Sony Visulisation Camera (Motion Eye) & Vista

[Mint1]

Hi,
I hope someone has a miracle. About 18months ago I bought my Sony VGN-AR31S, it came with Vista and the built in webcam. The problem is that the camera has been very tempromental, I.E. it works once then doesn't work again for months, it's a nightmare! Does anyone else have this problem, is there a cure?
Please help, all ideas welcome!
Kind regards,

[Blencogo]

Hi Mint1 and welcome to Club Vaio.

Something that works intermittently is probably the most difficult to fix.

What error messages do you get when the camera malfunctions? What do you normally use your camera for?

Check youhave all the correct software installed for a start: -

Check the following: -

1. Is your camera driver installed properly? Go to Control Panel -> Device Manager. Expand 'Imaging Devices'. Is your Vaio Camera showing as installed and working correctly?

2. Do you have the latest version of 'VAIO Camera Utility' installed? Go to C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Camera Utility and click on 'Version.txt'. I think it should have Version 2.0.00.11140 installed on your model.

3. Do you have the latest version of 'VAIO Camera Capture Utility' installed? Go to C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Camera Capture Utility and click on 'Version.txt'. I think it should have VAIO Camera Capture Utility 2.2.03.11150 installed for your model.

4. Have you installed Microsoft Hotfix Package KB931812? If not, I have attached it to the bottom of this post for you to install.

5. What happens if you open All Programs -> VAIO Camera Capture Utility? Can you see yourself or do you get an error.

6. Have you set up your camera to work in Skype or MSN? Often these applications can 'capture' the camera for their exclusive use so it will not work with another application.