HP Webcam not working well with W7

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 294
    W7 pro 32-bit.
       #1

    HP Webcam not working well with W7


    I just acquired this used laptop (Pavilion dv7-2173cl)which was upgraded to W7 pro 32-bit.

    Device manager says "This device is working properly". Indeed it works with google chat but I cannot make it work alone, on its own. The cam shortcut does not make it turn on; all it does is open a box for properties.

    This is my first 18 hours with W7. Already I miss Vista.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 294
    W7 pro 32-bit.
    Thread Starter
       #2

    It's ok, folks. I solved the problem. Turned out I was using an old webcam icon.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #3

    You'll need some software to work with the camera - devmgr and google chat show that the hardware is working ok.

    Here's what HP offers for your box: HP MediaSmart Webcam Software - HP Pavilion dv7-2173cl Entertainment Notebook PC | HP® Support=
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 294
    W7 pro 32-bit.
    Thread Starter
       #4

    "Here's what HP offers for your box: HP MediaSmart Webcam Software - HP Pavilion dv7-2173cl Entertainment Notebook PC | HP® Support="

    Hi Slarty....Indeed it solved the problem(I found it minutes before you posted your reply.)

    Now I have problems with HP Media Smart Live TV and Internet TV(and God knows what else among the other HP Media Smart programs HP Support website offers...there are 17 of them all of which I installed). They are all provided by Cyberlink which I had a lot of problems with in my old Pavilion dv7-1170us.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,449
    Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit
       #5

    Well unfortunately; a lot of the programs that comp. makers these days include with their systems tend to be more "bloatware" then anything. I would just uninstall them all and get rid of them unless you know you feel they are absolutely essential for your use.

    I would download, install, and run the following called revo uninstaller; which will clear out any files for programs u dont want or need:

    http://www.revouninstaller.com/downl...e-portable.php
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #6

    Either you can check or I'll take a look, but not all software offered is appropriate for every dv7.

    I think the TV stuff is offered for may machine, but I don't have a TV tuner card! Maybe it's their way of softselling HW. "Oh, you're having trouble with TV software. I see, your macine doesnt' have a tuner card. Just so happens that Hp offeres an excellent......"

    Anyway, as matt menitoned lots of that stuff is bloatware. Some of it is fun, some of it even useful. None of it is required except the HW drivers and most of them will be provided theough Windows Update.

    Figure out what HW you have (Belarc Advisor is an excellent auditor) and if you don't have the hardware, uninstall the software.

    Do NOT post the Belarc Advisor report - it contains information that should be protected from Internet eyes.

    Other than the Webcam software, I honestly don't think you need the other 17 software pkgs. That decision is up to you, though

    It's always good practice to install one thing at a time, see how your machine operates, then if needed install the next. There are exceptions of course... Windows Updates.

    Could you elaborate on "I have problems with HP Media Smart Live TV and Internet TV".

    I'll be off for the evening, so you have pleanty of time to auit your hardware, and look at the software, make a decision to keep it or uninstall it.


    pappi said:
    "Here's what HP offers for your box: HP MediaSmart Webcam Software - HP Pavilion dv7-2173cl Entertainment Notebook PC | HP® Support="

    Hi Slarty....Indeed it solved the problem(I found it minutes before you posted your reply.)

    Now I have problems with HP Media Smart Live TV and Internet TV(and God knows what else among the other HP Media Smart programs HP Support website offers...there are 17 of them all of which I installed). They are all provided by Cyberlink which I had a lot of problems with in my old Pavilion dv7-1170us.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 294
    W7 pro 32-bit.
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Just like the Quick Play in Pavilion dv7-1170us(also operated by cyberlink), this HP Media Smart live TV and internet TV in Pavilion dv7-2173cl are supposed to be awesome programs and they should work well with my HP Express card TV tuner. They show classic TV shows and movies and can show live TV from international broadcast...like soccer games.

    Both QP and MS TV programs are unique to dv7- series entertainment notebook. The Keyboard in both notebooks have unique designs to enable these programs. They can boot straight to these program by using the feature just above the keyboard.

    Unfortunately, both QP and MS cyberlink software are very temperamental. That's why I ended up uninstalling QP after three years. Cyberlink kind of abandoned the software support or offered updates...for a price.

    Both HP MediaSmart live TV and internet TV would open their windows, warn that "your TV tuner is being initialized" but nothing is visible on the window even when the HD blinking light suggests hard drive activity...and then blinking light slows down after a minute or so, and dies. And the program window remains blank with clickable signs(TV channels, On Now, On Later, Record, etc.) that are unresponsive to the arrow.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #8

    had a cancellation, so I'm back

    Please follow this tutorial to provide the current operating environment of your machine.
    [Speccy - Publish Snapshot of your System Specs

    Thanks,

    Bill
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 294
    W7 pro 32-bit.
    Thread Starter
       #9

    "Please follow this tutorial to provide the current operating environment of your machine.
    [Speccy - Publish Snapshot of your System Specs

    In the past, even before the Java debacle, each time I got a virus(or viruses), it was from third party purveyors of free stuffs... with notable exception of Auslogic products, CCleaner(from Piriform ) and MBAM.

    I am trusting you on this link. But before I download it, one or two questions:

    Are the product specifications this link will publish any different from the ones I already have in System Information of this particular notebook sitting on my lap right now(not just any dv7-2173cl produced by HP)? I mean, will they tell me whether or not I am downloading software and drivers that are not relevant to this particular unit?

    I know I do not have integral TV tuner but I have HP express card TV tuner(actually I have two) that works very well with Media Center and Quick Play(now, called separately Media Smart Live TV and Internet TV).
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,449
    Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit
       #10

    I definitely hear ya on that; but yea; most of that stuff that you have there is in fact bloatware because it clogs your machine and makes your system slower and slower. So you are safe to uninstall it.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:10.
Find Us