How to access my built-in webcam 1.3M on emachines E528-2821

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  1. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #11

    I'd say you need 64 bit Windows installed.
    You might take it back to the shop and explain that their installation of 32 bit is not working for you and see if they will install 64 bit instead.

    Otherwise, borrow a 64 bit installation disk and use the Product Key on the sticker on the laptop to activate it.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7
    windows 7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #12

    Thank you very much for the reply.
    However, I am really not in the mood to have my HD formatted and to go through all of that trouble just for a webcam.
    Are there any other alternatives? It doesn't make sense to me that just because of a 32-bit windows the webcam is not operating properly. If that were to be the case, then why isn't the driver complaining? Why isn't there anything explicitely stating that I need win-64-bit inorder to benefit from all the HD in its most optimum performance?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #13

    I actually agree with you. It was the emachines support page that gave you that information. If that is correct then you need 64 bit Windows.

    You can go to your eMachines support page and find the driver for the webcam if there is one. If there is, check and see if it has a Windows 7 32 bit version. Or if the only version is 64 bit.

    One thing is that a lot of companies do not offer any proprietary driver for the webcam. They rely on the built-in driver in Windows. If that is the case then perhaps the W7 64 bit driver works but the 32 bit one does not. Perhaps. This is all just speculation.

    The key for you is that if the webcam worked to your satisfaction under 64 bit Windows and it's performance has degraded since downgrading the OS then it is not at all uncommon for the issue to be the driver. A driver will fail in Windows if it will not install or play nice with the system, but once installed and configured how it works with it's intended device is a whole different matter. We see this with video drivers all the time - an upgrade installs correctly but results in poor video performance.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #14

    gnam786 said:
    However, I am really not in the mood to have my HD formatted and to go through all of that trouble just for a webcam.
    Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't understand the anger and frustration. The link provided in post #7 has the software for Windows 7 32 bit.

    As for why your OS platformed changed, you shouldn't have taken it to a "shop" for something you could do yourself. You also should have verified and checked that they performed the work expected and restored your computer to the condition it was in beforehand.
    gnam786 said:
    With good quality I mean what you can se on youtube of people putting on their own video recordings.
    Mine doesn't come close to that.
    That's because you are using a built-in webcam. The quality in those is lacking, in terms of the intended purpose. The videos you see on Youtube are likely shot with camcorders or at least better quality webcams (not ones built-in to laptops that are meant for basic video-conferencing).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1
    Pennsylvania
       #15

    okay, so I have a question.
    I had the program installed, and it had accidently gotten deleted or something, (I'm better at wiping stuff than at fixing stuff) but I am also technology illiterate. How do I find a program to get my webcam to be recognized or located?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #16

    You didn't give much data, but you should look to your computer manufacturer's website to find the drivers for your webcam, assuming they aren't still installed. Then, you'll need a program to use the webcam. Most of the time, whatever junk ships with the computers is removed, and something like Skype takes it's place.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 133
    windows 7 x64 pro sp1
       #17

    its common these days with new computers. my new one didn't even show anything in the owners manual about the built in webcam also nothing on the support site about how to use it. i found out how to use mine by trying all the programs listed in the accessary files.
      My Computer


 
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