HP dv9220us Webcam HELP!

Just got bought this notebook yesterday and already having problems. Can anyone please tell me how I can test the webcam that is already in my notebook to make sure it works? I've never used one and can't get it to turn on. I've already had to do a system recovery (this came with Vista installed too).

 

Try looking under My Computer.

On my dv2000t, before I installed Vista RC1, it appeared under there.

 

Thanks. I see it in my program files, but the only other folder i see is an "uninstall" folder. I have no idea how to turn it on and test it.

 

Back when I had XP, you could open the HP Webcam Viewer or something of that sorts.

There must be some sort of option like that..

 

Look in the program files on your hard drive you should see a folder in there for your webcam. Once in that folder click on the webcam icon.

 

Thank you. I did do that and the only thing that happens is another folder appears under it that says Uninstall. Nothing else. If I right click on just the webcam folder and select Open, another program comes up that looks like the equivalent to Windows Explorer, but I don't have any options to turn on the webcam and use it.

 

Things seem to have changed under Vista. You need to use a program like Windows Live Messenger to test the webcam. Start up Windows Live Messenger, click the menu (top right, next to minimize), select Tools, then Webcam settings. Your camera should turn on and the image will be displayed. There are also other programs you can use for this, but Live Messenger should already be installed.

 

Thanks. I can't test it tonight, I'll try tomorrow though. I originally thought the device driver wasn't installed because I see the Webcam in my program files, but not in the Control Panel (Scanners and Cameras). The first night I had the notebook, I thought maybe I needed to install the camera so I went through the install wizard, found the camera, and tried to install, but it wouldn't take. I shut down and the next time I started my notebook up - Windows would not start and I had a couple messages telling me if I've recently installed a device like a camera, to uninstall it. Then I got another message saying there was a driver that was preventing Windows to start. Needless to say, I was doing a full system recovery/restore the 2nd day of me owning my first brand new laptop. Since restoring, I have not wanted to try the install wizard for the camera. A couple friends said I should call HP support.

 

I had to install Windows Live Messenger, but IT WORKS! I was able to test the webcam by following your directions and it works! Thank you1

 

Thanks also. I just purchased a HP dv9000 and had the same issues with the webcam. Been looking on the web and searching my computer for a solution. Eventually stumbled onto your discussion. Thanks Too!