dv7t Quad - Windows 7 64bit - Internal HP Webcam not detected by Device Manager

[Dragon-Fur]

New system - one re-install of Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit.  All else is running as expected.   (SimplePass is even cooperating.)  Webcam is missing from the Device Manager.

I believe the onboard (internal) HP TrueVision HD Webcam worked originally (after purchase).  I reinstalled the OS (fighting with SimplePass - story not worth telling).  Never checked the webcam.  Weeks later...  The webcam is not detected and is not listed in the Device Manager.  Speccy64 (freeware used to detect and monitor all sorts of system specs) does not see the webcam.  Skype does not see the webcam.  YouCam software does not detect the webcam.  Nada, zip, zero: No webcam.

I've already "chatted" with HP, requested, and reinstalled the webcam driver.  No luck, there.

BIOS is up to date (F1.A 7/20/2011).  (Everything is up to date - the laptop is new and is constantly updated.)

I'm open to the obvious, that of returning to "factory rebuild", but it's a headache to avoid so soon after just getting this beast where I want it.  I do have a recovery disk and assuming it has anything more than just more drivers on it, it may be useful if I could figure out how to use it.

Ideas? 

Thanks in Advance!

[kamat_hp · Accepted solution]

There is no harm in recovering your Notebook to factory state but I highly doubt that would fix your issue. 

It could be a faulty webcam module which is not been recognized. I suspect you might have to send the Notebook in for a warranty repair to get it fixed .

[Dragon-Fur]

Thanks for getting back to me.

I suspect you are correct - the webcam module is corrupt / bad hardware - whatever.  Too bad, real sad.  No worries, then.

I must reload the OS prior to sending the laptop for repair (never send anything back with data on it) and that will answer the inquiry about factory reset.  Smiling.

Nearly thirty years in IT did teach me that almost anything can happen and will.

I will poke on this a bit more and see if I can find a solution - I suspect you are correct, though, and the webcam is Toast.  I will resurrect my old HDX 18T if I have to send back the dv7.

If you come across anything else, please post and I'll take a look at it.  TIA.

Kind Regards.

[Dragon-Fur]

System will be sent in for repair.

All attempts to fix the webcam have failed.  Too bad.

Thanks for response.

[mdcalvert]

Fur:

I purchased a Pavilion dv7-6b32US on 12/01/2011 and did not try to use the built-in Cyberlink YouCam until about three weeks later.  My son purchased his identical notebook at the same store of the same day, and he called me to see if we could explore using Skype.  His camera started immediately after he clicked the program icon in the start menu.  Mine did nothing.  In looking for the problem, I found I did not have the camera listed in the Device Manager.

I Googled the problem and found similar issues with the outcome being a return to HP and a 30 day wait for a return.  With the unit less than a month old, I contacted my local Staples and asked about an exchange.  They did not have one on hand, but they promised to get one from a nearby store so we could work an exchange the next day.

I performed the recovery to new factory status and although it worked with no problems, it did not change anything.

That night, being frustrated that a new machine had such a problem, I opted to try to see if there was any software downloads on the HP Support site that might address the problem.  That's when the ODD THING happened.

Initially, I searched under Pavilion dv7-6b32US and read all the descriptions and found nothing that appeared to relate.  Then, I opted to use the optional "Let us detect your product" method and the result came back that my unit is a "Compaq Presario 1802FR," instead of the HP Pavilion ID.  It had the correct serial and product numbers, but the wrong product name and series.  I found that ODD.

I looked at the listed downloads under the 1802FR and found one that related to the software for the camera 'uninstalling' itself after it was first activated.  (( I must admit that I may be wrong in the actual wording, but it was related to the software for the YouCam)).

I downloaded and ran that file.  I then downloaded and ran a couple of other files that seemed to be appropriate to help with issues that could happen with the unit.

When I restarted the unit, the camera was in the Device Manager and it started immediately when I clicked on the program in the start menu Programs list.

Bottom line, in my case, the problem was software related -- not hardware related.  If you have the same problem, try looking for the fix under the list for the Compaq Presario 1802FR and it might help you avoid the need to send off your unit to HP.

DCnTN

[Dragon-Fur]

Hi mdcalvert,

Very strange story, indeed!  The good news is that you were able to fix your webcam without having to pack it up and send it in for repair.

Habby wrote:

"Then, I opted to use the optional "Let us detect your product" method..."

Thanks for taking the time to post your experience - it might help someone, and there are many that need help with their webcams.  Going that extra mile and pursuing the solution is just the sort of determination that can pay off!

In my own case, it was a good thing I finally sent in the unit - the tiny cable was nearly disconnected at the neck (near the camera) - the electrical connection was broken.  The good news is that while the unit was in for repair, they were able to check for any other "misses" or problems - an extra Q & A check.

Happy and Excellent 2012 to you!

[raffyjo]

Researched on various websites related to or hosted by HP.  Went for the physical (rather than technical) fix:

My solution:  Pry the monitor frame off (be gentle, not afraid), and make sure the white plug head is properly and fully plugged into the black outlet to the right of the webcam lens.  Did the trick for me.