How can I record through my webcam secretly?

How do i fix my webcam so that i can record a video?

• I'm on my Dell Inspiron, & i'm using Dell Webcam Centra l. I'm trying to record a video on it but everytime i want to record one, it fails to record and says there may be a problem with the video capture and audio recording device. What do i do?!

• Answer:

  Hi Nicole, and welcome to Yahoo!Answers: The first thing to determine is whether your Webcam works at all... have you already used it on Skype or for other normal webcam "live" uses? If its worked before, chances are the Webcam and its software drivers are installed OK. One quick way to see if your Webcam is installed properly is to open the Windows Control Panel for "Scanners & Cameras" ("Start" --> "Control Panel" --> "Scanners & Cameras"). You should see your Webcam listed along with "Add Device". In that case, the error you are getting is common when you've left open ("active") another app or webpage that uses the camera and its microphone. That would cause the video recording to fail. Just make sure you close all other browsers and programs that might access your Webcam, and try recording again. If you aren't sure if your Webcam has ever worked, then see if your Dell has the AMCap test program loaded anywhere. (Or you can download the trial version from CNet's Download.com: http://download.cnet.com/AMCap/3001-13633_4-10504734.html?spi=4f057f670665f8f5c6d794f76f81cdef&dlm=0 ) Dell Computers sometimes includes either "Dell Webcam Center 2.0" or "Dell Webcam Manager 1.0" (written by the same Creative Technology Ltd. folks who wrote "Dell Webcam Central") in your Programs list when you buy a Dell with built-in camera, so try any utilities or test programs you find in one of those Program Folders. AMCap is good for testing out your Webcam and doing test recordings. Programmer Noel Danjou updated the original Microsoft version, so if the CNet link above doesn't work, go to Noel's CNet profile page, and you'll see an AMCap download link there: http://download.cnet.com/windows/noel-danjou/3260-20_4-70616.html The other way to test your Webcam is to launch Windows Movie Maker (called "Movie Maker Live" on recent WinOS versions). Click on "Tasks", then select "Capture from video device", and you'll either see Webcam video or an error message. You might find Movie Maker an easier way to record your videos using your Webcam, since it allows easy editing, titles, and effects. Dell Computers also has excellent online and telephone support for their customers. Just jot down your Dell Asset Tag (or full model & serial # info found underneath your laptop) and log onto http://support.dell.com for more help. They can help you with re-installing your Webcam drivers, if that's needed. hope this helps, --Dennis C.