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Add an Integrated Webcam to the Dell Inspiron 1525 (and Vostro 1500)

Update 26 February 2010: I installed a webcam on a Vostro 1500 today. I used model PM027 on Ebay. Works great with the Vostro 1500. You can find the Windows 7 64bit drivers for the Vostro 1500 webcam model PM027 in this post: http://johndball.blaize.net/2010/02/26/vostro-15xx-on-windows-7-64-bit-drivers/
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I recently purchased a new laptop for my mum because her old one was giving out. I got her a brand new yellow Dell Inspiron 1525 but with the integrated webcam option so she doesn’t have to figure out how to set up a USB webcam when she wants to call me on Skype. I also have a Dell Inspiron 1525 but without the integrated webcam.

A few days after I gave her the laptop I was poking around on eBay when I came across a guy in Canada selling the integrated Dell Inspiron 1520/1525 webcam and webcam cable. The gears in my head started to turn and I said to my wife “Hey, it would be cool if I added a webcam to my Inspiron 1525.” She mumbled something (probably “yeah, but you don’t need it”). Without my wife’s blessing and using my hard earned cash, I purchased the camera and camera cable and then waited for it to arrive.

Jump forward to today and my camera and cable arrived in the mail. Thanks USPS! I installed the cable and camera, it was super easy… and of course the wife likes it and now wants one for herself. You’ll need a philips screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, a dremel (or drill), and the webcam software. The software for the camera can be found at http://www.laptops-drivers.com/dell-laptop/how-to-install-windows-xp-on-dell-inspiron-1525-or-downgrading-vista.html. I think the site recommends the Microsoft Update website for the drivers… I don’t remember how I got them from that website.

As always, I an NOT responsible for any damages, so use these instructions at your own risk!

Step 1 – Remove the screws that hold the top button panel

Step 2 – Remove the button panel

Step 3 – Finish removing the panel

Step 4 – Remove the keyboard screws

Step 5 – Remove the button panel and keyboard Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors

Step 6 – Install the webcam cable into the cable tray

Step 7 Optional – I reconnected my keyboard and powered up the laptop to make sure the camera worked

Step 8 – Remove the LCD panel rubber bumpers and panel screws

Step 9 – Carefully lift eh LCD bezel from the LCD panel

Step 10 – Test fit the camera in the LCD panel cutout

Step 11 – Remove the two LCD screen bracket screws that hold the LCD panel in place

Step 12 – Rotate the LCD panel, face first, onto the laptop (might want to put a pillow or cloth down to not scratch the LCD screen)

Step 13 – Layout the webcam cable in the pre-cut channel on the back of the LCD panel

Step 14 – Peel the backing off of the aluminum tabs and secure the webcam cable to the LCD panel

Step 15 – Finish taping down the cable with the remaining tabs

Step 16 – Mark the holes for cutout using the LCD bezel holes as a guide

Step 17 – Drill out the holes

Step 18 – Re-install the camera into the LCD panel

Step 20 – Reinstall the LCD screen and panel bezel the same way you removed it. REMEMBER to reinstall the screws then power up your laptop.

Step 21 – Boot up the computer and install the webcam software (see top of this post for a link to the software)

I tested my camera with Skype

Then I took a picture of yours truly :)

I hope your install went smoothly! Enjoy your new integrated webcam.
PS, if you were to buy a brand new Inspiron 1525 from Dell according to them it would take two days to install the camera.

~ by johndball on January 29, 2009.

60 Responses to “Add an Integrated Webcam to the Dell Inspiron 1525 (and Vostro 1500)”

  1. It really works….we tested it with skype.

    Blaize said this on January 30th, 2009 at 21:52

  2. Thanks..good work…This link has a used Bezel with the webcam port for $13.50 + shipping. It might make it easier for someone.

    http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=4876

    Bob said this on February 7th, 2009 at 18:49

  3. Friend, i have this laptop dell inspiron 1525, but the integrated webcam don’ work, but is present in admon devices as ?. I install this driver automatic or manually but don’t work Can you help me? the SO is Windows xp SP2

    sergio said this on February 12th, 2009 at 19:07

  4. @sergio: This might be able to help you: http://application-error.net/creative-live-cam-process-oem02monexe/

    Looks like a re-branded Creative Live webcam. What error are you getting? Can you take a screen shot and e-mail it to me?

    johndball said this on February 14th, 2009 at 21:31

  5. Hi,

    My brother fell down with his laptop (Inspiron 1525) and since then the screen is really dark (you can barely something though) but it works with an external monitor.

    Some people say it could be the backlight, others that it could be the inverter. I’m checking first if it is a loose cable or something else.

    I have checked on this website:

    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/display.htm#wp1179842

    and also googling I found your website (that provides more info with the pics).

