Integrated webcam in Latitude E5420 not working properly

I forgot to mention that I have not updated my operating system or anything like that, either.

Ashleigh919,

Did you recently install/reinstall the operating system? If yes, did you install the drivers in the correct order? How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order

Windows 7/8 is supposed to provide the webcam drivers for most Dell computers. If you system needs webcam drivers, go to Drivers & Downloads enter your service tag, then select your operating system. If your system needs webcam drivers, they'll be listed under Input.

Try reading...

Troubleshooting the Dell Webcam and Dell Webcam Central Software

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?

If no, then the webcam became detached from the motherboard, usually near the webcam

If your computer is under warranty, contact Dell Tech Support

Rick

Hi Rick,

As I stated, I have not updated the operating system or anything on the computer.  I bought it with Windows 7 Professional x64 and continue to use it as such.  

I said that I have already tried using the troubleshooting methods and the software for the monitor supplied through the link you provided.  

I am not sure what you mean by "creating an unrestricted user account."  I don't see a place to create an account to download the software.  However, I did try it, and my software is still the same version as it was before -- 1.40 or whatever the numbers are.  I tried to click update within webcam central itself, and that said I have the most current version as well.  

The problem with the quality and color of my camera happens in both Webcam central and in Skype.  

Ashleigh919,

Did you open Dell Webcam Central, settings, picture control, restore defaults?

Start, control panel, user accounts, manage another account. Creat a new unrestricted user account. Sometime the drivers, becaome corrupt, are replaced with Windows updates, or remove by virus programs and then the webcams drivers are missing. Since Windows 7 is suppose to provide the drivers, this is the simple way to replace them. Better that reinstalling the operating system.

The webcam does become detached from the motherboard, usually at the top of the screen, near the webcam, but since you have a picture, just not the correct colors, try the Webcam Central restore defaults.

Rick

Also, my computer is two months past its warranty.

I tried all that, and I still had a distorted picture.  I uninstalled webcam central, reinstalled it, and now when I click to start it, it briefly changes the resolution of my screen, and the picture quality in past pictures at the bottom of webcam central are discolored and digitized.  Now webcam central says there isn't even a webcam attached?  I am completely stumped...and annoyed.

Ashleigh919,

Make a system restore point.

Start, control panel, programs and features, Dell Webcam Central, uninstall.

Start, control panel, programs ansd features, Skype, uninstall

Start, control panel, device manager, imaging devices and right click on the integretated webcam, uninstall. Tell it to remove the software.

Restart your computer.

Windows 7 should install the webcam with the drivers provided from Microsoft.

Download and install Dell Webcam Central

Download and install Skype

What happens?

Rick

Hello: I have a Latitude E5420 that I bought in October 2011.  It is an i5 at 2.50 Ghz, 4 GB ram, Windows 7 Professional x64.  I use the webcam rather sporadically, mostly just for Skype, and at a frequency of less than once a month, I'd say. I went on Skype the other night, and while it was night time, I had one lamp on in the room.  The picture was more sepia than anything else, rather than color.  It was very dark, and it got darker as the conversation continued.  I updated the driver for the webcam, and it said it was fine.  I then tried to re-install Webcam central and running it in compatibility mode first prior to removal, as instructed elsewhere in the forums.  The camera would then not turn on at all.  I tried shining a light on the camera, and nothing.  I fiddled with it some more the next day, and while I have gotten a picture, it has barely any color, still leaning toward sepia, and it is very dark and grainy.  I also tried pinching the top of the laptop screen by the camera as some other users have mentioned.   I have not dropped my laptop or anything like that.  I really need to get this resolved, as I have been interviewing for new jobs, and some interviewers want to do video interviews! If anyone knows of any fixes to help me, I would appreciate it!