Chicony Web Cam Driver problem

[tthompsj]

Laptop: Toshiba Satellite A305-S6905

OS: Originally Vista, now Win7 32-bit (however, I'm getting those annoying popups that my copy isn't "genuine" even though it was upgraded via CD.)

Anyway,
I've gotten many codes with this. Most notably, Code 19 and now Code 10 (Device cannot start). If I try to open Camera Software Assistance, it tells me the "webcam is either disabled or failed. Please check webcam settings". I've uninstalled, reinstalled countless times. I've run CCleaner to clean up the registry and reinstalled that way too. I've gone to the Toshiba website and downloaded the Chicony software etc that way. My webcam worked perfectly when I had Windows Vista, the second I upgraded, it suddenly doesn't function anymore.

I was going to downgrade back to Vista, but I cannot find the CD for the life of me. So that option is out. It keeps telling me that a "necessary entry" is missing. I've updated the driver but it keeps saying that the driver has the latest update installed. The closest I've gotten to have it work was scroll to the side and have the Camera Software Assistance toolbar come out and get the error: "Please turn on camera"....to which no matter what I did, the bloody thing wouldn't turn on. The only way I was able to get that far was through a System Restore. I'm at my last straw...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh yeah, my hard drive works perfectly, I've had my laptop checked out to be sure, but yeah the webcam just refuses to work...

 

[Darryl Licht]

From what you are saying it sure sounds like you have many issues... many of which might be related to your upgrade from Vista. First thing I'd do is back up your data and perform a clean install of Win7 using your Win7 DVD (no it's not a CD).

This tutorial may help you: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?filter

I would also suggest you contact Toshiba regarding the webcam... they may have an answer!

 

[tthompsj]

Yeah I want to contact Toshiba. I'm still under warranty for them until April 09. However, since I upgraded my laptop from Vista to Win7, does that mean they can't do anything to help me [under warranty terms] since I don't have the original OS?

 

[Darryl Licht]

A few questions to help us help you...

How long ago did you purchase this laptop?

What version of Vista were you running?

Which version of Win7 did you use to upgrade this laptop and where did you get it?

 

[tthompsj]

I've had this laptop JUST under a year. The warranty expires 09 April 2010, so I've had it since April 2009. I honestly don't remember what version of Vista I was running. I have a strong feeling it was Home Premium, if that is what you are referring to. I currently have Win7 Professional. My uncle upgraded via CD or DVD or whatever it is. I'm currently having problems activating it, however. Even though I have the genuine product key (another annoyance).


If I cannot fix this problem, I would like to just downgrade back to Vista. I was told that Toshiba laptops made after 2007 do not come with Recovery Disks, but have Recovery Partition already in them. If I were to do this Recovery Partition, would that put Vista back onto my laptop (since it's technically restoring to factory settings) and would I need any OUTSIDE CD/DVDs? I don't care about backing up files, I just want my laptop functioning properly again

 

[Darryl Licht]

If I cannot fix this problem, I would like to just downgrade back to Vista. I was told that Toshiba laptops made after 2007 do not come with Recovery Disks, but have Recovery Partition already in them. If I were to do this Recovery Partition, would that put Vista back onto my laptop (since it's technically restoring to factory settings) and would I need any OUTSIDE CD/DVDs? I don't care about backing up files, I just want my laptop functioning properly again

Yes... if your Tosh lappy has a recovery partition, it will put the lappy back to the way it was a year ago when you took it out of the box new! If it has a recovery partition you will not need any additional CDs/DVDs... except for any additional apps you may have installed.

Also, if your uncle installed Win7 for you... where did he get it? If he also has it installed on his PC's then that is why you are receiving the "Not Genuine" message. You are only allowed to upgrade 1 PC per copy... are you sure this isnt a copy downloaded from a torrent, or otherwise hacked?

One last item... I doubt since you purchased your lappy last April that it is elegible for a free upgrade to Win7... but you should ask the folks at Toshiba. You bought your lappy 6 months before Win7 came out, they may just send you a free upgrade! It's worth a shot!

 

[tthompsj]

Now that you mention it, that does sound correct. From what I overheard, he used a CD that he was only allowed to use I believe 3 times to upgrade to Win7. I believe it may have been volume-measured or whatever it is called..the one where the product key is Generic? That is annoying me as well; every time I boot up I get the screen "windows isn't genuine" etc etc.

I'm going to check with Toshiba if I'm eligible for a free upgrade. I doubt it, but it's worth a shot. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Darryl Licht]

Now that you mention it, that does sound correct. From what I overheard, he used a CD that he was only allowed to use I believe 3 times to upgrade to Win7. I believe it may have been volume-measured or whatever it is called..the one where the product key is Generic? That is annoying me as well; every time I boot up I get the screen "windows isn't genuine" etc etc.

I'm going to check with Toshiba if I'm eligible for a free upgrade. I doubt it, but it's worth a shot. Thanks a bunch!

Volume License is for Enterprise business and can be installed on hundreds of machines. If it was good for 3 PCs he probably has the "Family Pack".

Confirm this with your uncle and ask him if he has it installed on 3 PC's or more...

 

[tthompsj]

He says he doesn't. My laptop is the "second" one that he used that CD on...if that's the case, how can I go about getting a Key? I can't downgrade to Vista. He must have removed the previous system image. I was able to get a hold of a neighbor's Recovery CD( same model as mine), but it tells me that the Product Key is "Invalid" upon installation. I threw my hands in the air with frustration after trying to enter it multiple times.

I'm trying to do all of this while my laptop is still in warranty, in case something happens

 

[Darryl Licht]

He says he doesn't. My laptop is the "second" one that he used that CD on...if that's the case, how can I go about getting a Key? I can't downgrade to Vista. He must have removed the previous system image. I was able to get a hold of a neighbor's Recovery CD( same model as mine), but it tells me that the Product Key is "Invalid" upon installation. I threw my hands in the air with frustration after trying to enter it multiple times.

I'm trying to do all of this while my laptop is still in warranty, in case something happens

IS YOUR UNCLES COPY A FAMILY PACK? If so just reinstall Win7... Is this the driver you tried: Chicony Camera Assistant Software for Windows 7 (32/64)(v1.7.231.1126L; 09-03-2009; 23.27M)

 

[tthompsj]

Yes it's been confirmed it's a family pack...but it's still telling me to activate it even though I put the Key in..so something isn't right.

By the way, that is what I installed (the driver link you provided). It still doesn't work. I've come across many other people in forums that have the same issue as mine..I've even found a lot of people with my same model, and other people with completely different manufacturers. At this point, I may just have to purchase an external webcam...something I don't want to do, but...ugh

 

[Darryl Licht]

Yes it's been confirmed it's a family pack...but it's still telling me to activate it even though I put the Key in..so something isn't right.

By the way, that is what I installed (the driver link you provided). It still doesn't work. I've come across many other people in forums that have the same issue as mine..I've even found a lot of people with my same model, and other people with completely different manufacturers. At this point, I may just have to purchase an external webcam...something I don't want to do, but...ugh

As to your activation issue... call the MS 800 #, they are easy to deal with and will get you squared away. Just tell them you had to do a full system reinstall on Win7 and they will clear your key for you, or give you a new key!

I'd wait on the cam, as some manufacturers are still playing catchup with their drivers. Call or email Toshiba tech support for more info

Nobody expected Win7 to take off as quickly as it has... according to W3Schools website Win7 has nearly caught Vista already in installations worldwide.
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It will soon pass Vista!
Hasta La Veeeesta, Vista!