Laptop Camera not working

tuisginideach

Let me preface this by saying I haven't a clue about the workings of a laptop/technology generally.

Lenovo Ideapad S340 Laptop is just over one year old.

Had a Zoom meeting a fortnight ago and the camera stopped working. Pressing 'start/stop video' etc made no difference. When I next tried to use it, all I got was a beautiful pink screen; then it suddenly corrected itself and all was well for the next meeting.

Another Zoom meeting this morning and camera came on at the start of the meeting - then nothing.

When I go to 'camera app' in the settings, I just get a mainly blank screen with icons on both sides.

I haven't a clue even where to start trying to source the problem.
Thanks for any advice.

Tom1991

First things first id restart the laptop
Then id try to eliminate the issue step by step so if u look in the windows camera app and can record video fine u know its not a device issue(or any other app you might use on the laptop like teams/skype that has camera functionality)
Then finally id check for updates in your zoom app and also check your permissions here's a guide for all things camera wise on windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-the-camera-app-ea40b69f-be6a-840e-9c8c-1fd6eea97c22

tuisginideach

Thanks Tom - I'll work my way through those.

tuisginideach

Tried those - when I go into Device manager and into Camera, it says 'this device is working properly' and 'Windows has determined that the best driver for this device is already installed'....

Tom1991

Without being in person if your opening other apps that can use the camera and it's not just affecting zoom then screams like some problem with the camera itself. I know on some of the business laptops there is a privacy shutter that cuts the camera off that you might have bumped accidentally. But maybe not on that model's webcam.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/208362326-Video-Not-Working-on-Lenovo-Devices assume you tried those also but a screenshot would help tell easier if you have one

L1011

Most Lenovo Ideapads (and Yogas) have a software privacy control that is only accessible by finding the setting buried somewhere in Lenovo Vantage.

tuisginideach

Thank you both - I'll try reading thru Vantage later - yes, there's a small slider beside the camera but that is open.

The laptop screen just appears black when I try to use camera, apart from icons down the side.
When I try to video, I get the following error message - Error: unsupported video type or invalid file path.

If you have a spare few mins, could you give me simple directions for attaching a screenshot pls?