My Dell Webcam Software Is Not Letting Me Use IM Mode
The Dell Webcam Manager comes with Dell computers that have an integrated webcam installed. You can use the Dell webcam software to open instant messaging, or IM, software and participate in a video chat. If the software doesn't allow you to use IM mode, troubleshoot your PC and webcam to determine the source of the problem. If the Dell Webcam Manager is corrupt, if the IM software is outdated or if the webcam is not working, the software may fail to enable video chat.
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Instructions
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Confirm that a compatible IM software is installed to the PC. Click "Start." Click "All Programs." Look for an application such as Yahoo! Instant Messenger, Google Talk, Skype or AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). If no such application is available, install the program to your computer from the developer's website.
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Confirm the IM software is up-to-date. Open the application, then select "Help" from the menu bar. Click "About" to see which version of the program is installed to the PC.
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Go to the program's official website and click the "Download" button or link. If the program offered on the site is a newer version than what's installed to your PC, look for an Update option in the program (for example, Skype has a Check for Updates option available from the Help menu).
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Upgrade the program to the latest version, if available. If no update option is available, close the program, then download the up-to-date release from the developer's website. Install the updated version to the computer. You may need to uninstall the current version before proceeding.
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Click "Start." Input "webcam" into the search box. Select "Dell Webcam Manager" from the options.
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Click the "Video Chat" option. If the software does not let you use IM mode, close the application. Click "Start." Click "Control Panel." Select "Uninstall a Program" from beneath Programs.
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Click "Dell Webcam Manager" from the list. Click "Uninstall." Follow the on-screen directions to remove the software from the computer.
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Restart the PC after uninstalling the software. Go to the Dell website and download the latest version of Dell Webcam Manager. Reinstall the program to the computer. Click "Video Chat" to test the program.
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Tips & Warnings
If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the error, confirm that the camera itself works. Click "Webcam Center" from within Dell Webcam Manager to test the webcam. If the camera fails to respond, contact Dell for more assistance, since the camera could be broken.
If Dell Webcam Manager still does not work after following the troubleshooting steps, contact Dell for more assistance.
