VAIO VGN-FW21E Webcam Not Working

[stretchmark]

Hi Peeps

Just bought a Vaio VGN-FW21E and very impressed and happy with it.
Just got a problem with the webcam not working.
Device Manager shows that the device is working properly but when I try to open it in MSN I keep gettin the message -

"We couldn't start your camera device. Please check that your camera is not currently in use by another program, and then try again "

Bit frustrating on a brand new machine but i'm sure it is easily remedied.

Before contacting Sony tech guys I thought i'd ask you peeps on here
Any help would be greatly appreciated ....

Thanks
Mark

[rastrus]

Hello Mark,

I've got the same model VAIO.

Which version of MSN are you using?

Have you tried using the webcam software, either by pressing the AV MODE button and selecting Camera, or by launching WebCam Companion 2 from the Start menu and see if it works that way? Try clicking the Capture icon in WebCam Companion (a green light will come on next to the webcam when its working). In the Preferences > Settings menu, the video device should say Sony Visual Communication Camera.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards,
Tony.

[stretchmark]

Thanks for your reply Tony

I'm using Windows Live Messenger and tried what you suggested.
The Cam works fine with the software but still wont work with MSN 😞

Ive disabled and re-enabled the cam in device manager but still with no joy - gotta say it is very frustrating.

Mark

[rastrus]

What happens if you use the Tools > Audio and video setup within Windows Live Messenger?

My settings are:
Step 1 - Speaker Setup: Speaker/HP (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Step 2 - Microphone Setup: Microphone (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Step 3 - Webcam Setup: Sony Visual Communication Camera

Tony.

[stretchmark]

Hi Tony

I get an error message saying "We are unable to run audio and video setup"

Mark

[rastrus]

Hello Mark,

It might be best if you uninstall Live Messenger, restart your computer, download and re-install it again. Something must have gone wrong during the original Messenger installation.

Let me know how you get on.

Tony.