IDEA:Webcam/Mic on/off switch

[spacedad]

a taskbar button to turn on and off your webcam and mic as most cheap ones don't have a real switch.
maybe it's more tricky than it sounds.
cheers,
sd.

[4wd]

Use devcon to disable/enable the device - you need the Device instance path from Device Properties.

eg.
Disable Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000:

Code: Text [Select]

1. devcon disable "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002"

Enable Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000:

Code: Text [Select]

1. devcon enable "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002"

Check status:

Code: Text [Select]

1. devcon status "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002"

Put it all together as a simple command file:

Code: Text [Select]

1. @echo off
2. devcon status "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002" | find /i "disabled" >NUL
3. if errorlevel 1 goto running
4. devcon enable "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002"
5. goto alldone
6. :running
7. devcon disable "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002"
8. :alldone
9. devcon status "@USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&MI_02\6&17F0D2C8&0&0002"

Now any time you run the command file the status of the webcam will toggle between enabled and disabled.

DevCon is attached here for ease of download, normally you'd need to download and install a MS development kit but it is available elsewhere on the net.

NOTE: You may need to Run as Admin if you have UAC enabled.