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Webcam is not functioning
- Article Summary: This article provides information on using and troubleshooting the webcam and Dell Webcam Central software.
  Table of Contents:
  1. Troubleshooting Webcam Issues
  
  You can resolve typical Webcam blank or black screen, problems and errors (shown in the lower left-hand corner, such as No supported webcam connected and Please plug in a supported device), by uninstalling, reinstalling or updating the webcam driver.
  Note:
  A blank or black screen can be caused by low light conditions. Make sure to operate the webcam in a well lighted area.
  
  The process for uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam driver depends on which Operating System your computer has installed.
  
  Click on the Operating System from the list below that is on the computer.
  (The box below will display what Operating System is installed on the computer, and may take a few seconds to display.)
  Windows XP
  1. Close any applications that are currently using the webcam. Save and close any applications that you are currently working on as the computer will need to restart.
  2. For best results uninstalling the existing webcam driver before installing a new one is recommended.
  3. The Webcam Driver can be found under the Mice and Keyboardssection and is listed as Integrated Webcam on the Drivers and Downloads page, for more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article "How to Download and Install a Driver".
  4. 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.
  Back to Top
  
  Windows Vista
  1. Close any applications that are currently using the webcam. Save and close any applications that you are currently working on as the computer will need to restart.
  2. For best results uninstalling the existing webcam driver before installing a new one is recommended.
  3. The Webcam Driver can be found under the Mice and Keyboardssection and is listed as Integrated Webcam on the Drivers and Downloads page, for more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article "How to Download and Install a Driver".
  4. 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.
  Back to Top
  
  Windows 7
  1. Close any applications that are currently using the webcam. Save and close any applications that you are currently working on as the computer will need to restart.
  2. Click Start.
  3. Right-Click Computer.
  4. Click Properties.
  5. Click Device Manager in the upper left-hand corner.
  6. Click Imaging devices.
  7. Right-click the Integrated webcam or USB camera.
  8. Click Uninstall.
  9. Confirm the uninstall process by clicking OK.
  10. 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 sold since October 2010 (XPS L501X, XPS L502X, XPS L701X, XPS L702X) on theDrivers and Downloads page. For more information, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article "How to Download and Install a Driver". The webcam driver can be found under the Mice and Keyboards section and is listed as Quanta- Driver on the Drivers and Downloads page.
  11. 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.
  Back to Top
  
  2. Uninstall and Reinstall the Webcam Central Software
  
  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:
  1. Navigate to the Dell Support Website
  2. Click My Account in the upper right corner and sign in with your Dell My Account in the popup box provided.
  3. Under the My Software section on the right side of the page, click"Download Factory Installed Software (My Dell Downloads)".
  4. Click the checkbox that agrees to the Terms and Conditions of the My Dell Downloads website and click Register System at the bottom of the page
    Note:
    This registration requires a download and scan of your Dell computer that is only functional with Internet Explorer. It will not function on Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. This scan can take up to five minutes
  5. At the My Download Locker page, click the registered system that corresponds with the computer you are downloading Webcam Central to.
  6. Under the Title section, look for Dell Webcam Central. There may be more than one listing for this software title.
  7. Select the listing with the latest version number in the Version column. Click the checkbox under the Download column for this software, and at the bottom of the page click Download Now.
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  9. Once the Dell Webcam software is installed restart the computer.
  Back to Top
  
  3. How to Start the Dell Webcam Central Software
  1. Make sure to start the Dell Webcam Central in a well lighted area (a blank 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.
  Back to Top
  
  4. Contact Us
  
  When the preceding steps do not resolve the issue, Contact Dell Technical Support for further support.
- View More: Dell Webcam is not functioning

Sound Problems in Microsoft Windows

Article Summary:

This article helps to resolve audio and audio recording issues on a Windows-based computer.

Windows 7:

Dell Recommended: Microsoft has created a detailed step-by-step troubleshooter for common audio recording problems in Windows 7. Click the Fix-it link below to begin the troubleshooter.

Run the Audio Recording Troubleshooter

Windows Vista/Windows XP

Test the Microphone

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then clickSound Recorder.
In Windows XP, you will need to select Multimedia (orEntertainment).
Click the Record button, and speak into the microphone.
The green waveform should react to your voice.
To end the recording, click Stop.
To hear your recording, click the Play button.