    Anyway, on the step 7 picture as I do in the Dell docs I see the cable that is on the far left seems to be connected, however is unplugged in my laptop. I’m wondering if this could be the cause. I can email you a picture to tell you what I mean.

    Miguel

    Miguel said this on February 15th, 2009 at 16:17

  6. Yeah, go ahead and send me the picture to johndball -at- johndball.com

    johndball said this on February 15th, 2009 at 19:50

  7. thanks john ball-this is a really kewl tutorial- i dont get why dell doesnt have the cable already fitted like say bluetooth cables already are fitted in machine-then user can add the main hardware without completely dismantling unit. Also i dont see why dell doesnt have the holes already there & just blocked with little rubber covers this would be more environmentally friendly e.g what happens to all the generic (non holed) bezels?? not to mention dell doesnt make any money from this because its always some 3rd party rip off dude somewhere on net selling dell parts cheaper than dell themselves lol

    al said this on March 4th, 2009 at 02:07

  8. umm i have a question for any one who can answer. i have a Dell Inspiron 1525 and i have no idea how to set up the inturgrated webcam. can you help me out?

    Amelia said this on March 17th, 2009 at 16:21

  9. Thanks for every things .i like to Add an Integrated Webcam to my Dell Inspiron 1525 and iam sure i can flow your step but i searched for the webcam on eBay i found the webcam but thy didn’t have the cable with it can you help me found the cable thank you.

    foaad said this on March 31st, 2009 at 06:54

  10. I bought the cable for my wife’s laptop from a website I found through a Google search.

    johndball said this on March 31st, 2009 at 13:12

  11. Found it! http://pchub.com/uph/catf/SearchItem.aspx?ft=Inspiron+1525+webcam&x=0&y=0

    johndball said this on April 4th, 2009 at 15:12

  12. I reinstalled windows vista the other day and all the drivers and software that came with the computer, but since then when I try to use my Inspiron 1525 integrated webcam it appears black on screen. Can you tell me how to fix this? The device manager says the driver is up to date and I was using the webcam fine before I had to reinstall windows.

    Deb said this on April 16th, 2009 at 06:18

  13. nevermind I fixed it!

    Deb said this on April 16th, 2009 at 06:36

  14. @ Deb, what steps did you take to fix your problem? Somebody else might have the same issue and could benefit from your steps.

    johndball said this on April 24th, 2009 at 18:15

  15. hi again- have you got the part number for this camera? coz ive seen like 2 different part numbers & Im under the impression that theres a 1.3 MP version & a 2 MP version- (can someone clarify?) also did the camera come with the necessary screws included? thanks

    al said this on May 6th, 2009 at 03:27

  16. Dell part numbers DP157 (unknown megapixel) and NN784 (2 megapixel).
    Screws are not needed for the installation, there are two raised plastic nipples that allow the camera, which has two holes punched in the camera body, to sit on the nipples locking the camera in. The body also has a two-sided sticky backing to further secure the camera on the LCD lid.

    johndball said this on May 6th, 2009 at 14:19

  17. Hi there,

    This is a fantastic tutorial – thanks!

    I have a quick question – I’m trying to remove the display bezel, but am having difficulty at the bottom-center area (almost cylindrical part adjoining with the main chassis).

    I just can get it to come free – and I’m worried about damaging it with force. Do you have any advice?

    Ollie said this on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:59

  18. I had to tilt the LCD screen back as far as possible and lift up with a small screwdriver to get the two hinge portions to “unlatch” from itself.

    johndball said this on May 23rd, 2009 at 13:22

  19. I have a dell inspiron 1525…My integrated webcam stops/starts working when I adjust the lid. Any ideas on how to fix this?

    thanks…

    D. said this on July 22nd, 2009 at 17:22

  20. Sounds like your camera cable might be too tight and when you close the screen it pulls it out enough to turn off the camera. I ran the camera, closed/opened the lid and it never turned off.

    johndball said this on July 22nd, 2009 at 17:31

  21. It actually works when the lid is almost closed…?

    D. said this on July 23rd, 2009 at 00:59

  22. Yeah, mine does. Did you ever get it fixed?

    johndball said this on July 29th, 2009 at 20:23

  23. Any idea where I can find the camera & cable for a reasonable price on the web? I am looking for two but striking out… Thanks. Jeff

    Jeff said this on August 4th, 2009 at 00:18

  24. Heh…No, I meant, mine works when the lid is almost closed…

    D. said this on August 8th, 2009 at 17:51

  25. Does anyone know where to purchase the cable for the webcam. I can purchase the webcam but cannot find any cables anywhere?

