Fix Logitech QuickCam (Messenger, Chat, Zoom, IM, Express) Not Compatible Driver Issue in Windows Vista SP1
Logitech, one of the leading webcam manufacturer as QuickCam series, has made a decision that left thousands, if not tens of thousands of customers in the cold, by deciding that older models of their web camera, such as Logitech QuickCam Messenger, Zoom, Chat, IM and Express, does not support Windows Vista, and the driver provided for download is incompatible and not compliant, and thus users unable to install and use the Logitech QuickCam webcam.
There is a trick to use XP driver in Vista to make unsupported Logitech QuickCam works. However, with the release of Windows Vista SP1, the trick comes out with new error. After installing Windows Vista SP1, for some users who have use the XP driver trick to use the unsupported Logitech device, or attempt to install XP driver for Logitech webcam, the following error message will appear:
The device can not be started.
And the microphone attached on the QuickCam no longer works, where the system cannot capture or hear any sound via mic on the webcam.
Switching to install higher version of drivers does not help either to solve the problem. And thanks to reader Luis, a workaround solution has been found to fix the error.
The cause of the Logitech QuickCam webcam error on Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1) is USB audio class driver, USBaudio.sys, which has been updated in SP1. To solve the problem that the Logitech QuickCam Messenger, Zoom, Chat, IM, Express and other unsupported webcam model cannot be used in Windows Vista SP1, one workaround solution is to ‘downgrade’ the USBaudio.sys driver file located in \Windows\System32\drivers folder to older RTM version.
If you haven’t remove the backup RTM files that saved by SP1 setup installer, there is a backup copy of USBaudio.sys version 6.0.6000.16386 in \Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\wdma_usb.inf_9ce240de folder. However, in normal running computer, the file is always in use, and thus locked and cannot be deleted nor moved while system is running. Use the trick below to copy and swap back to old version of the file.
- Take ownership and grant full access permission of \Windows\System32\drivers\USBAUDIO.SYS file.
- Insert Vista DVD into DVD-ROM drive to boot up into Vista Sytem Recovery Console and open command prompt.
- In the command prompt window, issue the following commands one by one, follow by Enter key each time. The commands are assuming that the system drive (where Windows Vista is installed) is C:\ drive. If your root system drive is different, change accordingly.
ren C:\Windows\System32\drivers\USBAUDIO.sys USBAUDIO.sys.originalcopy C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\wdma_usb.inf_9ce240de\USBAUDIO.sys C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ /y
- Restart the computer. The Logitech QuickCam camera should work properly without error.
If you’re running dual boot system, or have a boot CD or boot disk supporting NTFS system, it’s possible to boot from other operating system (so that the Vista system is not running and not locking the USBAUDIO.sys file), and overwrite the driver with older RTM version of it.
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April 25th, 2008 09:24
hi thanks a lot but it didn’t help by me. My Logitech Quickcam Messenger still wan’t work.I deleted the new USBAUDIO.sys and copied the old USBAUDIO.sys to \Windows\System32\drivers\ twice, but instead old one the new one(v 6.0.6001.18000) comes again after reboot. What I did wrong?
ps: I deleted the USBAUDIO.sys files in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\wdma_usb.inf_9ce240de\ , but can’t put the old one in it, although it’s my own order.
April 25th, 2008 09:30
You should replace it in recovery environment, did you?
July 31st, 2008 14:45
Hello
I am running Vista X64.
I am missing the wdma_usb.inf_9ce240de folder.
I do have a wdma_usb.inf_cb84404b and a wdma_usb.inf_ceec26be folder. I tried copying USBAUDIO.sys from both of those folders to C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
When I restart. Windows still asks me “locate and install driver software.
Why am I missing this wdma_usb.inf_9ce240de folder and is it possible for anyone to send me the USBAUDIO.sys file from that folder to me. Unless there is an alternative to get my Logitech Silver Zoom Working on Vista
August 10th, 2008 13:26
Thanks for helping me out
you are really helpful for me
August 13th, 2008 02:41
Hi there. I had vista installed with a disc that already has SP1 on it. Could you possibly do me the favor of emailing me the RTM version of usbaudio.sys?
August 27th, 2008 18:18
I have done all the steps, but I’ve got a message saying the driver could not be initialized (error code 10).
Can anyone help me?
August 27th, 2008 18:33
I have done all the steps, but I’ve got a message saying the driver could not be initialized (error code 10).
same problem!
September 7th, 2008 00:22
My mic finally works in Vista, thanks for the help and making this so easy!
September 7th, 2008 00:23
My mic finally works in Vista, thanks for the help and making this so easy!
I actually did the file copy without going in recovery mode.
September 20th, 2008 04:52
If can also just copy over the USAudio.sys from C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\wdma_usb.inf_9ce240de to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ and then restart the PC.
September 20th, 2008 07:12
Thank you both,
I was in holydays. Just arrive home and tried your advice.
Great, this is the perfect solution.
Regards,
Martins
September 24th, 2008 02:57
My microphone is working now but I have no sound at all. Friend from skype tells me he can hear me and that’s all.
October 9th, 2008 19:08
Thank you so much for this, a really well-written guide - has saved me £40 on a pointless new camera!
October 12th, 2008 21:25
You can also replace the files by making the current user the owner of, and having full control of the usbaudio.sys file in the windows/system32 directory. then you can just rename and replace with the old copy as listed in this article. then just reboot as mentioned in this article.