Solved Alienware M9700 webcam not working, Fn+F4 activation?

[myemerald]

I recently acquired an Alienware M9700 and upgraded it to Win 7 Pro from XP. I'm still getting used to this laptop (and I use that term lightly....it must weigh 40lbs!...LOL). I have not yet figured out how to get the webcam to work. I know pressing FN+F4 is involved, however i tried to use the camera on Skype and Skype doesn't recognize the webcam.


The laptop's manual gives this note, how do I activate its function through Windows?

Press this key combination (Fn+F4) to power on and power off the optional Web Cam module. After powering on the Web Cam, you need to activate its function through Windows™.

Thank you!

P.S. I also posted in the Dell Alienware forum, no replies there yet

 

[Dude]

myemerald, please post a screenshot from device manager



:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[myemerald]

Device manager

myemerald, please post a screenshot from device manager

Here is my device manager...

 

[Dude]

Strange, no imaging device listed, please expand other devices.

Have you tried reinstalling the webcam driver?

http://support.alienware.com/Suppor..._processed.aspx?os=WXP&cat=32&manu=8&item=873

 

[myemerald]

Strange, no imaging device listed, please expand other devices.

Have you tried reinstalling the webcam driver?

Alienware : The Ultimate Gaming Machine

Yes, I have reinstalled the webcam driver. In fact, I was just now going to try it again and it wants to uninstall, so I did. As I recall, when I initially installed the driver it said Vista. I'm going to restart the computer now after uninstall, the be right back. Ok, I'm back now. Do you think I should reinstall that same driver, even if it says vista?

 

[myemerald]

Reinstalled camera driver

I reinstalled the driver, no sign of vista, not sure what I saw before. Here is what I ended up with:


There's a USB2.0 Camera listed under other devices, but with an error. Any idea what is going on here? Thanks!!

 

[Dude]

Try installing the webcam driver under compatibility mode

:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html

 

[myemerald]

Try installing the webcam driver under compatibility mode

:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html

I found the driver file and clicked troubleshoot compatibility. Here is what I ended up with:

 

[Dude]

sorry about that, try this

Installing a driver in Compatibility mode in Windows 7

 

[myemerald]

sorry about that, try this

Installing a driver in Compatibility mode in Windows 7

Darn, I'm sorry, I tried to delete that comment before you saw it. I was able to make it work (see above). I just launched Skype to test the camera and IT WORKS!!!!

Thank you so much!

 

[Dude]

Great news, glad you got it!