    Elwyn said this on August 19th, 2009 at 16:14

  26. ^^ where can i purchase the camera cable?

    james said this on August 23rd, 2009 at 10:07

  27. also does the camera come with built in microphone?

    james said this on August 23rd, 2009 at 10:11

  28. Elwyn, I got the cable from Resale Marketing. It was about 18 bucks.

    Thanks John for the Tutorial it sure is speeding up the process.

    Mike said this on September 7th, 2009 at 21:47

  29. also yes. my camera came with a microphone

    Mike said this on September 7th, 2009 at 21:48

  30. You are the master. I want to do this same mod to my girlfriend’s laptop, but of course, it was a risky idea. But with a great guide like this (annotated pictures!), it won’t be too hard.

    Much gratitude from Indiana!

    Matt said this on November 1st, 2009 at 17:05

  31. would it work on a Dell Inspiron 6000?

    Jeremy said this on January 2nd, 2010 at 15:25

  32. [...] This guide will help you to install an internal webcam into a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop. The webcam will be mounted inside the display panel, above the LCD screen. The webcam connects to the motherboard via a cable running inside the display panel under the LCD screen. [...]

    How to install internal webcam into Dell Insprion 1525 laptop >> Inside my laptop said this on January 4th, 2010 at 18:57

  33. very good. Thankyou. You documented it well. Because of this article I went on to hunt down the components for my dell 1545, and it’s all done and working now. Very much appreciated.

    Owen said this on January 12th, 2010 at 10:56

  34. Excellent….worked great…my husband installed the webcam on my laptop while I was at work… Thanks for the great instructions…

    Becky said this on January 21st, 2010 at 17:42

  35. thank you for this guide from the links posted here i got everything i needed for about $30 it really came in handy when my wife was out of town working
    her and the kids could video chat and she could still reed them there bedtime story
    thank you so much

    pat said this on January 24th, 2010 at 11:43

  36. Hello I was just wondering what size drill bit you used to make the hole in the front panel since i have like every size

    john said this on January 26th, 2010 at 10:06

  37. OK…I have my camera up and working…but I can’t get the mic to work. The mic is IN the camera correct? I assumed that (but you know what they say about ASS-U-ME-ing). Any suggestions?

    Sarah said this on February 16th, 2010 at 21:38

  38. Thanks a lot for the time you took to do this tutorial. It was a great help for me and I have now added the cam.

    I did manage to snap my original lcd bezel, as it was really stuck on at the bottom and this is where it snapped. Luckily I purchased a 1525 cam bezel, as I didn’t want to have to drill.

    Anyway, thanks again.

    Chris said this on February 19th, 2010 at 14:10

  39. @John: Not sure the size, try 1/8.
    @Sarah: You installed the drivers or windows installed them automatically? Check the device manager and make sure nothing has a “?” mark next to it. If everything appears to be installed make sure the mute function isn’t on.

    johndball said this on February 20th, 2010 at 20:38

  40. hi my wedcam is not responding when i want take videos and photos please why is it happening in this way? do you have any possible means of helping me to activity this,is saying there a need of mpjeg what is that.

    Richard Adjei said this on April 30th, 2010 at 15:27

  41. Thanks so much for this article. I have a question, if you could help.

    I have an Inspiron 1520 (the home equivalent of the Vostro 1500 you mentioned). Finding the camera and the bezel is easy, but the cables are not listed for either the Vostro 1500 or Inspiron 1520 in the places I have looked. Are the Inspiron 1525 camera cables compatible? I have no problem finding those on Ebay, sometimes even bundled with the camera (as opposed to the 1500/1520 cameras, which seem to never come with cables).

    Thanks!

    Douglas said this on May 21st, 2010 at 07:33

  42. I am not 100% sure, but I think the 1525 LCD cable will work with the 1520. I know 1525 cables are cheap on eBay, usually 9 or 10 dollars. You might want to pick one up and just try it for such a low price.

    johndball said this on May 21st, 2010 at 08:20

  43. I have done a little more looking, and it appears the webcam cable is part of the LCD cable assembly on the 1520. There appears to be only one part number for the LCD cable, which makes me wonder if that cable is present even on models that don’t have the webcam present (since I think there is still a microphone board in the top of the display). I’ll be doing a partial disassemble to check, since I’m replacing some other parts anyway, and I’ll report back.

    Douglas said this on May 21st, 2010 at 09:13

  44. Do you think this mod would be feasible to install into the inspiron 6000? The cable connector for the webcam looks a lot like the bluetooth connector… IF I were to connect it to that it might work… what do you guys think?

    Dan said this on May 23rd, 2010 at 13:39

  45. I don’t believe the 6000 ever had an integrated webcam as an option. The only way you could do it was if you are very good in your hobbyist skills –you might be able to internally solder a cable to USB port pinouts (you’d have to block off the port externally) and connect it to a small USB cam. Even then, no guarantee you could fit such a thing in the bezel.

