Web Cam not Working

Can you please explain, Rick, what you mean by this wording which follows You can try this file, also known as Dell Webcam Central.

Create a new unrestricted user account and try the webcam. Did the webcam work?

If yes, log out and log back in to your account and try the webcam. Did the webcam work?

ladybug252,

Sometimes Dell Webcam Central will install some drivers, depends on the camera used.

Creating a new user account, start, control panel, users, create a new account, will install the drivers.

Have seen some of the webcams come loose from the motherboard, at the top of the screen, near the webcam. If you're under warranty, contact Dell tech Support. If not under warranty, it depends on the model of your computer. In most cases, the plastic bezel, around the screen, pops loose, there are some models that are attached with screws. Once you pop loose the bezel, there are two screws at the top of the screen that need removed, then you can unplug the webcam and plug it back it. The webcam usually comes back and works.

The reason the webcam comes loose and malfunctions is because this is where most people open their laptops.

Rick

Thanks very much, Rick.  I've pretty well determined my webcam has become detached from the motherboard as I've got all the drivers and software installed correctly.

ladybug252,

Is your computer under warranty?

If not, can you please give me the model number?

Rick

Whether I have a warranty or not will be answered by Dell on Monday, Rick.  It took them almost a whole year to respond to my support emails, look at my issues and finally give me a replacement unit for my last Dell, which I've only had for 2 months and already problems.

OK, off my soapbox.  Mine is a Vostro 3560.  Might as well take your help on how to re-attach the camera just in case.

Thanks!

ladybug252,

Before doing this procedure, go to Dell Warranty Status enter your service tag. There it will tell you if your system is under warranty and the remaining time. If you're under warranty, contact Dell Tech Support and they will setup for a repair.

In the Vostro 3560 Owners manual, on page 45, it look like your Bezel gently prys off. Be caureful not to break the plastic bezel. Just remove the top and the sides and try to work with the screen attached.

There should be 2 philips screws at the top of the screen that need removed. Carefully remove the screws and gently pull the screen forward. You'll see the webcam. It may looked plugged it. Unplug the webcam, then plug the webcam back in. The webcam should come back to life and work. You'll have to attach the 2 screws and gently push the plastic bezel back into place.

Rick

Right now, I am fighting Dell over my warranty and, I must say, you have been much more helpful than the support rep assigned to me, Rick.

I'll give this a try and let you know if it works.

As I earlier posted, the unit I now own was a replacement for a unit I purchased last year from Dell that never operated properly.  Dell is now saying I have no warranty for the replacement unit, thus my fight.

BUT the good news is I re-attached the camera to the motherboard as you provided directions for, and I'm VERY HAPPY to report I now have my webcam back.  You don't know how much I appreciate your help, Rick, especially after fooling with Dell support for a week with no helpful advice. 

THANK YOU!

ladybug252,

Was the system purchased through Dell's website or at a store? If at a store, did you register the system? Registering your Dell Product

Warranty takes about 10 days to get fully registered.

Rick

Can I just say...How can you say the webcam has become detached from the mainboard when it works in Skype and Facebook (your words).

If it was physically detached then it wouldn't work...period.

I don't think this is a hardware problem and therefore must be a software problem, in which case the warranty won't cover you. You'll probably end up having to re-install the OS.

ladybug252,

Glad you got it working! :emotion-21: Thanks for posting back.

Take care,

Rick