Knowledge Base

Select the tabs below to find out more information.

Select the tabs below to find out more information.

Table of Contents:

1. Frequently Asked Questions
2. Troubleshooting Webcam Issues
   1. There is a Message or Error
   2. The Screen is Black, Blank or Dark
   3. The Webcam Microphone is not Working
   4. The Webcam Central Software Appears to be Horizontal
3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central software
4. How to Start the Dell Webcam Software
5. How to use the Features of the Dell Webcam Central Software
6. How to get, use and Start the Skype Software
7. How to run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I get the Dell Webcam Central software?
   Dell Webcam Central software is no longer available from My Dell Downloads. Please contact Technical Support for help obtaining a copy.
   Notes:

   • For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article My Dell Downloads & My Locker -- Frequently Asked Questions.
   • The Dell Webcam Central software is not available for Windows 10 or Windows 8(8.1) When you have upgraded to Windows 10, please use Skype instead. See the FAQ below on to how to get Skype.
2. How do I get the webcam to work?
   The Dell Webcam Central software must be installed in Windows XP and Windows Vista to start and use the webcam, as it provides the drivers for the camera. For more information refer to How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software.
3. Where is the microphone for the webcam?
   The microphone is a small hole located next to the webcam lens (it may be on the right or the left side).
4. I am having trouble with my webcam microphone.
   Refer to the The Webcam Microphone is Not Working section for step by step instructions.
5. I am having trouble with my webcam.
   Refer to the Troubleshooting Webcam Issues section for step by step instructions.
6. Where do I get Skype and how do I use it??
   You can get the Skype software from the Skype website. It also offers instructional videos on how to use the Skype program. Skype is a native application in Windows 8 (8.1).
7. Does the Dell Webcam central software support an external USB webcam?
   The Dell Webcam central software does not support an external USB webcam.

Troubleshooting Webcam Issues

There is a Message or Error

Messages and errors such as No supported webcam connected, Please plug in a supported device and Close the other video streaming application to start video can be resolved by uninstalling, reinstalling or updating the webcam driver.
The process for uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam driver depends on which operating system is installed on the computer.

Locate the operating System that is on the computer from the options below.

Windows XP

1. Close any applications that are currently using the webcam (this may include web pages). Save and close any applications that you are currently working on as the computer will need to restart.
2. Update to the latest BIOS. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS.
3. Update to the latest Chipset version. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs.
4. For best results uninstalling the existing webcam driver before installing a new one is recommended.
   To uninstall the existing driver, perform the following steps:
   1. Click the Start button.
   2. Click Control Panel.
   3. Double-click the System icon.
   4. Click the Hardware tab.
   5. Click Device Manager.
   6. Click the plus (+) sign next to Imaging Devices.
      (When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, contact Technical Support.)
   7. Right-click Integrated Webcam, then click Uninstall.
   8. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   9. Once uninstalled restart the computer.
      (When the Hardware Wizard window opens after rebooting, click Cancel, then download and install the webcam drivers).

Windows Vista

1. Close any applications that are currently using the webcam (this may include web pages). Save and close any applications that you are currently working on as the computer will need to restart.
2. Update to the latest BIOS. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS.
3. Update to the latest Chipset version. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs.
4. For best results uninstalling the existing webcam driver before installing a new one is recommended.
   To uninstall the existing driver, perform the following steps:
   1. Click Start
   2. Right-Click Computer.
   3. Click Properties.
   4. Click Device Manager in the upper left-hand corner.
   5. Click Imaging devices.
      (When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, contact Technical Support.)
   6. Right-click the Integrated webcam.
   7. Click Uninstall.
   8. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   9. Once uninstalled restart the computer.
      (When the Hardware Wizard window opens after rebooting, click Cancel, then download and install the webcam drivers).

Windows 7

1. Change the compatibility setting of the Dell webcam central software to Windows Vista (Service Pack 2).
   
   To change the compatibility setting of the Dell webcam central software, perform the following steps.
   1. Close the Dell webcam central software.
   2. Click Start.
   3. Click Computer.
   4. Double-click Local Disk (C:).
   5. Double-click Program Files (x86).
   6. Double-click Dell Webcam.
   7. Double-click Dell Webcam Central.
   8. Scroll until you locate the WebcamDell2 file.
   9. Right-click the WebcamDell2 file.
   10. Select Properties.
   11. Click the Compatibility tab.
   12. Click to check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for.
   13. Using the drop-down menu select Windows Vista (Service Pack 2).
   14. Click Apply
   15. Click OK.
   16. Start the Dell Webcam Central Software, for more information refer to the How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software section. (If you still receive an error proceed to step 2.)
2. Reinstall the webcam driver.
   To reinstall the webcam driver, perform the following steps.
   1. Close any applications that are currently using the webcam (this may include web pages). Save and close any applications that you are currently working on as the computer will need to restart.
   2. Update to the latest BIOS. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article BIOS - What it is and How to Download or Update your BIOS.
   3. Update to the latest Chipset version. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs.
   4. Click Start.
   5. Right-Click Computer.
   6. Click Properties.
   7. Click Device Manager in the upper left-hand corner.
   8. Click Imaging devices.
      (When there is not a listing for Imaging Devices, contact Technical Support)
   9. Right-click the Integrated webcam or USB camera.
   10. Click Uninstall.
   11. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
   12. Once uninstalled restart the computer.
       Note: The drivers for most webcams are provided by Microsoft in Windows 7, and will be automatically reinstalled when the computer is restarted, however there are specific drivers available for XPS notebooks (XPS L501X, XPS L502X, XPS L701X, XPS L702X) on the Drivers and Downloads page. For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article FAQs- Drivers and Downloads. The webcam driver can be found under the Input section and is listed as Quanta- Driver on the Drivers and Downloads page.
   
