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Remarkable features of Skype

Cannot connect to Skype for Windows XP and Windows Vista

Due to the fact that many users of Windows XP and Windows Vista cannot connect to Skype, I decided to write a small guide on how to solve this problem. It consists in the fact that when you start Skype, you see a crying emoticon:
Cannot connect to Skype for Windows XP and Windows Vista
Sorry, we couldn't connect to Skype.
Please check your internet connection and try again.


Number of users confirming this error: ???

The problem can arise in some cases:
  • The computer is really not connected to the Internet or there are network failures.

  • Some programs (for example, antivirus or firewall) or network settings do not allow Skype to connect to the Internet.

  • An old version of Skype is used, which tries to download the authorization form from an old, already inaccessible server.

  • Internet Explorer cannot connect to secure servers, because it does not support new encryption algorithms.

Before proceeding, make sure that:
  • The latest version of MSIE is installed (for Windows XP this is IE8, for Vista – IE9).
  • The latest version of Skype for Windows XP/Vista is installed (at the moment, this is 7.36.0.150).
  • Internet Explorer can open bg.png (you should see the Skype logo on a blue background).
  • Internet Explorer can open skype-logo-136x60.png (you should see only the Skype logo).

Solution #1

If you have an old type of Skype account (that is, you do not use e-mail, phone or login with the prefix live: for authorization), you can get around the problem with a special shortcut.
  1. Right click on the desktop, select “Create” and click on the “Shortcut” item.

  2. In the field “Specify the location of the object”, enter the following command:
    "%ProgramFiles%\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /username:"your_login" /password:"your_password"
    You should replace “your_login” and “your_password” with your data. Also, you should change the path to the Skype.exe file, if Skype is installed elsewhere.

  3. Click “Next”, enter the name of the shortcut (for example, specify your Skype login) and click “Finish”. A new shortcut will appear on the desktop – double-click it and enjoy Skype. If the error “Sorry, we couldn't connect to Skype.” still appears at startup, most likely you incorrectly typed the shortcut command, or you specified the wrong login or password.

Solution #2

As a temporary option, you can use Skype for Web. Unfortunately, this version does not support calls for Windows XP and Windows Vista. However, chat and file transfer work properly, which in some cases and for some users is more than enough.

Solution #3

The most correct method to solve the error with connecting to Skype is to update the operating system to Windows 7. If you have such an opportunity, do it without hesitating, because Windows XP and Windows Vista are no longer supported, and the most famous software developers already refuse to support their programs for these operating systems.

Solution #4

A very complicated, potentially dangerous and only theoretical method: to create your own server that will proxy the domain apps.skype.com (don’t forget that you should proxy everything, including headers, request body, transmission parameters and others), and on the client machine to add the line YOUR.PROXY.SERVER.IP apps.skype.com to the file Hosts and make sure that after this operation the domain apps.skype.com is accessible from the IE8 browser.

Solution #5

A relatively simple solution — enable AES-256 for Windows XP. Unlike Solution #1, this will allow you to log in to Skype even using Microsoft accounts.

I will be grateful for the feedback, comments and any additions.

46 comments

  1. 0 -2 2
    zanepestt (karma: -2),
    Solution #1 does not work at all
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      I am absolutely sure that this is a working solution. Please carefully read it again.
  2. 0 0 0
    Jacob A. (karma: +2),
    So I'm using a trick which is the solution number 1, and it works perfectly, thank you so much!... So I can login in a newer version of Skype, so I can then exit it, use a trick to be able to use an older version (dual installation) so I don't have a steaming pile of 250Mb Ram (out of 500Mb, mind you, this is an old computer, hence why I can't have win7 installed on it) wasted on a shiny new version of Skype that has nothing really new besides a metric ton of ads, ram and other resource intensive hogs, which even if I tried through normal methods, wouldn't connect...

    Can somebody please tell Microsoft some 'sweet' words before I give them my bitter ones? Thank you.
  3. 1 +1 0
    angie (karma: +1),
    #1 works for me with Win XP professional SP3 . Thanks!
    1. 1 +1 0
      Luna (karma: +6),
      Say how do you applied your trick with option 1 and say if you have xp?

