HP Envy 14 shows Webcam as unknown device due to conflict with Skype

[GoutamB]

I won a HP Envy 14 laptop. As you say it is a high performance laptop. The problem is whenever try to make video call through skype, it is telling that the webcam is used by other program and need to close it. At this time MediaSmart Webcam would open. Then the skype will able to open the webcam properly. However the webcam capturing seems to be very laggy. I think that it is a confliction between 2 programs. At this time the webcam shuts down totally and the device turn into unknown. I have restart the system once again to make it correct.

Is there any solution?

I have already updated the webcam drivers.

[MaggieK]

Just at the time HP has launched the portable Envy 14 and Envy 17, many users have begun to report errors with Envy 15 screen model, which sometimes turns white and problems with the webcam that records only the right colors under fluorescent light. The good news is that HP is already aware of this problem and has offered users to repair the damage or return your money

[GracieSingh]

Following are things which you can try to resolve your problem.

• Change the USB port;
• Try disabling your sound card and microphone to enable integrated webcam (from Tools>> Options>> Audio Settings in Skype);
• Try to update the drivers for sound card and video;
• Check if the same problem also occurs with MSN

[Sydney_7]

Perhaps you have other instant messaging software installed, even if you have never used the web cam: Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger / MSN ... Try to uninstall them and see if they solve. Try to remember also what software you installed just before the camera stopped working, maybe they are responsible. Consider that the web cam can be used as a rule, only by application at a time.

[Anirvinya]

One way around this limitation is the program Split Room, which creates virtual cameras from your physical and so, allow you to use it for various applications. If it still does not solve or do not want to install Split Bedroom, try uninstalling the web cam and Skype completely and then reinstall both (with the latest drivers and program). One last attempt would be to make the system restore to a date prior to the problem. Note: You can make sure that it is not a hardware problem, if your webcam works with other programs and / or other PCs.