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I just bought a cheap new netbook on clearance (Lenovo 100S) and I've been given a nice used external monitor (Dell SX2210).

The netbook only has two USB ports but the monitor includes a USB hub with four ports. It also includes microphone and webcam that work via the USB connection. (Monitor speakers require an audio cable rather than USB.)

Apparently this built-in webcam is known not to work with Windows 10. The system crashes with a BSOD when I connect the monitor to the netbook via the USB cable. It also crashes during bootup if the USB is connected.

Is there a way I can disable just the webcam component or its driver but retain all the other functionality? I would have to disable it when it's not plugged in, which I don't know how to do.

WhoCrashed output

The first several crashes have this report:

On Mon 15/02/2016 2:13:42 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\021516-11609-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: oa002afx.sys (OA002Afx+0x1C34C)
Bugcheck code: 0x50 (0xFFFFFFFF8B4575C0, 0x10, 0xFFFFFFFF8B4575C0, 0x2)
Error: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\oa002afx.sys
company: Creative Technology Ltd.
description: Advanced Audio FX Driver
Bug check description: This indicates that invalid system memory has been referenced.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: oa002afx.sys (Advanced Audio FX Driver, Creative Technology Ltd.).
Google query: Creative Technology Ltd. PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

The later crashes have this report. I'm pretty sure the change is due to my attempt to update the driver:

On Mon 15/02/2016 5:16:02 AM GMT your computer crashed
crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\021516-11218-01.dmp
This was probably caused by the following module: ctauddrv.sys (CtAudDrv+0x1D16C)
Bugcheck code: 0x50 (0xFFFFFFFFB8BCE258, 0x2, 0xFFFFFFFF8B4575C5, 0x0)
Error: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ctauddrv.sys
company: Creative Technology Ltd.
description: Advanced Audio FX Driver
Bug check description: This indicates that invalid system memory has been referenced.
This appears to be a typical software driver bug and is not likely to be caused by a hardware problem.
A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: ctauddrv.sys (Advanced Audio FX Driver, Creative Technology Ltd.).
Google query: Creative Technology Ltd. PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

hippietrail
  • 4,605

3 Answers3

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If you don't mind opening up the monitor/webcam/mic/USB device, following wires and adding a switch or just cutting the wires that connect the webcam, you could always do that. I think just disconnecting the red power wire should be sufficient (and you can always cut the other 3 later if required).

Especially since the device is already used, you've got no chance of voiding a warranty by opening & playing with it. And if you're careful cutting wires you could always solder them back together later too.

Here's a link on adding a USB switch, can't say I like the yellow plastic play-dough "case", but looks effective - On/Off switch for a USB-Powered Device - - How to add a on/off power switch to a USB/Device

Xen2050
  • 14,391
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Provided the webcam Device shows up in Device Manager or DevManView (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/device_manager_view.html) when not plugged in, you might be able to disable the device there.

You might also be able to disable the device in USBDeview (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html)

It might also be worth having a look at ServiWin (from Nirsoft as well), if you can disable the webcam driver from there?

However I suspect if you disable the "Advanced Audio FX Driver" you might also lose other functionality or audio altogether.

Stian Lund
  • 81
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I came up with a hacky workaround in lieu of a proper deterministic answer.

I deleted the drivers oa002afx.sys from C:\Windows\System32\ and then created a directory with the same name in its place.

This has prevented the incompatible driver from being automatically reinstalled.

The computer no longer crashes when the USB is attached. The USB hubs and microphone in the monitor still work.

But there has to be a better way (-:

hippietrail
  • 4,605