      [Updated ]
      Tell me please how you did exactly,Im have your same case, xp SP3, and skype 7.36.0.150, send link from where you downloaded your skype and your own steps about that command, I left installed skype I need to unstall first ? I would thank if you help with this because is exactly your case what happened to me but stil nothing .
      1. 0 0 0
        Administrator (karma: +1207),
        Hi! Perhaps you have a live: account? Anyway, please note that Microsoft already fixed the issue, therefore just run Skype in the usual way.
        1. 0 0 0
          Luna (karma: +6),
          Hi I will describe you my features :
          skype:7.36.0.150(my background with message is white not blue)
          my account has prefix : xxx@hotmail.com(microsoft)
          IE8
          operating system: XP service pack 3 spanish language
          antivir: Smart Security 9

          I followed solution1 but when appear new shortcut in desktop open showing the same message, so I would like to know if maybe my path to the Skype.exe file is wrong cause in my case start with "C:\archivos de programa... = ProgramFiles...." , the command I used is : "C:\Archivos de programa\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /xxx@hotmail.com /password:yyy
          I don't know what more I can do...Im near to give up with this problem :(
          1. 0 0 0
            Administrator (karma: +1207),
            Luna, please read carefully what I wrote:
            If you have an old type of Skype account (that is, you do not use e-mail, phone or login with the prefix live: for authorization), you can get around the problem with a special shortcut.

            That is, for your accounts this solution won’t work. This is why I recommend you to try Solution #5.
            1. 2 +2 0
              Luna (karma: +6),
              Thank you so much for answer me about my problem with skype, finally I found the solution to solve it was so simple as update Adobe Reader ,Im very thankful for the interest in my problem,I learnt more new things to apply if appeat again this type of problem.
              1. 1 0 1
                Administrator (karma: +1207),
                You are welcome! I am very glad that I was able to help you.
  4. 2 +1 1
    EdT (karma: +8),
    I had this problem for over 3 days before I found a way to solve this problem. Microsoft and Skype mods were pretty useless and kept regurgitating the same procedure that was proven not to work on hundreds of other Skype users having the same issue with XP.

    The only sure way this will work is if you follow this method:

    1. Uninstall you current version Skype
    2. Install the latest version of Skype for XP which is 7.36.0.150
    3. Go to a Windows 7 or Windows 10 machine that has Skype installed and is able to login
    4. On the WIndows 7 machine copy the Skype folder in the Application Data directory onto a USB drive
    5. Replace the Skype folder on your XP machine with the Skype folder you got from your Windows 7 machine.
    6. Start Skype on you XP machine and should be prompt for your Username and password and be able to login
    7. After you login do use Sign Out or you might be able to login again, simply close Skype by using the Quit option instead.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Thank you for sharing it with us! But apparently, this method does not always work (probably because of different Hardware IDs).

      By the way, are you sure that solution #5 did not help you? This is very strange, because in all cases I know it fixes the connection issue (even for Microsoft accounts).
  5. 0 0 0
    Alejandra (karma: 0),
    Hi! Thank you for the information!
    I have Windows 7 and this message always appears.
    I have tried to install and uninstall it many times but the problem continues.
    Do you know a solution for this case?

    Thank you so much for your help! =D
    1. 1 +1 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi Alejandra! Please read this article: Sorry, we couldn’t connect to Skype.
  6. 0 0 0
    Ibo (karma: 0),
    The latest working version for Windows XP SP3 is 7.38.32.101 (.msi installer) . I tried 7.40.32 and i get this error : "the procedure entry point CancelMibChangeNotify could not be located in the dynamic link library IPHPPAPI.DLL" . But the version 7.38.32.101 is working fine even in old pc with 1 gb of ram.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Officially, 7.36.0.150 is the latest version of Skype for Windows XP and Vista. Newer versions are developed only for Windows 7 and newer. Please look at this article: Skype installer for Windows.
    2. 0 0 0
      EdT (karma: +8),
      Version 7.38.32.101 is "Skype For Business", it is not remotely the same as regular Skype !
      1. 0 0 0
        Administrator (karma: +1207),
        Well, the 7.38.32.101 is the same as 7.38.0.101, just it is released as MSI Installer. For example, SkypeSetup.msi (MSI Installer), SkypeSetupFull.exe (Full Installer), SkypeSetup.exe (Web Installer) install the same version of Skype (you can check this very easily by installing them). Please read more about Skype installers for Windows.

