Solved W8.1 on Linux Hosts - Web cams working - Solved

jimbo45

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Hi there.

Sometimes a Windows 8.1 Virtual Machine running on Linux Hosts won't recognize the webcam even though you can connect / attach the webcam to the VM machine (especially INTERNAL USB typeWebcams).

Often the problem is that the HOST Linux machine hasn't enabled the webcam / started the video service -- this is easy to do in Linux Mint (16), OPENSUSE or other distros with LXDE / KDE desktops (might also work on GNOME too - haven't tried but should work as LXDE uses a lot of GNOME stuff).

1) Install KOPETE (KDE) or CHEESE (non KDE) on your Host Linux system.

2) Start KOPETE etc and simply go to the configuration ==>video devices -- click on the webcam image and after a few secs you should see your web cam working. - Note these apps are instant messaging - but you can use them to set up your webcam. Exit KOPETE (you need to QUIT the application - not merely close it otherwise the webcam won't get released for attaching to your VM).

3) Next, power up your VM and attach the webcam to the VM -- you'll see disconnect from host and it will display a couple of messages about disconnecting from /dev/video or whatever. Now the webcam should work properly in your VM.

Works also for SKYPE etc - and LYNC (SKYPE works well in Linux anyway !!) but LYNC is a MS messaging application which requires Windows.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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