Check physical connections

Verify that the microphone is connected to the red microphone jack for the sound card on the back of the computer and not the microphone jack for the modem. The microphone will not record if it is connected to the Mic jack on the modem.
Test the microphone on another computer using Sound Recorder as in Step 1.

Check the volume control and mute properties.

Double-click the Speaker icon in the System Tray.
Make sure the Volume Controls (or Master Out controls) are at least midway on all levels.
Make sure there are no checks in the Mute boxes.
Test the microphone using Sound Recorder as in Step 1.

Set Recording to Mic/Microphone

Double-click the Speaker icon in the System Tray
Click Options in the menu at the top of the window.
Click Properties.
Choose Recording in the Adjust Volume For section. Do not choose Playback in the Adjust Volume for section. ChoosingPlayback in conjunction with unmuting the mic may cause loud feedback during recordings.
Ensure that Mic/Microphone has a checkmark next to it.
Click OK.
Test the microphone using Sound Recorder as in Step 1.

Reinstall Sound, Video and Game Controller Drivers

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click System and then click the Device Manager tab.
Click the plus (+) sign next to Sound, Video and Game Controllers.
Click each entry one at a time and then click Remove, repeating the steps until the Sound, Video and Game Controllers category is removed.
Close all open windows.
Reboot the computer.
The sound card will be detected and you will be prompted to reinstall its drivers.
Test the microphone using Sound Recorder as in Step 1.

View More: Dell Sound Problems in Microsoft Windows

Problems with Desktop Monitor or Laptop Screen
Troubleshooting CD, DVD or Blu-Ray Drive Issues in Windows Vista
- Article Summary: This article describes various scenarios for using CD or DVD drives, and how to use or troubleshoot them.
  
  This article is for Microsoft Windows Vista:
  Click here to change the Operating System
  
  Table of Contents:
  Issue 1: How to Burn a CD, DVD or Blu-Ray Disc
  
  If you are having difficulty using Windows Vista to burn a CD, DVD or Blu-Ray disc, visit the Microsoft Help and How-To tutorial on this Topic:
  Click here to view the Microsoft Vista FAQ on burning CDs and DVDs
  Click here to watch a Microsoft video on burning CDs and DVDs
  Click here to search for specific Dell knowledge on Roxio CD/DVD Creator.
  
  Issue 2: DVD Playback Troubleshooting
  If you are having difficulty using Windows Vista to play a DVD, and the automated troubleshooting did not resolve your issue, try the following steps:
  Reinstall and Update the DVD Playback Software. Visit the software vendor's website for more information on updating the software to the latest version.
  
  Check to See if DirectDraw is Enabled.
  Click Start and click Run.
  Type DXDIAG and press OK.
  Click the Display tab.
  Verify DirectDraw Acceleration is not disabled under the DirectX Features. If DirectDraw Acceleration is disabled, press the Enable button. Click Exit.
  
  Update the Video Driver on the Computer. An old video driver may not support playback of newer DVDs. Visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website and input your Service Tag to get updates specific to your computer.
  Get the Latest Drivers for Your Dell Computer!
  For specific questions on Cyberlink PowerDVD, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article: Cyberlink PowerDVD 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  Issue 3: CD or DVD Drive Does Not Read Discs
  Sometimes a CD or DVD drive may return an error when a disc is inserted. If the Recommended Solution above does not automatically return your drive to a working state, try these options:
  Close any DVD or Burning Software. These programs may be attempting to use the drive, which keeps Windows from accessing the disc. Programs to look for include:
  Roxio family of products
  Power DVD
  WinDVD
  Media Direct
  Windows Media Player
  Nero Burning ROM
  
  Test with multiple discs. The original disc may be scratched or otherwise damaged to the point of unreadability. If another disc works correctly, replace the damaged disc.
  
  Update the optical drive firmware and the BIOS on the computer. In some instances the firmware of the drive may become corrupted or the BIOS may 'lose' the drive. Visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website and input your Service Tag to get updates specific to your computer.
  Get the Latest Drivers for Your Dell Computer!
  Issue 4: Drive Not Found in Windows Vista
  Windows Vista may not list your CD or DVD drive under My Computer. If the Recommended Solution above does not automatically return your drive to a working state, try these options:
  Close any DVD or Burning Software. These programs may be attempting to use the drive, which keeps Windows from accessing the disc. Programs to look for include:
  Roxio family of products
  Power DVD
  WinDVD
  Media Direct
  Windows Media Player
  Nero Burning ROM
  
  Reseat the drive. The cabling of the drive may be loose, or the drive may not be seated correctly in the laptop. Refer to the Online User's Guide for your computer for information on reseating the cables or the drive in the computer.
  