        By the way, official definition of Skype for Business (SkypeSetup.msi):
        Because Skype is so useful for work, we have a version of Skype specifically for work - Skype – business version. The business version of Skype has the same features as Skype. However, there are a few key differences.

        The main difference is that Skype – business version comes with a Windows Installer Package (MSI). If you are responsible for the management of Skype within your company, this allows you to deploy the same version of Skype to all appropriate employees at the same time. By using the Windows Installer Package installation, you can manage version control of Skype and ensure that everyone in your company is using the same version.

        Users will need administrative rights to upgrade Skype. If they don’t have these, any automatic updating will create an additional Skype directory. You should disable automatic updates where users don’t have administrative rights. However, this also gives you the opportunity to test each new implementation before rolling out to users.

        Skype – business version also informs you of great offers from Skype that are specifically aimed at our business customers. This means that you can keep up to date with the latest savings you could make on and learn more about those Skype products and services that have been developed to help you do more at work, such as Skype Manager™ and Skype Connect™.

        ps. Please note that Skype for Business (SkypeSetup.msi) is not the same as current Skype for Business (included in Office 365 Business Premium or distributed as Skype for Business Basic stand-alone client).
  7. 0 -2 2
    Roger Larson (karma: +1),
    I right-clicked the Skype icon and selected properties. On the "Compatibility" tab I check-marked "Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows 95."
    1. 0 0 0
      Lujoba82 (karma: 0),
      This worked for me (windows xp 32 bit, Skype v. 7.36.0.150), even when skype could not connect due to Javascript issues as well.
  8. 1 +1 0
    herosz (karma: +1),
    thank's so much, #solution5 works nice :)
  9. 0 0 0
    GWK (karma: 0),
    I installed Skype 7.36.0.150 on Windows XP SP3 -- applied your Solution #1 and it appears to work -- The operative word was "appears". I can contact people by Skype by outgoing calls but incoming calls do not appear on the screen and there are no audio sounds when incoming calls come in. Text Messaging appears to function both ways. I only know people tried calling me when I re-logged into Skype and was shocked to see that people had tried to contact me. These notifications failed to appear till after logging out and then logging back in.

    Anybody else encounter this?
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Please read this aticle: Skype does not receive incoming calls.
  10. 0 0 0
    orangekiller (karma: 0),
    Same Skype cannot connect problem. I deleted the new version of Skype and downloaded 7.36.0.150 version and install. Use solution #1 and it works! Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm using Windows xp sp3.
  11. 0 0 0
    Jeff (karma: +3),
    Solution #1 worked for me. (WinXP SP3, Skype Vers 7.31)
  12. 0 0 0
    Enlightenment (karma: 0),
    Finally the solution! Solution #1 worked. Brilliant!
  13. 0 0 0
    Robin (karma: 0),
    Hi,
    After searching for better part of a day to solve this new problem with no success, i found this site.
    Tried your solution #1- the new shortcut method.
    Pleased to say it worked fine first time. [i only use it for outgoing calls, so no idea on the problem above]
    Many thanks for that.
    Why do MS/Skype have to be so obstructive? I have to use my older XP machine for skype because microsoft won't let my Phillips VoIP phone work on my W8.1 machine! Crazy!
  14. 0 0 0
    Thor (karma: 0),
    Wow, thank you so much! Brilliant article, #1 method worked for me like a charm :) (Win Vista, IE9, Skype 7.36.0.150)
  15. 0 0 0
    Kwami Nunyala (karma: +3),
    windows xp sp3, IE8 encyption 256 bits, but still imposible to connect to skype.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Sorry for being late. Do you still encounter this issue? If so, please tell me what's your Skype version and provide the URL of the Skype access checker report.
  16. 0 0 0
    porgy tyrebiter (karma: 0),
    solution one did the trick, now watch how fast MS slime get rid of parm. extension for skype startups
  17. 0 0 0
    404notfound (karma: 0),
    I was seeing same error to one in image. Solution #1 did magically fix it for me.
    Afterwards, I am able to log in without repeating sol 1.
    Or at least, until next fuckup.

