Latitude 13 webcam driver

Thanks for the link John. I'll be holding it while I look over the tech's shoulder .

Hope I get the same guy as last time, he was friendly and competent.

 

I finally got around to contacting Dell and was unfortunate enough to reach an incompetent tech at the other end. Had to sit through over an hour of useless conversation while she had me download and install several versions of the Webcam Central even though I kept telling her it couldn't make a difference since not even their own diagnostic software could see the webcam (she didn't even seem to know anything about diagnostics, software or otherwise).

So finally at the end (after many offline discussions with someone else) she declares that either the camera is disconnected, broken or missing. Hurray! I cheered.

The last time I delt with Dell's warranty service for an LCD that broke on the first day of use I got someone competent who, after hearing my detailed explanation of the situation, just agreed with me and set the repair process in motion.

Anyway, they'll send a new camera to the local tech. She asked if I wanted to do the work myself but since it's probably a bit tricky to get the thing open I'll let the tech do it (and besides, it's their problem, not mine).

 

So while I was waiting for the tech to drop by the hard drive disappeared from sight...

He checked the wires and found nothing wrong. The hard drive is plugged in to the audio board, which also handles battery charging. So there wasn't much point in replacing the camera. I got a short course in L13 dismantling at least, it's not that bad.

I can hear a resounding "we told you so !" from a few of you

Anyway, they'll be sending me a new system in two or three weeks.

One thing I can confirm is that Acronis True Image 2010 works as specified since Windows went south last week for no apparent reason (probably due to the overall flakiness of this thing) and luckily I had images of the partitions minus a few last minute tweaks. I should be able to just reload the images on the new system. (or will I ? Will the windows no longer match the system ? Aaargh...)

At least Dell didn't resist when I asked for a new system.

 

I would not image a new system using an image from an old faulty system. That would just be wrong. Start over.

GK

 

Sigh... there goes another day

 

I tend to agree. Just start over. Using an old image from a faulty system to really cause some issues.

 

If this laptop is for lightweight use by your daughter for school, I don't understand why you are reinstalling Windows.

Install her apps on the factory image, back it up, and deploy it. Within a month it will be dropped, drowned in coca-cola, lost, stolen, or traded for pizza.

Good luck.

 

Lightweight use or not, a personal computer should be solid and stable and no amount of potential misfortune should suggest otherwise. By my experience, Dell factory images frequently fail this standard for which re-imaging has proven to be a reliable solution... Dell has even published a re-image guide.

GK

 

I'm the first to suggest a wipe of the factory load and minimal install, when it's warranted.

I suspect it may not be worth the effort in this case.

Most of the reliability issues I am familiar with relate to Control Point. Dell has recently released updates. The DCP System Manager has been redesigned. Is there data to suggest there is worthwhile benefit to a fresh install on a Lat 13?

The OP can do what he wants. In the absence of hard data, he may appreciate another perspective.

 

My experience is with the E6400 and E6410, both re-imaged and now at college with girls who have taken good care of their computers since pre-school and who now manage everything online. I can't speak to the Lat 13, but I'll suspect any factory install until proven trustworthy.

The data tends to be the feel of the machine... the E6400 factory install was very flakey with Vista and BSODs. The E610 was more stable, but not current, and with stuff on it I did not want to maintain nor trust. I did not trust deploying them without re-imaging them. They are both working very reliably now and I know how to support them long distance.

GK