HP Compaq Mini 110 netbook doesn't work

[winchester73]

 :Win73: waves at  :rose:  :hallo:

[Corrine]

 :hug:

[pastywhitegurl]

Hugs and a beer to both of you!

:D

I have been reading around about this netbook and I have discovered that it has a built in webcam.

I have no experience with webcams. How can I test to see if it is working?  I have tested the sound on a Skype account and it is working fine, but I didn't find a way to test the webcam.  I'll continue to try to research it, but so far I'm not finding the info I need. This is a feature I know will be used.  My friend has relatives on the other side of the globe that she Skypes with regularly.

[winchester73]

https://support.skype.com/en-us/faq/FA3731/how-can-i-check-that-my-webcam-is-working-correctly-in-skype-for-windows?frompage=search&q=webcam&fromSearchFirstPage=false

[pastywhitegurl]

I didn't find preferences under the Skype link, but when I go to  Profile > Set picture, it says No webcam found.
Same message on Tools> Options > video settings

just saw your link..I'll check it out.

[pastywhitegurl]

Success!

From the tips on that linked page, I was able to check the Device Manager for the webcam.  There was an update wizard that installed the appropriate update and I have video now. :D

wow. I look bad on the web cam...haha!

should I check all those entries on the Device manager and update all drivers? Or do you only do that when something doesn't work?

(back a couple posts...Corrine...I will copy that info about TFC, that explains it really well)

[Corrine]

Some people believe in updating drivers as soon as they are released whereas others are in the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" school.  The most important thing is for her to keep updated with security updates -- as you know, not only Microsoft but Adobe & Java too. 

[pastywhitegurl]

what school are you in? :)  My inclination is to not mess with anything that is working ok.

I am preparing a set of notes...one about what I did and how to access the things she uses, and the other on things she needs to do once a month to keep everything updated.  I will be sure to highlight the importance of the Java and Flash updates.

[Corrine]

I'm in the same school as you are. :)

[pastywhitegurl]

Just a final update for anyone following this thread.

The little netbook was shipped off today with all systems functioning, and a set of instructions to keep it humming and updated. My friend is ecstatic as the machine was previously in the "give to Good Will" box since everyone else had given up on it.

I never was able to do  the driver/software update check that HP offers (it would not install) and my questions asked at the help forum never got one response, so I didn't pursue updating any other drivers other than the video cam one and maybe the bios?  That might have been one of the list Corinne gave me that actually did install. But I went with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"  plan of action after that.

Its only remaining bit of weirdness is that it is getting Windows XP Pro updates even though it is the Home version (that's from using the developer download to update Windows) but hopefully that's not a problem, just something that will make anyone checking out the machine later go "hmmmm".

I did have to leave Java installed because the Secunia online update checker needs it to run, but I have set  Java to update automatically, along with MSE, Flash and Windows as long as she leaves the computer on through the night at least once in a while.. So it should be pretty much self sufficient.  Now, if my friend will just click the update prompts when they appear, things should be fine. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Many thanks Corinne and Winchester....you guys are the best.  :thumbsup:

[winchester73]

I have to admit to being a bit skeptical at the start that you'd have anything other than a doorstop at the end ...  :D

[Corrine]

I was more than a bit skeptical but your determination most certainly worked!  Your friend owes you a very dinner out the next time you get together.