Need help with my webcam. I think I might be hacked.

  • Thread starter Thread starter gtguhoij
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AI Thread Summary
The user is experiencing flickering issues with their built-in webcam despite having antivirus software (Avira and Malwarebytes) and a firewall enabled, which show no viruses. Suggestions to resolve the flickering include adjusting the anti-flicker settings to 50Hz or 60Hz, trying different output resolutions, and using alternative software like YAWCAM for better control over webcam settings. The user noted that the flickering does not occur when using applications like Skype, indicating that the issue may be software-related rather than hardware-related. Recommendations include updating or rolling back the webcam driver, trying different camera applications, and ensuring that no other applications like Skype are interfering with the webcam's functionality. Overall, the consensus is that the problem likely stems from software rather than a hardware malfunction.
gtguhoij
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TL;DR Summary
I think I might be hacked. Can someone help? There is a video below that shows the problem.
I am using Avira and Malwarebytes and my firewall is on. It shows no viruses on avira or Malwarebytes.

At the very least can someone help me fix my webcam?

Here is the video. As you can see the webcam is flickering.



Thanks for the help

This picture shows the specs
 
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On the webcam control choose 50Hz or 60 Hz anti flicker depending upon your location. Also try a different output resolution and see if that makes a difference. I like YAWCAM freeware to play with camera if you don't have the manufacturer's stuff. It does look a bit strange.
 
The webcam is built into the pc. I just have 50Hz or 60 Hz.
 
gtguhoij said:
The webcam is built into the pc.
That doesn't mean anything. The application you are using to view the image should have settings you can adjust (what application is it?). If not, get another app with more adjustable settings to test.

What about this issue makes you think it is a hack?
 
My application is the camera app. I just push the windows button and search camera. I don't have very many settings. There is no flicker setting I will download https://www.yawcam.com/ and see if that works.

I did say I am not sure about the hacking though.

Thanks for the help so far.
 
Last edited:
Could be because of a faulty driver. Also try updating/rolling back the driver of the webcam.
 
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I updated the drivers no difference and for some reason it won't let me roll back the drivers. Any advice?
 
I think some of the internal cameras are internal USB connections so it may make sense to try an external USB camera and see if it also is screwing up
Of course it never hurts to reboot a few times. (the last refuge of the confused...)
 
I don't own a external camera and rather not spend the money are there any other options? I guess I could buy an webcam and return it. I manage to roll back the drivers and same problem persist. Just wanted to add when I use skype or some other application I don't see the flashing. I rebooted no effect.
 
Last edited:
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  • #10
It could be a hardware problem, or software problem. Since you are saying that there is no problem when you are using the webcam from other applications like Skype, it seems to be a software problem rather than hardware. Try installing some other camera apps; there are a lot available online.
 
  • #11
Did you already try giving it a gentle whack?
 
  • #12
etotheipi said:
Did you already try giving it a gentle whack?
In the '60s that sometimes helped temporarily to re-seat a vacuum tube ##\dots##
 
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  • #13
In my experience Skype is very "grabby". Make sure Skype is not running (tell it not to run in background or at start) and try the windows camera link. Did you try Yawcam? Pretty clearly this is an internal software issue and not likely the invasion of the camera snatchers.
 

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