Skype for Windows stores in the profile folder such data as the history of the correspondence, received files, settings and photos (frames) made on Skype with a webcam. Deleting this folder will lead to the irreversible loss of all these data in Skype. Given this and the fact that the probability of losing data is very high, I decided to write about creating a backup of profile in Skype for Windows and restoring data if necessary.

Skype profile is located on the system drive in the following folder (depending on the operating system):

• Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10:
  C:\Users\windows_username\AppData\Roaming\Skype\skype_username
  
  
• Windows XP:
  C:\Documents and Settings\windows_username\Application Data\Skype\skype_username

A faster way to open your profile folder (regardless of the operating system):

1. Press the key combination Win+R
2. Paste %appdata%\skype\skype_username and press Enter

As a rule, even after the uninstallation or reinstallation of a Skype, the profile folder is not removed, which is very convenient, because you don’t need to back up every time you want to delete or update Skype. However, this folder is deleted when reinstalling Windows, formatting the hard disk and deleting Skype with the help of special tools (i.e., you don’t use a built-in component of Windows “Programs and Features”). Also, the folder may be damaged in the case of failure of the hard drives, infection by malicious computer programs or other “non-standard” situations that manifest themselves in the most unexpected moment.