Webcam suddenly doesn't work, listed as unknown device.

link626 · 20 Jul 2016

Possible solution:
reset bios by clearing cmos. Take battery out and hold down power button.
put battery back, plug in power, hold down power button 10 seconds and release.

Problem:
Laptop built in webcam suddenly listed as unknown device in device manager. Uninstall, reboot, detect hardware, does not work, and device remains as "unknown device" in dev manager. Driver update fails, as there are no drivers available from manufacturer or microsoft.
Basically every possible troubleshooting method short of OS reinstallation fails.

(recently my asus k53ta laptop webcam suffered this issue. Posting this here for search engine results)

Eric3742 · 21 Jul 2016

Most likely there is a malware &or virus that took control of your webcam &or others.

Recommend to go to SuperAntiSpyware.com to download the free version.
Run the scan by selecting "Scan this computer" and do a "quick scan".
If not resolve, do a full scan.

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(Just a joke, hahaha...