Video Call Kills Laptop

[misssarahleigh]

Hello, need some help. I live a far way from the boyfriend, so we use video call to speak during the week. This never used to be an issue, although now whenever i'm on video call i cannot do anything else, no internet, now word documents etc etc

Looked at my CPU usage and it goes from 70-90 when video call is on.

Can anybody please offer any advice on this matter?

Many Thanks

[Jeff]

First off, what changed? Something HAD to change, since you say it used to work fine. Think about exactly when it stopped working properly, and what might have changed. New software, an update, new hardware, etc.?

[patndoris]

Hi misssarahleigh and welcome to BBB!

Are you using sharing folders? On the WLM menu Go to Tools/Options/Sharing Folders. If the box to use sharing folders is checked at the top, uncheck it, and also delete any sharing folders you may have set up. Then give it another try. If this solves the problem, and you need to use sharing folders, I'd limit it to one or two of them and see if it still works ok.

I'd also recommend having the latest drivers for your webcam and mic (if it's separate from the cam), which you can obtain from the manufacturer's website. It's always good to make sure these are up to date.

And finally, whenever anything changes out of the blue for no apparent reason (unless you've made system changes as Jeff questioned) I would run a complete virus scan and spyware check with at least 2 different spyware programs (Ad-Aware is my #1 most recommended) with up to date definitions.

Please let me know if this solves your problem. If not - we'll keep working on other ideas, but these are definitely the steps I'd take first.

[misssarahleigh]

hi, thanks for your help. i have no sharing folders open. I have all my drivers up to date, and my latop is fully protected with firewalls etc. i have AVG, spybot and Ccleaner and look after my computer well.

I understand what you mean about things changing suddenly but i cannot really pinpoint the answer. at this moment i'm able to video call and use the internet (which i havnt been able to do for ages) although audio is very bad. keeps echoing and jumping.

do you think it could be the other person i'm speaking to. i know their a little over the top on virus scnners lol

thanks

[Philip]

The problem could also be bandwidth: between your computer and the Internet and WLM's servers, and how many WLM users are using video the same time as you are. Remember that video and audio consume a lot of bandwidth. When just using typing alone to chat, I'm sure you wouldn't have any problems. You might also like to query your ISP.

[patndoris]

Poor audio and video can also just be a result of the traffic on the WLM servers, tho I must say it's typically fairly reliable.

Go to the menu on WLM and choose Tools/Options/Connection and be sure you are connected thru a UPnP port. If not, go to Start\Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Services and make sure your SSDP and UPnP are set to automatic. In order for voice and video to work reliably you do need UPnP enabled.

Let me know if this was already enabled and showing in the connection information for WLM please.

[misssarahleigh]

Thank you for that. my devices were not set as they should be, so i have followed your instructions and hopefully will help. Shall let you know within the next couple of days if i am successful. wish me luck lol

many thanks