how to record w/webcam and how to get mic to work

my first post
i have a dv9205us with Vista, the laptop came with a built in mic and cam, but i cannot get the mic to work, i got the cam working using quicktime and yahoo messager, but how can i record using the webcam, i did these steps from another post read
below, the problem is when the webcam is on and i press the record button the webcam turns off but i can take snapshots with no problem
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Yes, you can use the WebCam through QuickPlay, and yes, it works under Vista.

To access QuickPlay, just press the "blue QuickPlay button" next to the power button. If it doesn't load QuickPlay, just do "Start" - "All Programs" - then you will see QuickPlay listed there. If you still can't find it just do a search, you will find the short-cut.

Once launched QuickPlay, click on the 2nd icon from left (between DVD and TV icon), then double-click on "HP Pavilion WebCam" from the left side panel, then you will see the blue LED light lit and you should see yourself on the screen. (Double-click "yourself" to enlarge image)

To take a picture or record video, just press the corresponding buttons on the top. (the red circle icon is for recording video (press "Stop" icon to stop recording), the camera icon is for, well, camera)
Videos and pictures are saved at:
Pictures -- C:\Users\Public\Pictures\My Snapshots
Videos -- C:\Users\Public\Videos\HP Webcam

 

Personnally, I'd get Pinnacle Studio 10 Titanium - it costs about 60 quid but it's by far the best and you can record sound from a separate or the same device as well. Also works with stills and NO I'm not on the marketing or developing team. LOL.

 

I have pinnacle Studio 10 and it is great. The pictures and video come out crisp and clean.