  Update the optical drive firmware and the BIOS on the computer. In some instances the firmware of the drive may become corrupted or the BIOS may 'lose' the drive. Visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website and input your Service Tag to get updates specific to your computer.
  Get the Latest Drivers for Your Dell Computer!
  Issue 5: Drive Does Not Eject Discs
  You may not be able to eject CDs or DVDs from your computer, either using the Windows Eject feature or by pressing the button on the drive. If the Recommended Solution above does not automatically return your drive to a working state, try these options:
  Attempt to Eject the CD in System Setup. Software may be interfering with the normal operation of the drive. Reboot the computer and tap the F1 key while at the Dell logo screen to enter System Setup. Then attempt to eject the CD tray using the button on the drive. If the drive ejects properly, there is a software conflict that needs to be resolved.
  
  Try a Diagnostic Startup. If the drive ejects normally in System Setup, try a Diagnostic Startup of Windows Vista.
  In Windows, click Start, then in the Search box type msconfig and hit .
  
  Click Diagnostic Startup to load basic devices and services only.
  
  Reboot the computer and try to eject the drive when you get back into Windows Vista.
  
  If the drive ejects correctly, look for burning software that may be controlling the drive and update it or uninstall it.
  
  Reseat the drive. The cabling of the drive may be loose, or the drive may not be seated correctly in the laptop. Refer to the Online User's Guide for your computer for information on reseating the cables or the drive in the computer.
  
  Update the optical drive firmware and the BIOS on the computer. In some instances the firmware of the drive may become corrupted or the BIOS may 'lose' the drive. Visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website and input your Service Tag to get updates specific to your computer.
  Get the Latest Drivers for Your Dell Computer!
  Quick Tips content is self-published by the Dell Support Professionals who resolve issues daily. In order to achieve a speedy publication, Quick Tips may represent only partial solutions or work-arounds that are still in development or pending further proof of successfully resolving an issue. As such Quick Tips have not been reviewed, validated or approved by Dell and should be used with appropriate caution. Dell shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profit or loss of revenue, which customers may incur by following any procedure or advice set out in the Quick Tips.
- View More: Dell Troubleshooting CD, DVD or Blu-Ray Drive Issues in Windows Vista
Laptop Battery or Power Problems
- Table of Contents:
  Issue 1: Battery Performance Issues
  
  Click the Link below for troubleshooting a battery that is not performing as expected.
  Click here for Battery Performance Troubleshooting
  Back to Top
  
  Issue 2: AC Adapter Power or Battery Charging issues
  
  Click the Link below for troubleshooting an AC Adapter not charging the battery or not powering the computer.
  Click here for AC Adapter troubleshooting
  Back to Top
  
  Issue 3: No Post, No Power
  
  Click the Link below for troubleshooting a laptop that does not power on or POST(Power On Self Test).
  Click Here for No Post, No Power
- View More: Dell Laptop Battery or Power Problems
Mouse, Keyboard or Touchpad Not Working Correctly
- Article Summary: This article provides troubleshooting steps for mouse, keyboard and touchpad issues.
  
