Webcam prob-any techies out there??

[INeedLove]

Thank you for reading!

I bought a Logitech QuickCam IM. I installed the software, then plugged in the cam. I went through the setup wizard stuff just fine. Then I logged into Yahoo and tried to go on cam. When I clicked the cam button, the computer froze. I attempted to end the task in the task manager but it wouldn't end. I had to restart the machine to get it to end. Any ideas on what could be the problem?

I am on Windows XP home. I tried running it with and without McAfee enabled with the same results. I have emailed Logitech but have had no response. Any tips??

Thanks folks!!

 

[wideeyedgrin]

First question - do you have a Yahoo account?

When I set one up it seemed to take a long time for the initial set up to go through.

I haven't used it for some time, so I'll see what the steps are and let you know.

 

[SubNebGuy]

Don't use the drivers that came with the camera. go to www.logitech.com and download the very latest stuff.

With Windows XP, nearly any freeze up or 'blue screen of death' can be attributed to a driver problem.

try shutting down every other program except your anti virus too.

 

[wideeyedgrin]

I've got one of the Creative cameras. Logging onto Yahoo messenger went right through, and activating the webcam was just one click. It took a little while to convince the software that came with the camera to work properly, but I've had that problem since day one.

Definitely try getting an updated driver. Also try Irfanview to run the camera for practice, it's a really good free program.

 

[SubNebGuy]

thinking back, I think I had the exact same problem the first time I connected to Yahoo! with a cam. but the 2nd try it worked fine.

 

[INeedLove]

Thank you for your responses. I think I have the latest driver (it's quickcam 9.5) I couldn't find a more current one. I am going to try to test the cam again. Then try yahoo again. Darn-finally get the thing and I can't use it! And I had my nerve worked up for masturbating in front of it too! <sigh> Where is the computer genie when I need him??

 

[sailboatracer]

I had a similar problem and found that my Yahoo messenger cam settings were set to not allow anyone to see my webcam. That caused both of our computers to freeze. Yahoo has a cam troubleshooting section where you can "test" your cam. That helped me.

 

[zschachwitz]

Just a thought on your web-cam problem that might provide a short-term answer. If your camera, like mine, has a movie function, why don't you just take a movie instead of going on cam, which you can then e mail to whoever might be interested. Mine are in avi format, (ranging in size from 2.4MB to 20 MB (nearly 3 minutes ) but I haven't yet worked out how to edit them

 

[Horny_Husband]

Thank you for your responses. I think I have the latest driver (it's quickcam 9.5) I couldn't find a more current one. I am going to try to test the cam again. Then try yahoo again. Darn-finally get the thing and I can't use it! And I had my nerve worked up for masturbating in front of it too! <sigh> Where is the computer genie when I need him??

Have you tried a different messenger (like MSN) to see if it is Yahoo?

 

[SweetErika]

Just a thought on your web-cam problem that might provide a short-term answer. If your camera, like mine, has a movie function, why don't you just take a movie instead of going on cam, which you can then e mail to whoever might be interested. Mine are in avi format, (ranging in size from 2.4MB to 20 MB (nearly 3 minutes ) but I haven't yet worked out how to edit them

You can edit them with Windows Movie Maker, which comes with XP if I recall correctly. You can send large files like that through a service like Yousendit.com.

 

[Ravin the Poet]

Another good idea. Don't use yahoo to test a webcam. Its the worst to use it on. Try something like MSN first, or net meeting. Something where it is you and someone else, not you and 100 people. Also, since you already bought it, it doesn't help, but look for a cam that has no software. I have a cam I just put in the USB and go. No problems ever and it works great.

 

[zschachwitz]

You can edit them with Windows Movie Maker, which comes with XP if I recall correctly. You can send large files like that through a service like Yousendit.com.

Thank you - I normally only use Windows Me, but as I have access to XP, I'll try there.

 

[SweetErika]

Another good idea. Don't use yahoo to test a webcam. Its the worst to use it on. Try something like MSN first, or net meeting. Something where it is you and someone else, not you and 100 people. Also, since you already bought it, it doesn't help, but look for a cam that has no software. I have a cam I just put in the USB and go. No problems ever and it works great.

I have a QuickCam IM and use it exclusively with Yahoo with no problems except for a computer freezing once in awhile when one of us has too many programs running or hasn't shut down in awhile.

What I usually do is plug in the cam, start the Logitech QuickCam software so I can adjust the position and everything, turn that off, then invite the other person to view my webcam on Yahoo. My friend and I do not use the 'Webcam Supermode' on Yahoo...that might have caused some issues when we first started using the cams.

 

[Ravin the Poet]

You can use it all you want on Yahoo, but when you first get it and want to test it, its not an amazing idea to do it on yahoo. But yeah it works as well on yahoo as mine works there as well.

And as I said, try finding a camera that has no program. Just plug and go.