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Accessing a built-in webcam on a laptop

Laurence WM
Resolved

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Posted October 13, 2012 at 4:49PM

I have recently purchased a laptop, an Asus Notebook X501:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/asus-x501u-xx049v-15-6-laptop-white-14442750-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR~Laptops+%26+Netbooks~14442750#longDesc

It uses Windows 7.

Supposedly, a webcam is installed. But where is it?

If I click on 'Start' and write 'webcam' I get directed to Devices And Printers in Control Panel. Here there is no mention of a webcam, although there is an 'unspecified HID-compliant device', whatever that is. Clicking on it gets me no further though.

Help, please.

Many thanks, Laurence

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rdave13

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Posted October 13, 2012 at 5:34PM

Is it listed in all programs as Acer crystal eye or similar?

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Laurence WM

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Posted October 13, 2012 at 7:04PM

Thanks rdave13, but there's nothing like that in All Programmes.

Laurence

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rdave13

Likes # 1

Posted October 13, 2012 at 8:20PM

If you have windows live messenger then click on tools, and click on 'set up audio and video devices..'. That should show if you have a webcam with drivers loaded. If you don't have the menu bar showing then click the dropdown arrow by your name and tick 'show the menu bar'.

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Nontek

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Posted October 13, 2012 at 8:57PM

Surely having just purchased a new laptop, you will have the necessary instructions to explain where everything is and how to gain access.

A built-in webcam does not have separate software to make use of it, you will need Skype or similar, you can then see and set-up your webcam.

Download Skype (Free) here

Skype

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Nontek

Likes # 0

Posted October 13, 2012 at 8:57PM

Surely having just purchased a new laptop, you will have the necessary instructions to explain where everything is and how to gain access.

A built-in webcam does not have separate software to make use of it, you will need Skype or similar, you can then see and set-up your webcam.

Download Skype (Free) here

Skype

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Nontek

Likes # 0

Posted October 13, 2012 at 9:00PM

Sorry about double post - the dreaded Site error again.

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Nontek

Likes # 1

Posted October 13, 2012 at 9:06PM

BTW, HID stands for Human Interface Device ... in this case, your webcam.

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Nontek

Likes # 0

Posted October 13, 2012 at 9:09PM

I have worked out that to overcome the Site error message, after Posting a Response in the normal way, ignore the Site error message and close your Browser - wait a few moments and then open your Browser again. You will then find your message has Posted.

This exactly what I am doing now!

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iscanut2

Likes # 1

Posted October 13, 2012 at 9:26PM

The camera lens should be inside the top of the lid of the laptop when open. Do as Rdave says or install Skype and follow instructions on accessing the camera which you can test.

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Laurence WM

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Posted October 15, 2012 at 10:53AM

Thanks everyone.

I did look through the instructions, but could not find mention. I have now accessed it through Windows Live Messenger.

Cheers, Laurence

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