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    Wierd white LED flash from webcam on M17x R2

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by PsiPr0, May 27, 2010.

  1. PsiPr0

    PsiPr0 Notebook Evangelist

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    Like clockwork, everytime I boot up my M17x R2 I get a white light flash from my webcam, It's the light right next to it. Then it goes away and doesn't come back. Anyone know what this is about? Same thing happen on your M17X R2?
     
    PsiPr0, May 27, 2010
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  2. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    You might have some software or maybe driver issue with the camera. Did you make sure no software is currently using your webcam?
     
    Joebarchuck, May 27, 2010
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  3. PsiPr0

    PsiPr0 Notebook Evangelist

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    Actually there is a software that is using my camera. The login! lol. That could be it then. The software probably shuts the camera off after login which causes the flashing light.

    I will have to double check that.
     
    PsiPr0, May 27, 2010
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  4. aoliver

    aoliver Notebook Enthusiast

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    Check the AlienSense settings, I think I remember there being a setting to record a picture on every login or something similar to that. I would be able to check but I returned my m15x for a m17x...

    Hope that helps.
     
    aoliver, May 28, 2010
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  5. PsiPr0

    PsiPr0 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah, that's what it is. The light is the Webcam indicator light. I should have read the owners manual. So the light just flashes quickly when the driver loads because it had to turn the webcam on to recognize my face and log me in to windows. /end thread. lol
     
    PsiPr0, May 28, 2010
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  6. zofodraziw2005

    zofodraziw2005 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'v also seen this. In Vista this did not happen. The camera was still functioning during login but does not display activity. Those sneaky little guys..
    Now that I'v installed W7 the activity light now shows when the camera is being used. Sometimes it will do that at logoff as well. My assumption is a setting as stated above. IF it gives you pause (like someone is watching) then just place a piece of electrical tape over the camera. But sence will no longer function. LOL

    I also know that the sence software will take several shots to combine the image so it has a learning curve to go through to recognize you every time you turn the machine or logon after a sleep.

    FYI: there is software available that allows the camera to take a picture if an incorrect login is repeated, as in the case of a stolen laptop. The software will send the image to an appropriate place like a security center not located on the laptop. This software is extra $. I'v seen it offered on dell's as well.

    Just my thoughts...
     
    zofodraziw2005, Jun 5, 2010
    #6