Messenger or Windows Live Messenger), browsers, Windows Explorer, and even some websites. Once you have done this, check that your webcam is being used by Skype.Is there a problem with your call settings?Before making a call, select the contact and click in the calling area. Red or yellow icons indicate that further configuration is needed to achieve the best call quality. To check the settings, click the icon you wish to configure and a list of tips to help solve the issue will be displayed.Are you using an old version of Skype?Make sure that both you and the person you are video calling are using the latest version of Skype. It’s easy to find out what version of Skype you are using.Are you using an old version of DirectX?Make sure that you have the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. For Windows Vista and Windows 7, you can get the latest version of DirectX by updating Windows with the latest service packs and updates. For Windows XP, you can download it here.Is your webcam incompatible with your version of Windows?Refer to the documentation for your webcam to make sure that it is compatible with your version of Windows.Is there a problem with your webcam drivers?Check that your webcam is listed in Device Manager.
Are your webcam drivers loading?To let your webcam drivers load, try disabling Skype from loading automatically when you start up your computer:
- Do one of the following:
- Windows 7: Click the Windows button and select Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound and under Devices and Printers select Device Manager. Click the little arrow beside Imaging Devices.
- Windows Vista: Open the Start menu and select Control Panel. Open System and Maintenance and click Device Manager.
- Windows XP:Open the Start menu and select Control Panel. Open System and in the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
- Check that your webcam is listed under Imaging devices.
If it’s not listed, reinstall the drivers for your webcam.
Are your webcam drivers out of date?A driver is the program you install with the webcam which makes it work on your computer. (Some webcams use preinstalled drivers so you may not have had to install one.) Make sure you have the most recent drivers for your webcam by downloading them from the webcam manufacturer's website.Is Windows missing the latest updates?Make sure that Windows has the latest service packs and updates installed.
- Sign out of Skype by clicking Skype > Sign Outin the menu bar.
- In the Welcome to Skype window, uncheck both the options Sign me in when Skype starts and Start Skype when computer starts.
- Restart your computer.
- Sign in to Skype and make a video call.
You can buy a webcam that's guaranteed to work seamlessly with Skype from the Skype shop
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