Integrated webcam not working for Vostro 7500

Question

I have a Vostro 7500 running Windows 10 with an integrated webcam. The webcam has suddenly stopped working. I've been through all the suggested fixes on the video - updating the drivers and the BIOS, checking that the camera app is enabled, checking that the camera is enabled in the BIOS, checking that the camera is allowing in Norton 360, etc - but all to no avail. I have an external webcam and am able to plug that in successfully to get video when using Skype or Zoom but when I try to use the integrated webcam I just a blank black screen. Does anyone have any further suggestions?

filbert · Accepted Answer

Some settings only take effect during a call. So, call a friend and try adjusting some of the settings. I'm not sure what will be best for your camera.

Maybe try reducing Backlight Comp, increasing Contrast. Try unselecting Auto box for White Balance. You could try clicking "Default", to reset, though that won't cover everything.

Also click the second tab in that panel, Camera Control, and compare settings. Maybe uncheck Low Light Compensation or Exposure or adjust slider.

Just in case, does your webcam have a little sliding cover that might be covering the lens?

DebbieKen · Accepted Answer

Thanks for all your help. After messing about with various settings I finally discovered what the problem was. You mentioned in an earlier post about a sliding cover over the lens. I discovered that I do indeed have such a button and by sliding the button I was able to switch the webcam back on again. I've no idea how it got switched off but perhaps it got knocked around while I was travelling.

filbert · Answer

You say that the webcam 'suddenly stopped working'. What changes did you make just before it stopped working? Launch Skype and open video settings. Changing those settings may help to get the webcam working again. You may post a screenshot of the settings here.

DebbieKen · Answer

I didn't make any changes at all. I joined a Zoom call and found that the webcam was no longer working. Previously it had worked without any problems. The screenshot below is what I can get in Skype with the integrated webcam. As soon as I switch to my Microsoft LifeCam the video comes back on. I don't think the problem is anything to do with the settings in Zoom or Skype. If that were the case neither webcam would work.

filbert · Answer

Just below the area in your screenshot, click 'Webcam settings'. It may be worth checking those settings and comparing those for the external webcam with those for the onboard webcam.

DebbieKen · Answer

These are my Skype settings with my Microsoft LifeCam.

DebbieKen · Answer

These are my settings with the integrated webcam.

DebbieKen · Answer

I don't see how adjusting these settings is going to help. There is no preview video at all and just a black screen when I try to use the integrated webcam. When I switch to the LifeCam I can see myself on the video. The problem appears to be unrelated to these settings.

filbert · Answer

@DebbieKen wrote:

I don't see how adjusting these settings is going to help.

Well, presumably you came here for help because you couldn't solve it. You can try what I suggest or ignore it.

I've seen situations where the webcam was always black but worked normally once the settings were adjusted or reset.

filbert · Answer

Just to clarify my previous message: incorrect video settings can cause the video preview (and video during a call) to be black.

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Integrated webcam not working for Vostro 7500

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