OOPS ! The server must be down.

I reported it.  Give it a day or so. . .

For what PC model and version of Windows were you trying to find the webcam software? Dell would like this info so they can fix the problem for you. Thanks!

Inspiron 15R N5110

They tell me the problem you encountered at the support site is fixed, so try downloading the software again.

Post back and let us know when you get the webcam working.

Sorry 'bout that! I'll report it again. :emotion-10:

I don't have access to that webcam software because I don't own a Dell with a webcam, but see if this document is of any help while I try to get you access to download the software. 

What version of Windows is running? Did you try doing a System Restore to last date available before the webcam problem started? Personal files will be ok, but you will have to reinstall any software or updates originally installed after the date used for the System Restore.

The below is the printscreen I get when clicking on Download Factory Installed Software (My Dell Downloads) from the my account page.  

Server Error in '/Web' Application.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.

Exception Details: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

Source Error:

An unhandled exception was generated during the execution of the current web request. Information regarding the origin and location of the exception can be identified using the exception stack trace below.  

Stack Trace:

[NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.]

  SmartSource.MRWeb.SSOAuthenticationHandler.ProcessRequest(HttpContext context) in C:\inetpub\wwwroot\MediaRemoval\Site\SmartSource.MRWeb\SSOAuthenticationHandler.ashx.cs:34

  System.Web.CallHandlerExecutionStep.System.Web.HttpApplication.IExecutionStep.Execute() +598

  System.Web.HttpApplication.ExecuteStep(IExecutionStep step, Boolean& completedSynchronously) +170

Can you give me a link to the correct software?

This is the document I used to try to troubleshoot.  I get to the uninstall portion and do not have the file under Imaging Devices called Integrated Webcam or USB Camera.  That is why I thought the webcam software somehow got deleted.  It does list a Canon MX860 ser Network which I think is the printer I installed about a month ago.  I figured if I reinstalled the software it would fix the problem.  

Windows 7 is running

I'm not sure how to do a system restore and don't know the date the webcam stopped working.  I just tried to use Skype this weekend and noticed this issue.  I haven't used Skype for a while though.

Tseke

Either Windows may be corrupted or the webcam may be defective.  To diagnose something like this I suggest running the USB test in extended diagnostics.  The extended diagnostics runs outside of Windows so it allows us to remove Windows issues from the equation.  To start extended diagnostics boot the system while tapping F12 and choose diagnostics, allow the basic diagnostics to complete, once finished if asked to run memory tests choose no and then choose yes to run hardware tests.  

Once the hardware tests start choose symptom tree and then choose the USB test.  The test should be able to detect the webcam along with the other USB devices.  If you get any errors regarding USB devices and the webcam isn't detected then you may need to replace the webcam.

You can find more on extended diagnostics here

Please let me know what you find out.

TB

Thanks TB!

BTW: You mentioned the problem was found using Skype. Does the webcam work if you use some other app?  Some laptops have a protective cover that goes over the webcam lens. Don't know about your model, but...?

Did Skype perhaps update their software and your version is out of date?

Win 7 System Restore. You might try a recent restore point dated before you discovered the webcam issue. A restore can be undone, if necessary, but always good idea to back up all personal files on external media first.