- All hardware components connected to the computer need a device driver. The device driver, also known as a software driver, interfaces with a hardware component, the operating system and the applications that relate to the component. The device receives commands from an application through the device driver. The device then transmits data back to the application through the driver. If the device driver for the webcam isn't installed, the Dell M1330 won't detect the webcam.
- The device driver for the camera comes packaged with the Dell Webcam Manager. If the Dell Webcam Manager isn't installed, the device driver for the camera might not be installed, or might be installed incorrectly. Click "Start," then input "webcam" into the search box to search for the Dell Webcam Manager. If no results appear, go to the Dell support page, look up the XPS M1330, then click the "Drivers Home" link. Locate the webcam software in the "Applications" category. Save the file, then double-click the download to run the installer.
- If the webcam driver is disabled or if the driver is corrupted, your Dell M1330 won't be able to use the webcam. To check the status of the device driver, click "Start," then input "device" into the search box. Click "Device Manager." Expand "Imaging Devices" to see the driver for the built-in webcam. Right-click the driver. If the "Enable" option is in the drop-down menu, the device has been disabled. Click "Enable," then restart, to turn it back on. If there is a yellow exclamation point next to the driver, there is a problem with the webcam. Double-click the driver and read the information in the "Device Status" field to see what's wrong with the webcam driver.
- If Dell Webcam Manager is installed on your computer and the device driver for the built-in webcam is working properly and enabled, but the M1330 still cannot detect the webcam, the camera may have become disconnected from the motherboard -- or the camera may be broken. While it's possible to check the webcam connections and replace the camera on your own -- Dell support provides instructions on its website for doing so -- opening up the laptop can void the warranty. Before checking the hardware connections on the webcam, consult Dell to see if you can check or replace the internal hardware without voiding the warranty.
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