Acer crystal eye vs. windows 7

djoel81 · 18 Jun 2012

Noob here. So it seems that the built-in webcam on my acer extensa 5230e doesn't like windows 7 drivers. (apparently a long history here)

My particular problem is that the camera shows up in device manager and reads as working normally. However there is no program/application I have used that will allow me to use the webcam. I keep getting messages of 'no camera found' or 'plug in camera'.

I just want to know if this is a driver or hardware issue? I have no idea which brand the camera is (chicony or suyin). I purchased the machine used. It was returned to factory condition when I purchased it. Windows is 100% up to date, drivers and all.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

smarteyeball · 18 Jun 2012

It would be a driver/app issue.

Have you tried installing / running the software in either XP or Vista compatibility mode?

powerhouse2012 · 19 Jun 2012

I have an Acer with the built in crystal eye webcam. It came with Acer Arcade Deluxe which is where you access the webcam. I'm not sure if you can download it but it is worth a shot. Also, go to Acer's support page and find your model. http://support.acer.com/us/en/produc...1&modelId=1085 It should be able to check and install anything that is missing.
You could also download and install Belarc advisor. It might tell you what camera you have installed. Even if it doesn't, it still provides a wealth of information about your machine.
Hope this helps you.

powerhouse2012

Bongo · 19 Jun 2012

You should try the drivers for both chicony or suyin one at a time and uninstalling between and use.
I was having similar trouble with my Acer laptop webcam mine turned out to be a loose wire when I partially close the lid a little webcam will work if I open it all the way it does not.
Jerry

djoel81 · 19 Jun 2012

@ smarteyeball - yes I have tried compatibility mode with no luck. Thanks Though.
@ bongo - Acer doesn't list any drivers (says win 7 drivers are sufficient) and neither of the applications available (chicony and suyin) can detect a camera.

Bongo · 19 Jun 2012

How old is that laptop? You can use the Vista drivers if you haven't already.
Did you ever have the WebCam working? Another alternative is to search for some WebCam software some with free trials to see if it recognizes your WebCam. Like I stated above if I start my Acer WebCam software when my lid is completely open it does not work but if I close it halfway it will work.
Jerry

DeaconFrost · 19 Jun 2012

Have you tried removing all driver software, rebooting, then running Windows Update?

djoel81 · 19 Jun 2012

Do you mean ALL drivers, the 2 windows drivers as well?

Bongo · 19 Jun 2012

I'm sure DeaconFrost meant just the webcam drivers.

DeaconFrost · 20 Jun 2012

Yes, just the webcam drivers. Often times, with devices such as older printers, the easiest way to install them is to just let Windows Update find them.