    [Updated ]
    Interesting....
    Skype will refuse to log in if I write-protect config.xml(for disabling and forcing AdvertEastRailsEnabled/AdvertPlaceholder).
    Once the file is made writable again, I am able to log in, but I will get the damned ad rail.

    [Updated ]
    So yeah, do not follow the advice of write-protecting config.xml from the many online tutorials for blocking the ad pane.
  18. 0 -1 1
    frank (karma: -1),
    that is corect:

    C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe /secondary /nosplash /username=USERNAME /password=PASSWORD /legacylogin
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      These commands have no relation to the fixing of this connection error. Starting from Skype 5/6 the /nosplash and /legacylogin commands no longer do anything. The /secondary is optional and is used just to run multiple Skype instances.
  19. 0 0 0
    Katherine (karma: 0),
    Solution #1 works for me. Thanks
  20. 0 0 0
    Franco from Milano (karma: +7),
    Many thanks for your Solution 1 "trick"
    I applied it on my Old Compaq netbook and now I can use Skype here too.

    Prior it I had Skype working normally on 3 Win XP PCs (1 desktop, 1 MAC OSX oth Win XP from Virtual Box and 1 Acer netbook) but not on second Compaq netbook.
    Funny but true, do not ask me why.
    Now, with your Solution 1 I can use Skype on the Compaq netbook too.
    Tks again
    Franco From Milano
  21. 0 0 0
    Sandor (karma: +3),
    xp sp3 v.7.36.0.150
    nothing work from above. changed password, now message “check your internet connection or iternal error.
    have internet connection, it is not the problem. so what is the problem?
    thanks.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hello! Are you sure that solution #5 did not help you?
  22. 0 0 0
    frogmaker (karma: 0),
    I have a problem like this: I make a call, audio or video, to the sound test service for example. The call begins, I hear the little beeping sound that Skype makes when connecting calls (the 4 beeping sounds before the call starts ringing) and then I hear the sound Skype makes when the call doesn’t connect and it just hangs. The program does not freeze or close, it just hangs the call. Chat works fine.

    I use Win XP sp3, skype v. 7.36.0.150
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Please read this article: Skype does not receive incoming calls.
  23. 0 0 0
    Chitra (karma: +3),
    Using Windows Vista 32-bit with Skype version 7.36.0.150. Tried all the above but still unable to connect to Skype with the crying emoticon shown above appearing.
  24. 0 0 0
    GWill8 (karma: +1),
    I have Windows XP Home Edition SP3. Skype 7.36 Three days days ago I tried to log in and the crying emoji came up saying "Sorry we couldn't connect to Skype. Please check your internet connection and try again" Got in touch with Skype and they said I had to upgrade and they couldn't help. Let me know if you can help. Thank you.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hello! Unfortunately, Microsoft has disabled Skype 7 and users cannot use it anymore on any operating systems. At this moment the only known solution is to use Skype for Web on Windows XP and Windows Vista.
      1. 0 0 0
        GWill8 (karma: +1),
        the web.skype.com.down file asks me what it should be opened with and try searching the web to figure out how to open it. What should I click on? If I wanted to create a shortcut what are the steps to do this? Thank you.
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          On that page I provided a script (CreateWebSkypeLNK.vbs) that automatically creates a shortcut on your desktop.
  25. 0 0 0
    Costas (karma: 0),
    I have tried everything, but no good. Any other suggestion ?
    Windows XP, SP3.

    "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" \username=xxxxxx \password=xxxxxx \legacylogin"
    "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" \username=xxxxxx \password=xxxxxx"
    C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe /secondary /nosplash /username=xxxxxx /password=xxxxxx /legacylogin


    thanks in advance

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