Camera stopped working. Error code:0xA00F4244 (And tried every solution available on this site)

[NethuG]

I purchased this laptop a couple of months ago, and when I first tested the camera and microphone, both worked perfectly. I did not use the laptop for some time, but when I turned it on a few days ago, I was prompted to launch the Poly Camera app. After installing and launching it, I noticed that the camera stopped working.

Since then, I have followed all the recommended troubleshooting steps. When I checked Device Manager, the only camera-related driver displayed was Poly Camera. After reviewing solutions on the HP Support Community, I view "Show Hidden Devices" and found both HP 9MP Camera and HP IR Camera listed. I attempted to update the drivers, but it showed that the best drivers were already installed (but the driver was displayed as a usb camera). .

Following advice from a support thread, I uninstalled both the HP 9MP Camera and HP IR Camera, expecting Windows to automatically reinstall them after a restart. However, the drivers were not reinstalled.

I also checked the BIOS for camera-related settings, but I could not find any option for Integrated Camera or Webcam (The physical camera shutter remains open at all times). Additionally, I ran the Video Memory Extensive Check through HP UEFI Hardware Diagnostics for approximately 14 hours (43 iterations), but the issue persists.

I later discovered that the microphone is also not functioning. At this point, I am extremely frustrated, as I have spent considerable time trying to resolve the problem without success.

Could someone please provide a solution or guidance on how to restore both the camera and microphone functionality? Or else I would like to replace this laptop with a new one, please. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @NethuG,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for providing such a detailed description of the issue and all the troubleshooting you've already completed.
 

Based on your timeline, it appears that both the camera and microphone were functioning normally before the Poly Camera application was installed, and the issue started shortly afterwards. Since you've already tried driver updates, device reinstalls, BIOS checks, and hardware diagnostics without success, I'd like to first determine whether this is a software-related issue or a hardware-related one.
 

Before proceeding, please make sure to back up any important data for safety.
 

Then, please try a System Restore to return the notebook to a date when the camera and microphone were working properly:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Select Choose a different restore point (if available).
3. Choose a restore point dated before the Poly Camera application was installed or before the issue began.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore.
5. Once the notebook restarts, test both the camera and microphone.

This will help us determine whether a recent software, driver, or application change is causing the issue.
 

A few additional questions:

• What is the exact HP notebook model or product number?
• Do the HP 9MP Camera and HP IR Camera currently appear anywhere in Device Manager, including under Hidden Devices?
• Does the camera appear under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras?
• When you open the Camera app, do you receive only the 0xA00F4244 error, or is there any additional message displayed?

Regarding the replacement request, support provided here in the HP Community is limited to troubleshooting guidance. We are unable to determine or promise a replacement through the Community. Our recommendation is to first complete the troubleshooting steps to identify whether the issue is software- or hardware-related. If the issue persists and service is required, the HP service team can evaluate the device and advise you of the available service options and any next steps based on the warranty status and their findings.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[NethuG]

1. There were no restore points available, so I reset the laptop. Unfortunately, the issue still persists.

2. Here are the answers to your additional questions:

• What is the exact HP notebook model or product number?
  HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Next Gen AI Touchscreen Laptop (14-fh0030ca)

• Do the HP 9MP Camera and HP IR Camera currently appear anywhere in Device Manager, including under Hidden Devices?
  They were previously listed under Hidden Devices. I found another thread here that suggested uninstalling both devices, as the drivers should automatically reinstall after restarting the laptop. However, after restarting, the drivers did not reinstall.

  As for the microphone, Microphone Array (Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones) is still present in Device Manager.

• Does the camera appear under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras?
  Yes. It appears as Poly Camera Pro under Connected Cameras.

• When you open the Camera app, do you receive only the 0xA00F4244 error, or is there any additional message displayed?
  Earlier, I received the 0xA00F4244 error. Now, instead of that error, I see the following screen:

  

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @NethuG,

Thank you for taking the time to try the suggested steps and for providing such detailed information. It really helps narrow down the possible cause.
 

From what you've shared:

• The System Restore wasn't available, and a Windows Reset did not resolve the issue.
• Your notebook model is HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Next Gen AI Touchscreen Laptop (14-fh0030ca).
• The HP 9MP Camera and HP IR Camera were previously listed under Hidden Devices, but after uninstalling them, they did not reinstall following a restart.
• The Microphone Array (Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones) is still present in Device Manager.
• The camera appears under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras as Poly Camera Pro.
• The Camera app is now displaying a different screen instead of the previous 0xA00F4244 error.
   

Since resetting Windows did not restore the camera devices and the camera drivers are no longer being detected by Device Manager, the next step is to verify whether the system firmware is able to detect the camera hardware.
 

Please run the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Camera Test:

1. Shut down the notebook.
2. Turn it back on and immediately tap the Esc key repeatedly.
3. Press F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
4. Select Component Tests.
5. If a Camera Test is available, run it and let it complete.
6. Please let me know whether:
   • The camera is detected by the diagnostics.
   • The test passes or fails.
   • A Failure ID is displayed, if applicable.

If you do not see a Camera Test listed, please let me know that as well, as it can also help determine whether the camera hardware is being detected by the system.
 

Once you have the results of the hardware diagnostics, we'll be able to determine whether this is a hardware detection issue or whether further software troubleshooting is required. I'll be happy to guide you with the next steps based on the results.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!