Webcam: Locked by Application

I recently purchased a Toshiba Satellite with built in webcam and mic. When I
try to start up the webcam, it does not show the image, but instead 'Locked
by another application'. Other times, the webcam does not even start up when
I push the button to make it start.
I do not know the application that has it locked, nor do I know why it
doesn't start when instructed to.
Also, when I restart the computer, it works, but after closing it and trying
to start the webcam up again, it once again either does no respond or says
that it is locked by another application.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Go get the new BIOS and Drivers and other utilities for your Laptop.

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/t...su_sc_home.jsp

Also check the bulletins.

really, i am also facing this same problem,,
i bought a new thosiba laptop of model a200-13r,,,, in that model i
have in built web camera,,,

the same problem, i am also facing,,

it says,,, locked by another application and also, webcam is being
used by someother application, so it is locked now,,,

when i restart, it is not showing error,,

how this happens,, really miracle,,

please tell me a solution,,, if any one knows,,,

i had updated everything, i mean bios driver and then, all updates,,
but still facing the same problem

Check using Task Manager by Closing Programs what is
using the camera. I would definitely call Toshiba.

i called toshiba.....funny, the reply was that they've eard about the problem
but they don't have idea of what it is so.....wait, maybe a new driver will
come....maybe

i think that problem is MS Messenger --
i have same problem using HP Pavilion built-in webcam and Vista Home Premium
after using Messenger webcam is locked -- any other application can not use
it. Booting pc - all is ok.

Any help from HP or MS is not available !!!!!!!! ?????

I someone knows what to do --- please inform

Please check patch for :
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...reg_R1002_USEN

After spending days and hours trying to fix this problem ( camera
locked by another application ) I found that even uninstalling camera
drivers and program and installng it again after d/l from Toshiba does't
solve the problem. Also, I've spend 2+ hours talking to Toshiba rep who
tried everything possible ( including disable of all start up programs )
just to make the camera work ... ONCE. After restarting same problem. I
can not think of anything to fix this problem.
Have anyone had a good luck with the patch suggested by TimoKM? I've
dowloaded the patch but didn't installed it yet. Just waiting for
feedback.

I also have the same problem of the Webcam locked by another
application. I recently purchased a Toshiba Portege M600 with built-in
Chicony webcam and I cannot get it to work. Sometimes it works, but
most times neither MSN, Yahoo o Skype can access the cam. Nor the built
in program Camera Assistant.
I tried to re-install and update drivers...but nothig seems to make it
work.
I called Toshiba and they have not been of any help...
Does anybody know how to solve the problem?

I have just recently brought a toshiba satellite M200/Satellite Pro M200
Series!
I also have the same problem with the inbuilt webcamera. Its always locked
by another app, or dosent even respon when i click on it.
I go into control panel, then go on through to uninstall or change a progams
and go onto my camera assistant soft ware! i have tryed to repair and modife
the camera! if i am lucky it will work but mostly it dosent!
If anyone could help it would be great! i know basic computer knowledge iam
not a brain around my computer! so if any1 can offer me some help that would
be GREAT

Well, i have tried EVERYTHING. REinstalling the application, updating,
and restarting and what not......

but what seemed to do the trick... as usual - ONE CLICK!

Right click on Camera Assistant Software-----
Properties----Compatibility-----on the buttom click "Run this program as
administrator" - apply - Ok.

It solved my problem and i have spent long time trying to figure it out
and trying all the different options!

but what about for vista???

This may be caused by the driver for your webcam, and a compatbility
issue
with Selective Suspend. Check to see if there is a newer driver
available and
give it a shot. Also, check your settings for selective suspend by
performing
the following:

*1. Click on Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click on System and Maintenance and then click on Power Options.
3. Below your selected plan click on "change plan settings"
4. Click on "Change advanced power settings".
5. Double click or expand USB settings, USB selective suspend setting,
and
set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to Disabled.*

NOTE: This may decrease the life of your battery slightly if you are
using a
notebook computer.
Once you have performed the following, restart your computer.

If the issue persists then perform the steps given in the following web
link which will resolve this issue.

Actually the windows vista has this issue. Many times the other
services stops the webcam or other devices to work. To resolve this
issue, we need to perform certain series of troubleshooting steps which
are given in the following web link.

'notebooktechnician - HP Inbuilt Webcam Not Working'

Vista is one of the highly secured operating System. It has several
restrictions to send or receive the Information from the Computer.
Defender, Windows Firewall and User access control. And Norton Internet
Security which has power full firewall on it.

[bloodsugar]

I've been having the same problem for such a long time, but luckily now i've found the solution. All you need to do is click to start --->control panel --->system ---> device manager ----> imaging devices and then right click on chicony camera then first step is to disable it and lastly enable it again.. and there you go, it will solve this problem easily;)

Start taskmanager ( type taskmgr into run / search box on the start menu. Go to processes, right click on processes that uses the web cam like skype ( these procs do not turn themselves off even though you have exited the application.

This worked immediately on my Toshiba sattelite