Many Toshiba laptops, containing Satellite, Portege and Qosmio model characteristic integral Chicony-brand webcams. Chicony webcam can be difficult, particularly when running a 32-bit version of Vista. Microsoft has out an update that will solve problems with beginning the webcam after terminating "Sleep" mode. Users must install proper driver or webcam software to solve problems.

Dark or Black Webcam Image Problems

1. Toshiba laptop owners have problems with webcam showing as dark or totally black some seconds after first image appears or directly after engaging webcam. Users must make sure that webcam pointer light is engaged. If not, users must run “Camera Assistant Software" to turn on webcam.

Low light can cause webcam to power off and to show a dark image. Users can twist light and contrast by you increasing lighting in room or by turning on "Night Mode." If these steps do not solve dark image problem, users must reset webcam itself, again install "Camera Assistant" software.

Webcam Problems after Terminating Sleep Mode

2. Toshiba laptop owners with Vista install and Chicony webcam have evils starting the webcam after restoring laptop from "Sleep" mode.

"Sleep" mode powers down many hardware parts in laptop. The webcam is able of entering a non operating system tempted sleep mode when it is not utilized for a long period of time. After user keeps Windows "Sleep" mode and wakes laptop, webcam show error messages like "Locked by another application."

This problem can be solved by installing a Windows Hotfix, which is also there in Vista SP1.

Webcam Problems after Upgrading Windows Vista

3. Toshiba Satellite laptop owners choose to utilize Microsoft Anytime Upgrade to Vista Ultimate. After doing so, Chicony webcam stop functioning and report a "Please turn on the camera" error message. Users can solve problem by reinstalling Chicony driver.

Webcam Problems on Linux

4. Linux users who own Toshiba laptops with Chicony webcam must install Linux UVC Driver to make webcam useful. The webcam may not work without this driver.
Grainy or Blurry Webcam Image


5. Chicony webcam can generate grainy or blurry images if user does not remove defensive film that covers exterior webcam interface.