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I have Ubuntu running in VirtualBox. How can I make my in-built laptop camera work with it.

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Which host OS are you using?. – Javier Rivera Sep 29 '10 at 8:15
I am using Windows 7... – User Sep 29 '10 at 23:52

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This is possible, but requires a few steps to get working properly:

  1. Make sure the virtual machine is not running and your webcam is not being used.
  2. Bring up the main VBox window and in the details tab for your Win7 machine click USB.
  3. Make sure "Enable USB Controller" is selected. Also make sure that "Enable USB 2.0 (EHCI) Controller" is selected too.
  4. Click the "Add filter from device" button (the cable with the '+' icon).
  5. Select your device from the list.
  6. Now click OK and start your VM.

This will cause the device to show up as if it were plugged into the VM. From there, you should be able to use it or install drivers if necessary.

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Please note that this also requires the package from virtualbox.org, if I remember correctly. Here are the packages: i386 | x64 – Nathan Osman Sep 30 '10 at 1:18
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I don't think the version in the official repos. has support for USB devices. – Nathan Osman Sep 30 '10 at 1:19
I cannot see my camera in the devices list... – User Sep 30 '10 at 4:01
@Shubhkarman: Are you sure that Ubuntu is detecting your camera? Can you use it in other applications? – Nathan Osman Sep 30 '10 at 5:24
No.. Ubuntu is not detecting my camera... – User Sep 30 '10 at 23:03
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This may be something in the virtual machine settings, I know for example you have to enable network adapters and USB devices to be used.

This is a good question. Please post if you get an answer!

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Please refrain from posting comments as answers. This introduces a lot of unnecessary noise. Please also consider reading the FAQ page. – Nathan Osman Sep 30 '10 at 2:27

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