  Table of Contents:
- View More: Dell Mouse, Keyboard or Touchpad Not Working Correctly
How to Improve the Performance of the Battery
- This document pertains to HP Notebook PCs with Windows 7 and Vista.
  Notebook PCs operate on two kinds of power: A/C power (the kind of power that you get from plugging a power adapter into a wall outlet) and D/C power (the kind of power that you get from a battery). Get the most out of your notebook's battery life cycle by following these suggestions.
  How long will the battery last?
  Users often ask how long should their battery last between charges, or why does one model of computer get better battery performance than another. There is no simple answer. Battery life will vary depending on the product configuration, product model, operating system, applications loaded on the product, power management setting of the product, and the product features used by the customer. For all batteries used in an electronic device, the maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and usage.
  Power plans
  A power plan is a collection of hardware and system settings that manages how your computer uses power. Power plans can help you save energy, maximize system performance, or achieve a balance between the two. Learn more about power plans by clicking HP Notebook PCs - Power Management for Vista or HP Notebook PCs - Power Management for Windows 7 .
  Back to top
  Maximizing the capacity and life span of the battery
  It is important to be aware of ways that you can care for the battery in your notebook PC. There are conditions that may reduce battery run time and life span.
  Factors that contribute to loss of battery capacity
  Li-Ion battery cells suffer gradual, irreversible capacity loss with each discharge-charge cycle. Such aging occurs more rapidly as temperature and discharge loads increase.
  The self-discharge rate of a Li-Ion battery is higher if the battery is left in an unpowered notebook.
  During prolonged storage or non-use, the battery charge will decrease below its recommended low-voltage level.
  Leaving the battery in a depleted condition for an extended period accelerates the decrease in full charge capacity. Leaving the battery at a high level of charge in a high-temperature environment for extended periods (for example, running a notebook computer in a docking station under a heavy load) also accelerates the loss of capacity.
  Running high-end applications using the battery accelerates the loss of capacity. For example, playing 3D games lowers full charge capacity faster than using word processing applications.
  Back to top
  Recommended battery care practices
  Recommendations for battery usage and storage are covered in the HP User Guides for each model.
  Additional battery care practices are as follows:
  Store Li-Ion batteries between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) with 30% to 50% charge.
  Do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery; do not short the external contacts on a battery; and, do not dispose of a battery in fire or water.
  Do not leave batteries exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to heat (for example, inside a hot car) accelerates the deterioration of Li-Ion cells.
  Remove the battery if the notebook will be stored (turned off and not plugged into AC power) for more than 2 weeks.
  Remove the battery from the notebook if the notebook will be plugged into AC power continuously (via a wall adapter or docking station) for more than 2 weeks.
  Use the type of battery with the highest capacity (Ah) rating if the notebook will run high-end applications on battery power.
  Calibrate the battery based on the usage model. Under normal usage, batteries should be calibrated a minimum of once every 2 - 3 months; however, a battery that is rarely discharged fully should be calibrated about once a month.
  Keep the battery away from children.
  Use only the battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased as an accessory.
  Run the Battery Check in the HP Support Assistant once a month to maintain the battery.
  Back to top
  Tips for conserving battery power
  You can manually change the power consumption of your notebook PC and conserve battery power.
  Reduce the number of open applications . Every application uses memory, and therefore power, even when the application widow is minimized. Exit any application the is not being used.
  Reduce the brightness of the screen to the minimum readable level. Use the Fn and F7 or F8keys to adjust the brightness.
  Remove peripherals when not in use. External hard drives, CD-ROMs, Zip drives, PC cards, and other peripheral devices can draw power from your battery even when they are not in active use. Disconnect them when you are finished using them.
  Reduce the speed of your processor. The faster your computer works, the more quickly it uses up the supply of power. You can extend the charge of your battery by slowing down your processor's speed. Methods to reduce processor speed vary from model to model, and your manual should provide instructions for doing so.
  Turn off the Wireless On-Off button when it is not in use. If your notebook has one, press the Wireless On-Off button so that the light turns off.
  Change the power option setting from High performance to either HP Recommended or Power saver to conserve battery power.
  Back to top
  See also
  HP Notebook PCs - Understanding Lithium-Ion and Smart Battery Technology
  HP Notebook PCs - Checking the Status of the Battery
  HP Notebook PCs - Calibrating the Notebook Battery
  HP Notebook PCs - Installing and Using HP Support Assistant
  HP Notebook PCs - Purchasing a Replacement Battery
- View More: HP How to Improve the Performance of the Battery
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Home / Product Selection / PC / Hardware

Webcam is not functioning

Table of Contents:

Sound Problems in Microsoft Windows

Table of Contents:

Windows 7:

Windows Vista/Windows XP

Test the Microphone

Check physical connections

Check the volume control and mute properties.

Set Recording to Mic/Microphone

Reinstall Sound, Video and Game Controller Drivers

Problems with Desktop Monitor or Laptop Screen

Table of Contents:

Troubleshooting CD, DVD or Blu-Ray Drive Issues in Windows Vista

Table of Contents:

Laptop Battery or Power Problems

Table of Contents:

Mouse, Keyboard or Touchpad Not Working Correctly

Table of Contents:

How to Improve the Performance of the Battery

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