   
   13. For best results the webcam software should also be uninstalled and reinstalled after the drivers are installed, for more information refer to the Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central Software section.

The screen is Black, Blank or Dark

A blank, black or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions or is in the wrong mode. Make sure to use the webcam in a well lighted area.

1. Start the Dell Webcam Central software, for more information refer to the How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software section.
2. Make sure Capture Mode is selected in the lower-right corner.
3. Place something white in front of the webcam.
   • When the white object shows correctly make sure to use the webcam in a well lighted area
   • When the white object does not show at all, refer to the Troubleshooting Webcam Issues section.
   • When the white object is visible but the screen is dark, perform the following steps:
     1. Click Settings in the upper right corner.
     2. Move the slider bars under Backlight, Brightness and Gamma to the right to make anything in front of the webcam more visible. When changing these settings do not resolve the issue, contact Technical Support.

The Webcam Microphone is not Working

1. Start the Dell Webcam Central software, for more information refer to the How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software section.
2. In the lower right-hand corner of the Dell Webcam Central window, click the drop-down arrow next to the picture of the microphone select Microphone.
3. Click the picture of the microphone and make sure it is not muted (a bar will be shown across the microphone when it is muted).
4. When these steps do not resolve the issue, refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base article, Sound Problems in Microsoft Windows.
5. When the Microsoft Knowledge Base article did not fix the issue, a diagnostic test is available for the microphone. To perform a diagnostics on the microphone on your computer, refer to the Dell Knowledge base article How to use the Dell PC Diagnostics. Once on the Advanced tab, select Hardware and choose Microphone, then touch or click Run Diagnostics.
6. Make sure the volume on the computer is at full and follow the prompts to test the microphone on your computer.

The Webcam Central Software Appears Horizontal

Download and install the latest video drivers for your computer, for more information refer to to the Dell Knowledge Base article FAQs- Drivers and Downloads.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central Software

The process for uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam software depends on which Operating System your computer has installed. Refer to the steps for the Operating System that is installed on your computer.

Windows 7 and Vista

To uninstall the Dell webcam central software, perform the following steps:

1. Click Start.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Using the drop-down menu next to View by: in the upper-right corner, select Large Icons.
4. Click Programs and Features.
5. Click Dell Webcam Central.
6. Click Uninstall.
7. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
8. Once uninstalled restart the computer.

To download the latest version of Webcam Central for your Dell computer, perform the following steps:

When these steps do not resolve the issue, a diagnostic test is available for the webcam. refer to the How to Run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues section.

Windows XP

To uninstall the Dell webcam central software, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Classic View in the upper left-hand corner.
3. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
4. Click to highlight the Dell Webcam Central.
5. Click Change/Remove.
6. Click Remove.
7. Click OK and follow the instructions within the uninstall wizard.
8. Click the red X in the upper right-hand corner of the Add/Remove Programs window.
9. Restart the computer.

To reinstall the Dell Webcam Central use the CD that came with your Dell computer.

1. When you do not have your Dell Webcam Software CD, it may be downloaded from this link Dell Webcam Central, this version of the software is supported on the computers listed in (Table 1) using the Operating Systems listed in (Table 2), but may work on other computers.
2. For additional assistance, please visit the Dell Community Forums.
   When these steps do not resolve the issue, a diagnostic test is available for the webcam. refer to the How to Run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues section.
   

   Computers Supported

   Alienware Area 51

   Alienware Area-51 ALX

   Alienware Aurora

   Alienware Aurora ALX

   Inspiron 14 1440

   Inspiron 1440

   Inspiron 535

   Inspiron 535s

   Inspiron 537

   Inspiron 537s

   Inspiron 545

   Inspiron 545s

   Inspiron 546

   Inspiron 546s

   Precision T3600

   Studio 1440

   Studio 15 1555

   Studio 1555

   Studio Desktop D540

   Studio Slim D540S

   Studio XPS 435T/9000

   Studio XPS M1340

   Studio XPS M1640

   Vostro 1320

   Vostro 1520

   Vostro 1720

   Vostro 220

   Vostro 220s

   Vostro 420

   Table 1: Computers Supported by This Version of Dell Webcam Central
   

   Operating System Supported

   Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit

   Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit

   Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit

   Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit

   Microsoft Windows XP

   Microsoft Windows XP x64

   Microsoft Windows XP Embedded

   Microsoft Windows 2000

   Table 2: Operating System Supported by This Version of Dell Webcam Central

How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software

1. Make sure to start the Dell Webcam Central in a well lighted area (a blank, black or dark screen can be caused by low light conditions).
2. Click Start
3. Click All Programs
4. Click Dell Webcam
5. Click Webcam Central to start the program.

How to use the Features of the Dell Webcam Central Software

1. Click the ? in the upper right corner.
2. Click Help.
3. You can open each section to find out how to use the features or search for the feature you want to know about.
   Note: For more information on the features available in Webcam Central 2.0, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article A guide to Webcam Central 2.0 for your Dell PC.

How to get, use and Start the Skype Software

• How to get Skype and how to use the program

  The Skype software can be downloaded from the Skype website. This website also offers instructional videos on how to use the Skype program.

• How to start the Skype software
  1. Click Start.
  2. Click All Programs.
  3. Click Skype.

How to run the Dell PC Diagnostics for Webcam Issues

To perform a diagnostics on the webcam on your computer, for webcam issues. For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge base article How to use the Dell PC Diagnostics.

Once on the product support page for your device;

1. Touch or click Camera under Test a specific device or create a custom test.
2. Touch or click Test Selected Devices and follow the prompts.
   When the diagnostic test closes without displaying the results, contact Technical Support.