Skype Problems Troubleshooting [ Edited ]

[Primemover]

Updated as of 11/22/2011;

Below is a compilation of basic troubleshooting procedures that you can try if you are experiencing problems in signing in or running Skype.  You may have already tried some or most of these procedures, just try whichever are still applicable or you haven't done yet.  If possible, try them according the way they are listed as the first ones may easily resolved the problems or fixed the issues you are experiencing.

• Download and install the latest version of Skype.  

Skype often solve or fix known issues, problems, irregularities, inconsistencies, or bugs in the previous version when they release a new update. 

To check the version installed in your computer, click menu Help >> About Skype, or click menu Help >> Check for Updates to instruct the software to check if there are newer versions of Skype available (the latest version at the moment is Skype 5.9.0.114). 

Download links;

• Skype 5.9.0.114

http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-full

• Skype beta (currently none)

http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-beta-full/

• Uncheck/Disable Compatibility Mode

If you are using Windows 7, be sure that Compatibility Mode is not enabled or not checked (right-click on Skype shortcut icon/launcher and select Properties >> Compatibility) .  Note:  based from the release notes of Skype 5.5.0.112, Skype has already fixed problems related to compatibility mode.  Still you can try this one and please state in your reply if this fixed the problems.

• Reset Internet Explorer to Default

You can find instructions of how to reset Internet Explorer here.  You can also try to delete temp internet files and clear cache.  If possible, also disable or remove any unused or possible corrupted Internet Explorer plugins/add-ons (regardless of the web browser you set as default, Skype uses IE engines).

• Update your Device Drivers 

Please check if you have the most updated version of your display/graphics, audio/sound, webcam or microphone drivers (whichever are present in your computer). You can also visit the corresponding manufacturer's site to check if there is a new drivers for your devices.

• Clean Skype Folders/Files

A.      Close Skype.  Type or enter %appdata%\skype in the Run command, then click Ok.  Look for and delete the file named Shared.XML (a fresh copy of the shared.xml file will be recreated when you login, the previous one may be corrupted causing Skype not to run properly).  Restart your computer.

B.      With Skype not running, Type or enter %appdata%\skype in the Run command, then click Ok.  Delete temporary files all the files starting with “temp-“ or ending with “-journal”, and files with extension “.lock” and with size 0 KB .  Then reboot your computer.

• Run Basic Computer Maintenance

Such disk defrag, registry cleaning, disk error checking, etc - and also run a full virus scan and other security scans just to make sure that your computer is free from any virus/malware that are possibly affecting Skype processes.  This action will also help to ensure optimum performance from Skype, as well of other programs installed in your computer.

It is also advisable to download and install all available updates for your operating system.

• Try to Temporarily Disable your Anti-Virus or Firewall

Just to check if they are affecting Skype processes in any way.  Your Firewall/Anti-virus software should allow Skype to access the internet.   If Skype works after disabling them, then you may need to make some adjustments in your firewall/anti-virus settings to specifically let Skype run smoothly.   You can visit your anti-virus or firewall manufacturer’s website for detailed instruction on how to allow specific programs to freely access the internet.

Important: don't browse any webpage or use any application that uses internet while your anti-virus or firewall is turned-off. Immediately reactivate them after checking/testing. 

• Complete Uninstall

Note:  the complete uninstall process is different from the usual or standard uninstall procedure.

This process will remove any traces of Skype installed in your computer, allowing you to reinstall a fresh copy of the Skype software.   Just back-up all important files and information that you feel is important to you before considering this option.  Instructions on how to completely uninstall Skype and to back-up files can be found on the page which link is pasted below

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA10634/How-can-I-completely-uninstall-and-then-reinstall-Skype

• Remove or Disable Skype Related Add-ons or Programs

Try to disable or remove add-ons or programs installed prior to the existence of the problem.  Such programs may include Skype auto-responders, recorders, text translators, answering machine software, etc. 

• Install an earlier version of Skype

Preferably the last version that worked in your computer.  You can download installers of older Skype versions from the address pasted below.  In most cases, a complete uninstall of the current version is advisable before installing an earlier version of Skype.  Please refer again to the instructions provided previously on how to completely uninstall Skype.

How to Download an Earlier Version of Skype

Please only consider this action if and only if all the suggestions previously mentioned were already tried.  This would only be a temporary solution, and just hope that the next Skype updates would fix the issues you are currently experiencing.

Note:

I'll try to update this thread whenever necessary.  Please also feel free to add any ideas or suggestions related to the topic.

Thanks!