    I think you’re stuck with an external USB webcam. Most of these mods only work if you have a laptop that could come with a webcam, but you didn’t order it that way.

    Douglas said this on May 24th, 2010 at 08:23

  46. Does anyone know why, when I start to close my lid, the “imaging device” listing in the device manager appears, but when the lid is open, the “imaging device” listing disappears.

    Whenever I start to close the lid I hear a “doo-duh” tone and check the device manager and see the integrated camera drive is installed, but when I open it up just a bit the sound happens again and the listing disappears.

    Sorry for the redundancy, but this is driving me nuts, the camera worked fine before I upgraded to windows 7, since then it has never worked, so I downgraded back to Vista at least now I can the imaging device appearing and reappearing in the device manager.

    Eric said this on May 31st, 2010 at 20:05

  47. Your cable is probably pulled too tight or not connected all the way.

    johndball said this on June 1st, 2010 at 18:24

  48. I have an Inspiron E1705/9400. where can I find a camara and cable or a way for me to install a webcam on it.

    joel said this on June 18th, 2010 at 09:21

  49. Hi! Would this also work with the Dell Inspiron 1545? I found all the parts on eBay.

    Griffin said this on June 23rd, 2010 at 07:18

  50. I can’t guarantee that it will work. You’ll have to see if you have the options on the motherboard for the connectors.

    johndball said this on June 24th, 2010 at 08:39

  51. Fabulous Post John !! I felt confident in opening my 1545 which IS different. The Plugs ARE on the motherboard, to the Left 4″ from a 1525. There is no “place” for the cable behind the LCD but the Foil Paper has dotteded lined on where to run the cam cable….very clear. I got cam and cable for $20, used. Still had enough sticky to hold in place. Dell has the 1545 Bezel for $9, $17 with shipping. 1545 = M685J Cam Bezel. Also the 1545 uses alot of Sticky Back tape that feels like zif connectors. Go slow, lift at shallow angles.

    Patrick said this on July 9th, 2010 at 12:34

  52. Very glad that it worked out for you!

    John Ball said this on July 11th, 2010 at 16:25

  53. Hi, I just had a motherboard replaced after having a couple of people look at the computer and disassemble it, we had a cable left over. I can see the cable in your diagram in step 6 and 11. It is the smaller ribbon cable. I see where it connects on the motherboard, but the connection shown in the pictures is missing. I am wondering what that part is. Dell doesn’t exactly label any detailed designs.

    Stacey said this on August 10th, 2010 at 06:54

  54. hey magnificent post!
    i have a question though. i have a dell inspiron 1525, but since a while ago the camera wont work correctly. it is out of focused, and the only colors the image has are green and red. i want to replace it. should i follow the same steps but backwards (remove camera, install new one)? and do i need to buy new cables, or just the webcam?

    Hernan said this on August 23rd, 2010 at 18:14

  55. It could be any number of issues. If you can get the camera for cheap I would replace that. If that doesn’t work try the cable.

    Are you sure it isn’t a software issue? I think the Dell Webcam program pops up by default when the camera is activated. Make sure that program is reset to defaults…

    johndball said this on August 23rd, 2010 at 18:19

  56. hey i already checked that, and also updating the drivers. im positive it’s a hardware issue. i’ll be buying a new webcam soon.
    do you by any chance know something of the plugged in, not charging problem? i’ve researching about it for a while, with no good results.

    Hernan said this on August 23rd, 2010 at 22:34

  57. I have an Inspiron 1525 with a built in Webcam. The camera is working fine but my microphone only kicks in when the LCD screen is tilted downwards at least half way towards the keyboard. Everytime I check in the Webcam Manager Audio Controls there are no green bars showing unless I tilt it down. Some kind of a bad connection. How easy would this be to fix and where and what would I be looking for. Any help would be greatly appreciated

    Just J said this on September 1st, 2010 at 14:59

  58. hai,
    OMG, I can’t wait to try this out, I was going to sell my laptop so I could buy a new one with a webcam lol x]
    Anyways, my keyboard keys have been dying out and I don’t know what it is. I’ve taken off the non working ones (they all seem to be on the same line – asdf jkl and ; ) Any idea how I can fix?
    Thanks so much (:

    Char said this on September 1st, 2010 at 18:47

  59. Oops, I didnt finish my sentance :p

    I ment to say I took off the keys and cleaned them but they still dont work.
    sorry :/

    Char said this on September 1st, 2010 at 18:49

  60. What do you have? An Inspiron 1525? You can get keyboards on e-bay for around $20.00.

    johndball said this on September 1st, 2010 at 21:25

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