| Problem |
Resolution |
| Has your webcam been switched off or disconnected? |
Check that your webcam is switched on and is connected to your computer. |
| Is another program using your webcam? |
Close all programs that may be using the webcam. These
include video editing software, instant messengers (such
as Yahoo Messenger or Windows Live Messenger), browsers,
Windows Explorer, and even some websites. Once you have
done this, check
that your webcam is being used by Skype. |
| Is there a problem with your call settings? |
Before making a call, select the contact and click
 in
the calling area. Red or yellow icons indicate that
further configuration is needed to achieve the best
call quality. To check the settings, click the icon
you wish to configure and a list of tips to help solve
the issue will be displayed. |
| Are you using an old version of Skype? |
Make sure that both you and the person you are video
calling are using the latest
version of Skype. It’s easy to find
out what version of Skype you are using. |
| Are you using an old version of DirectX? |
Make sure that you have the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. For Windows Vista and Windows 7, you can get the latest version of DirectX by updating Windows with the latest service packs and updates. For Windows XP, you can download it here. |
| Is your webcam incompatible with your version of Windows? |
Refer to the documentation for your webcam to ensure that it is compatible with your version of Windows. |
| Is there a problem with your webcam drivers? |
Check that your webcam is listed in Device Manager.
- Do one of the following:
- Windows 7: Click the Windows button and select Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound and under Devices and Printers select Device Manager. Click the little arrow beside Imaging Devices.
- Windows Vista: Open the Start menu and select Control Panel. Open System and Maintenance and click Device Manager.
- Windows XP:Open the Start menu and select Control Panel. Open System and in the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
- Under Imaging devices, check that you webcam is listed.
If it’s not listed, reinstall the drivers for your webcam.
|
| Are your webcam drivers loading? |
Try disabling Skype from loading automatically when you start up your computer. This will enable your webcam drivers to load before you start Skype.
- Sign out of Skype (in the menu bar, click Skype > Sign Out).
- In the Welcome to Skype window, uncheck both the options Sign me in when Skype starts and Start Skype when computer starts.
- Restart your computer.
- Sign in to Skype and make a video call.
|
| Are your webcam drivers out of date? |
A driver is the program you install with the webcam which makes it work on your computer. (Some webcams use preinstalled drivers so you may not have had to install one.) Make sure you have the most recent drivers for your webcam by downloading them from the webcam manufacturer's website. |
| Is Windows missing the latest updates? |
Ensure that Windows has the latest service packs and updates installed. |
