M14X Webcam non existent?

I recall seeing  a post by Chris from Dell regarding the installation of the webcam. There is a process that must be followed.  Also, the driver in Dell's website, I believe, has this same information also.  I just have not checked it in a while.   Did you try that yet?

rascro,

Did you follow these instructions? It is pretty specific on what must be turned off before running the firmware update.

  Yes, I read through the forums for all the information I could find. I terminated all the processes that used the webcam before trying to install the firmware update, which it still said no device was found.

  I believe there was something mentioning that it should at least show a tree for Imaging Devices under the Device Manager, but there isn't anything listed as Imaging Devices under the Device Manager. I've also tried a BIOS flash for the latest BIOS revision, but that didn't change anything either.

Hi, 

I am having the exact same issue with my new m14x R2.  The webcam was working fine and then it wasn't and now does not show up in device manager at all.  I have tried updating all the chipset MB drivers etc and the device still does not show up at all.  I have not performed any sort of firmware upgrade on the camera as i think that is  only for the R1?

Has there been any progress wit a fix for this?

Nic_Rosengren,

From when it was working to now, did you install any 3rd party webcam software? Run this - http://bit.ly/HI6Vpj

Hi Chris,

No i didn't install any 3rd party stuff, although live! central tried to update and failed.  Just ran the windows fixit, it said that hardware changes have not been detected but didn't fix the problem.

Any other ideas?

Cheers

Nic

I doubt that the hardware itself has failed. I am thinking this is an operating system snafu. I will keep digging.

Thanks Chris, i have put in a request with Dell Singapore and they suggested trying the resource DVD that came with the PC, but i am travelling for 4 weeks and do not currently have access to it.

Cheers

I also have this problem. I followed those instructions until it got to the registry page where it said that my service tag is not supported. What do I do now?

I got mine to work by doing the following.

1: Remove the LCD Screen : Url for video [View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfoUW-UGsIY:550:0]

once removed 

2: in the middle on the top is your webcam  there's a tiny cord connecting it carefully remove it and push it gently back in

3: Put back in battery and cover it back up

4: Start up computer it should start installing the webcam

I hope this helps.  I've been trying to fix mine for 2 years and this is the only way I could get it to work .

that stinks, i was hoping it wouldn't be so invasive.... i feel like it, it would be my luck to break mine....now i might just go buy an external ...errr

I had the same problem, the following url fixed my computer. Mine is ALIENWARE M14X R2.

support.microsoft.com/.../hardware_device_problems

Thanx a lot, this did the trick for me, now all my hardwares are being detected and working fine. still one more problem remains, the laptop will not go to hibernate mode, it jst goes to sleep and wakes up in few mins, is it because of the dual boot with the linux or something?