Skype Won't Open

[larisoja]

One day randomly I couldn't open skype anymore. I click on the icon and my computer will act like it's working for a minute and then it just stops. Never opening Skype. I've uninstalled it and reinstalled it more than once. I've restarted my computer. I installed the beta version over the skype I already had downloaded. I don't know what has caused my skype to stop working or what else I could do to try and fix the problem

[Primemover]

Here are some basic trouble-shooting steps that you can try if you are experiencing problems in logging 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 tried yet.  If possible try them in the order they were listed as the first ones would most likely fix the issues;

•  Be sure that Compatibility Mode is not enabled (right-click on Skype shortcut icon/launcher and select Properties >> Compatibility) - for Windows 7 users only. 

•  With Skype closed, enter %appdata%\skype in the Run command (click OK), then look for and delete file named shared.xml. 

•  Update your display, audio, webcam, microphone drivers or software. You can also visit the corresponding manufacturer's site to check if there is a new driver for your device.

•   Reset Internet Explorer to default.  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) 

If the procedures above don't fix the issues, click >Spoiler to see additional suggestions;

Spoiler

•   Try to temporarily disable your anti-virus or firewall software, just to check if they are affecting Skype processes in any way. Just 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. 

•   Do a Complete Uninstall, then reinstall Skype. here is how to completely uninstall Skype (just back-up all important files and information that you feel is important to you) 

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

•   Run basic computer maintenance such disk defrag, registry cleaning, disk error checking, etc - and also run a full virus scan (just to make sure that your computer is free from any virus/malware that are possibly affecting Skype performance). If all else fails, you can consider the suggestions below; 

•   Restore your computer to a point where Skype was still working. 

•   Try to disable or remove add-ons or programs installed prior to the existence of the problem. 

•   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.  The site which link is pasted below is not associated or affiliated with Skype so download at your own risk.  A full anti-virus scan of the downloaded installer, and right-after installation is recommended. 

filehippo.com/download_skype/8287/?? 

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.

When you reply to this post, please also specify the actions you have taken, any progress or any noticeable differences, or any information or observation that you feel is important or related to the issue, so other users can advise or assist you further.

You can also open Windows Event Viewer then click Custom View >> Administrative Events. Look for any error messages that have a timestamp that corresponds to the time of the crash.  Then include that in your reply.

[jayelizeva]

I haven't been able to use my skype for a month now. I had a phone call on skype saying it was from skype admin telling me about a virus affecting skype and to download a tool at a certain website but I didn't do that. I have tried deleting the programme and have downloaded skype again, changed my password, tried the suggestion for "Run" but nothing works. can anyone help?

[TheUberOverLord]

Please follow these Steps:

1. Only do Step 1 if you are on WIN7:

Stop Skype.

Be sure that Compatibility Mode is not enabled (right-click on Skype shortcut icon/launcher and select Properties >> Compatibility) - for Windows 7 users only.

Try to launch Skype.

2. If Step 1 fails or you are NOT using WIN7 do:

Open an Internet Explorer browser, and go to msn.com, what happens?

If it fails, Please do the instructions below. Using your Windows Control Panel, please do:

Internet Options -> Advanced Tab Please click the "Reset" button.

Then, Go to the Connections Tab.

Make sure that the only checkbox checked is "Automatically detect settings", then click the "OK" button.

Close any open Internet Explorer browser windows, open a new IE browser window and try msn.com again. What happens? If it works, please stop/start Skype What happens?

3. If Step 2 does NOT solve the problem:

Please install the beta version using the instructions below:

You can install the Current beta release by doing this from the top of this page:

Get Skype -> Windows -> Choose the beta release, please do NOT remove what you already have installed, simply, install over.

These instructions have worked for many and is the quickest thing to try to resolve issues such as this.

Also, what operating system are you on?

What is the Make and Model of your computer?

Do you have all Windows updates and updates to any hardware devices by the manufacturers?

[Primemover]

---

jayelizeva wrote:

I haven't been able to use my skype for a month now. I had a phone call on skype saying it was from skype admin telling me about a virus affecting skype and to download a tool at a certain website but I didn't do that. I have tried deleting the programme and have downloaded skype again, changed my password, tried the suggestion for "Run" but nothing works. can anyone help?

---

That one is a well known scam.  You made the right choice in not downloading any item from that site.  

regarding your problems with your Skype software, you can try the suggestions posted above and after your post.  If the same problem persist, please tell us what steps you tried and if there were any signifcant progress or changes.