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Q: I have been trying to get my Microsoft Lifecam vx3000 to work on Skype.  When I plugged in the camera, a window popped up saying I need to install Windows messenger.  When I first installed the device a few months ago, it worked perfectly.  I haven’t used it for a while, now I get this message.  I really didn’t want to install Windows messenger because it is annoying and I don’t have a use for it.  Well I installed it anyhow to see if I could get the webcam to work.  The video comes through but no sound.  I can hear the other party through my speakers but they cannot hear me.  I made sure that the mic was turned on but still no sound.  I do have head phones but the system will not support both webcam and phones. 

– Ray D.
Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

A: I suspect either you’ve got the wrong input selected, or you have the input level turned all the way down.  I’ve not used the particular camera line you have, but the ones I have used almost universally park an icon in the system tray that can launch tools for configuring and testing the camera.  Microsoft often includes a configuration wizard that will allow you to choose from available audio sources, and then will have you read some text on the screen to adjust the input level for you automatically. 

So, check in your camera software first, and if that doesn’t work, look in the system sound configuration (the little speaker icon in the system tray).  This is used not only for audio output, but input as well.  You must manually switch it to input by selecting Options->Properties and in the “Adjust Volume for” box, select “Recording”.  Make sure the checkboxes in the “Show the following volume controls:” are checked for your device, and click OK.  The “Volume Control” panel will be replaced with a “Recording Control” panel, and you can make sure your device is not muted, and its volume is adjusted to a reasonable level.  If none of the above works, you’re due for a driver re-installation.  Make sure you fully uninstall the old one before proceeding.

Q: Lately I’ve been receiving spam where the sender is my own e-mail address.  I simply delete it, but if I did reply to it, would it come to me?  If I were to block the sender, would I be blocking my own e-mail address from myself?

Spammers are quite clever I must admit.  How do they do this?  Does this mean my e-mail address has been sold to someone?  And does this mean my e-mail address belongs to someone other than me, specifically, is e-mail intended for me going to this sender instead?  I’ve had this e-mail address for years and I don’t want to change it. 

– Nate F.
Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

A: Sending e-mail from another address is called spoofing, Nate, and it’s easier than you think, but an explanation of how is beyond the scope of this column.  To answer your questions, yes, a reply would probably come to you.  Yes, if you block the sender, you’d be blocking e-mail from yourself.  Your e-mail address is very likely on a SPAM list somewhere, and yes, that means it could have been sold.  Rest assured, however, that e-mail addresses are unique.  Your e-mail (including all the SPAM) is not being routed to anyone except you.  I’m out of space this week, but watch for a more in-depth discussion on SPAM fighting techniques in an upcoming column.