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4 Posts
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153442
July 14th, 2011 17:00
Alienware M14x webcam firmware update failed. Webcam not working.
I recently installed the firmware update for the m14x webcam. Found here: <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
After about 20 seconds the installer let me know the firmware update failed. Windows then recognized a new imaging peice of hardware called "Sonic technology, Ltd". This must be the webcam. I then restarted the computer and the camera no longer works with skype, Live! Central, or any other cam software i threw at it even though windows still reconizes the device and states "working properly" under driver properties. I uninstalled the sonix driver many times, then allowing windows install the drivers back with a cold boot or restart. I also tried update the driver to the old default windows webcam drivers but i still get the same error from webcam softwares. Skype tells me "This webcam is in use with another program" and Live! Central tells me that a camera is not connected. I also tried AMcap and it recognizes a camera but tells me that the graph initialization failed.
I also tried reinstalling the firmware update but i get a message telling me "This device device does not require firmware update!!". I also tried to reinstall the firmware with the drivers uninstalled, but i get a "No device" error. Help? Is there a way to force the firmware update to reinstall?
lyrah101
4 Posts
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July 28th, 2011 05:00
I guess there is not a fix. Would something like this be covered under the 1 year limited warranty?
rla1999
215 Posts
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July 28th, 2011 07:00
Try doing a System Restore on Windows to a time when it was actually working before this update and see if that helps.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
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July 28th, 2011 08:00
lyrah101,
I just sent an email to engineering. Will let you know when I get a response.
ds5384
15 Posts
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August 6th, 2011 19:00
I have the exact same issue.
ianmarvinchua
10 Posts
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August 9th, 2011 09:00
excuse me but i have a problem too . my imaging device is appearing and disappearing all of a sudden . how do i fix this where can i get the link for the webcam driver in order to download it ? please i really need your help . my laptop is m14x . i have already gone to the m14x drivers and it doesnt work please need help i am begging
Atamisk
1 Message
0
August 10th, 2011 17:00
I have a similar issue. i one day went to use skype and it showed i have no webcam connected went to try to fix the issue from the support page to find that the driver it wants me to update is now gone in the short time that i have had this laptop which is also the m14x. Just recently i got it back after sending it in and was told it is a problem with the hard drive. But now im back to where i was even with a new hard drive still no webcam and as well as no microphone. any help would be appriciated.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
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August 11th, 2011 06:00
I need all of your service tag numbers sent to me via private message.
ds5384
15 Posts
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August 11th, 2011 17:00
I hope sending my service tag to you actually does something to help. Yes, I've rebooted my computer before you ask. I know it seems petulant but I work with cisco and juniper and citrix and exchange admins all day, and they would rather waste time by asking irrelevant questions than actually admit a problem and fix anything.
montoyacesar
8 Posts
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August 18th, 2011 23:00
This is absolutely unacceptable. I just spent $1800 on this laptop, M14x. I had it 18 days, and today I decided to Download Skype. Well guess what, Microphone doenst work. I even used the discs i backed up with Respawn to check if it worked before Skype.. and nope. It will pick up some sound if I tap the mic with my fingers, but no voice whatsoever. would need to put my mouth literally next to the mic and scream, in order to make it work.
What's up with your quality issues... Last time I got an M11x and the hinges were terrible. I won't accept a replacement screen (mic) on a new laptop. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!
ds5384
15 Posts
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August 18th, 2011 23:00
30+ days still no resolution or work around.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
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August 19th, 2011 07:00
8/26 Update - All of your service tags and troubleshooting has been forwarded to engineering. I plainly stated that the webcam was working or somewhat working before the Firmware Update was tried. Once the Firmware Update was installed, the webcam was non-functional with any application. I will update this post and thread when I get any response from them.
ds5384
15 Posts
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August 19th, 2011 08:00
First of all my camera worked fine when I got the computer, when I was doing routine updates of the video drivers I noticed that there was a firmware update available for the webcam. After I installed this update the camera now gives the error "The camera is in use [by other software] and cannot be accessed.' It doesn't matter what software accesses the camera it still shows the same error. The only reason by chance that replacing the LCD would be a "fix" is that the camera has older firmware which is still compatible with this system. Hypothetically, replacing the LCD and by the transitive property, the camera and a user goes to update their firmware again... What will you do when the same issue appears, will anyone actually admit that the firmware is the cause? I see that the firmware is still available on the download site completely disregarding this issue all together. Contact the camera vendor that provided the firmware update and ask them what they changed, see if that gives you any clues. OR configure a system to the exact spec of the ones that were reported AND THEN update the camera firmware (from the support site), download skype (free) and then see if you can't access the camera.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
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August 19th, 2011 17:00
Outside of 21 days from the invoice date, it would be refurbished. Just hold off until I can raise a ruckus.
montoyacesar
8 Posts
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August 19th, 2011 17:00
Chris,
Thank you for your prompt response... If i accept the option of replacing my screen, is this for sure a BRAND NEW SCREEN? Or it could be a refurbished part?
montoyacesar
8 Posts
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August 19th, 2011 17:00
Thank you Chris. You are probably the best customer service DELL has.
You said you will raise a ruckus, but till then I wont have a mic. I am gonna order a new screen anyway, since it's new. But if anything arises, I'd like my Laptop replaced. This is just not acceptable.
Let me know and keep me updated please.