web cam installation

Iam new to the site, and have been advised this is the forum to ask about web cam installation. The web cam I have installed is a Vimicro USB PC camera ZS0211. It did not have any directions for use, just a mini CD. There is a "read me" but it is all in some kind of code. I did give three to family as gifts, but they are leaving it to me (the least educated, too, of the bunch!) to figure it out. I have Vista, it did install and seems to work, but the picture is horrible, to say it nicely. If I really look that bad I should wear a bag over my head in public! Anyway, does anyone know if there is a safe website I can go to, someone I can talk to briefly just to be sure the audio works? I'm no geek, everything I know is pretty much self taught by trial and error, so I am at a loss here. Are there any drivers/programs that maybe I can get a better picture on this thing? I only have "no flicker, 50 mghz, and 60 mghz" to choose from. Thanks so much for your help-I appreciate it.

 

You could try updating the driver for the webcam for starters. To do this...

1. Start > Control Panel
2. Under Device Manager click Update Device Drivers
3. In the next window go to Imaging Devices and expand it by clicking on the +
4. Your webcam should be listed here. Right click on it and select Update Driver Software. Driver should be on the CD that came with it. If not, let us know, and someone will help you locate one at a safe site.

 

Thank you so very much for your help! I did as you instruct and Windows says I have the best driver. I did not know about this ability, tho-I will certainly save your directions and when Vista settles down, I will look to update everything I have. Thanks again-I really appreciat the info!

 

But the problem isn't solved, right?

Again in Device Manager, click once on the webcam to highlight it then from the top menu bar click Action then Properties.

Does it say teh device is working properly? If not, what does it say?

 

It does say the device is working properly.

 

What software are you running it on...like Windows Messenger or something?

 

Yes, Windows Live Messenger.

 

In Messenger do this..

Click Tools > Audio and Video setup

Work through the deal that next appears then let us know how you got on with both the audio and visual appearance of it.

 

Are you running Vista x64?

 

Yes, per your previous question I did run in thru the setup process, and I get bars. I am running Vista 32, I think it's called.

 

I'm not certain you will be able to run this webcam on Vista 32bit.

Anyone else have input?

 

I can be seen, I undertand, but I'm having trouble with the audio.