Webcam using Windows 7

The "controls" -- whatever they may be -- are in whatever software you use. 

If you're using Skype, there probably won't be any controls -- the camera will just show whatever it's pointed at, and because the camera is in the upper frame of the screen, that will be whoever is sitting in front of the laptop typing.  See https://www.cyberlink.com/support/product-faq-content.do?id=4837&  (How do I use CyberLink YouCam with my Skype?)

If you're using some other software, you may have some camera controls.  I don't have any of HP's webcam software packages so I can't give you any better information than that.  

Click Start and type camera or webcam or youcam or Skype in the Search box and see what, if anything, shows up.

If you have (or download and install) HP's version of Cyberlink Youcam, take a look at the following:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04222554 (HP PCs - Using CyberLink YouCam to Capture Videos and Pictures)

For example, here's what Skype looks like (after you sign in, click the menu (the 3 dots at the top) and select "Audio & Video Settings")

The software bundled with Logitech webcams looks like:

Here is my serial number- 2A1FF44D-E2DD-458A-B7DB-93A8DDC93FA4. I have a small camera lens a the top of the screen frame that says HP Truevision HD.  I figured this is what I needed just to do Skype, etc.  I just don't know how to operate it.

There are many models of the HP Pavilion dv7.  What is the serial number of your computer?  Is your version of Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit?

First check to see that the webcam is properly installed.

• Open Device Manager (click Start, type Device Manager in the Search box, and press Enter)
• Double-click the "Imaging Devices" category to expand it.
• Do you see an entry for your webcam?  If so, double-click to show its "Properties."  Please report the "Device Status" if it is anything other than "This device is working properly"

Assuming that the camera is installed and working properly, you use it with some software application.  HP should have bundled some such software with your computer, perhaps Cyberlink Youcam or MediaSmart.  You can also use the webcam with Skype, if you have installed that.

See https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-pavilion-dv7-1400-entertainment-notebook-pc-series/3945152/document/c01414839

Thank you LemP.  I'm trying to use the built-in camera that is located at the top of the screen frame.  It says HP Truevision HD.  Where do I find the controls for that?

Did you look in Device Manager?  And if you did, was the camera listed there and show "This device is working properly"?

If the answers to those questions is yes, you're all set.  You should be able to install Skype and use the camera.  You can also use the camera with whatever other software HP might have installed on your computer.  If you don't have any such software, see below.

Whatever the number you provided is, it's not the serial number that I was looking for.  Go to this web page:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/laptops

Either click the "Let HP detect your product" button or use one of the links under "Need help finding a serial number?" to see where to look and then enter your serial number in the box and press Enter.  This will take you to the support page for your specific computer. 

Click the "Software, drivers, and firmware" button.  Whatever software is available for your computer will be shown here. 

Make sure that your operating system is correctly detected as shown in the green bar under the image of your computer. 

Download any of the software you may need.  HP's "Cyberlink YouCam Software" and "HP MediaSmart Webcam Software" both seem to be applications that work with your webcam.