unofficial blog

Remarkable features of Skype

How to run older versions of Skype for Windows

In my opinion, the most unpleasant and only undeniable shortcoming of the latest versions of Skype is impossibility of making video calls on older processors without the support of the SSE2 instruction set. In order to help such users to enjoy video calls on older computers again, I decided to write a guide on installing version 6.1.999.130 – the latest version that supports video on processors without SSE2. Of course, instead of this version you can use any other, but it’s this one that I use as an example.

Version 6.1.999.130

Since version 6.1.999.130 is no longer supported, when entering a login and password the following error occurs: Skype can’t connect. But there is a trick: if you authorize to Skype using a new version (that is, which is supported), close Skype, and then run the old version – you will be automatically authorized in Skype, without errors, and you won’t have to enter your login and password. Thus, you can use Skype, as if the version was still supported, and most importantly, all the basic functions work: video calls, audio calls and instant messages.

1. Installation

  1. If you already have Skype installed, remove it from the control panel. After that, open the %appdata%\Skype folder and delete the file shared.xml. In the same folder, open the folder with your Skype login and delete the file config.xml.

  2. Download the old version 6.1.999.130 and install it. If after installation Skype has started automatically, it is very important to close it.

  3. Open the installation folder (for example, C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone) and rename the file “Skype” to “Skype_6.1.999.130” (if the operating system asks for your permission, confirm that you want to rename the file).

  4. Right-click on “Skype_6.1.999.130”, select “Send” and click “Desktop (Create Shortcut)”. A new shortcut "Shortcut for Skype_6.1.999.130" should appear on the desktop.

  5. Download version 7.17.0.104 (the oldest version that is officially supported) and install it. Please note, you shouldn’t remove the old version 6.1.999.130.

  6. After installing version 7.17.0.104, there should be two shortcuts on the desktop: “Skype” and “Shortcut for Skype_6.1.999.130”. The first one starts version 7.17.0.104, the second one – 6.1.999.130.
    Before going on, make sure that you have succeeded.

2. Settings

  1. Start Skype using the shortcut “Skype” (that is, you need to run version 7.17.0.104). If you are not sure that you have launched the correct version, click “Help” in the menu bar and select “About Skype” (there you will see the version number). If everything is correct, log in using your username and password.
    Authorization in Skype 7.17.0.104 for Windows


  2. Open Skype → Tools → Settings → General Settings and uncheck the box next to the option “Start Skype when I start Windows”. In the same section, just below, check the box “Sign me in when Skype starts”.
    Disable automatic authorization


  3. Then, in the menu on the left, click “Advanced”, select “Automatic Update”, click “Disable Automatic Updates” and click “Save”.
    Disable Automatic Updates

3. Using

  1. To run the old version, use the “Shortcut for Skype_6.1.999.130”. Of course, you can switch between versions at any time (for example, run 6.1.999.130, only when video communication is needed, and in other cases use the new version).

  2. Before you start one of the versions, make sure that no other version is running (for example, before running 6.1.999.130, be sure to close 7.17.0.104).

  3. To close Skype, right-click the Skype icon in the system tray (next to the clock) and select “Quit Skype”.

  4. Never use the “Sign out” option, because you won’t be able to enter the old version until you re-enter the new version.

Attention

  • When you first launch the “Shortcut for Skype_6.1.999.130”, the firewall may ask if you agree to allow the program to access the Internet. It is very important to click “Unblock” or “Allow” and permit Skype to connect to the network.

  • Authorization data are saved for a limited period of time (approximately 30 days from the last login to Skype). After the expiration of this period, you will have to run the new version again and authorize to it.

  • If after authorization to the old version, Skype closes automatically and requires a password, close Skype and delete the files shared.xml and config.xml.

  • There are “patched versions”, so to speak, in the Internet that allow you to log in to Skype, even if they are no longer supported. However, these versions have been changed by strangers, can contain viruses, and Skype developers forbid their use.

  • I cannot guarantee that tomorrow this method will still work. Therefore, I highly recommend, if possible, update and always use the latest version.

I don’t know, how many people use old computers without SSE2 support and still need older versions of Skype, but if they are numerous, I promise to develop a simplified version of this instruction. In general, as always, I wait for your feedback and comments.

89 comments

  1. 1 +1 0
    Тай (karma: +8),
    but it wouldn't work ((((
    1. 3 +1 2
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Please tell me more details, what’s the problem, which Skype version do you use, are you sure that everything is done correctly?
      1. 0 -1 1
        Тай (karma: +8),
        1. to install the version of Skype 6.1.999.130 you need to uninstall the existing Skype
        otherwise version 6.1.999.130 is not set
        just remove the two files is not enough
        I have a question about Clownfish program where I can ask it?
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          As I indicated, first of all you need to uninstall current Skype version from Control Panel. But as regular uninstall do not remove files from %appdata%, you need to remove shared.xml and config.xml manually.

          You can ask here about Clownfish, but please note that I don’t use it and it is possible that I will not be able to help you.
  2. 0 0 0
    Christoffer (karma: +2),
    Do not work for me. Please help me to pay for a solution to the problem.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Are you sure that you followed the instructions as indicated?
      1. 0 0 0
        Christoffer (karma: +2),
        Yes I have. Can not you make a video?

        OS: Windows 7
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          1. 0 0 0
            Christoffer (karma: +2),
            Then I understand. But must select auto login for it to work.

            I have three skype accounts running at the same time how do you solve it?
            1. 0 0 0
              Administrator (karma: +1207),
              Yep. I wrote that you need to enable the “Sign me in when Skype starts” option.

              About your question, look here How to run multiple Skype accounts at the same time?. If you need to run these accounts under 6.1.999.130, replace “Skype.exe” with “Skype_6.1.999.130.exe”.
              1. 1 +1 0
                miko (karma: +301),
                It's works for me too with skype 6.20.0.104 but i don't understand how to run more than 1 skype account. Normally i could do it but with checked “Sign me in when Skype starts” i can't. I have one skype 6.20.0.104 signed in with one of my accounts, then i write "C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\Skype 6.20.0.104.exe"/secondary but auto log not works because i'm already logged in my account and when i try type other accouts and passwords it can't connect.

                On other laptop i wanted have skype 3.8 but it not works the same like with skype 6.20.0.104, can't connect.
                1. 0 0 0
                  Administrator (karma: +1207),
                  You should use parameters /secondary /username:"Username". For more details see How to run multiple Skype accounts at the same time.

                  By the way, you may consider to take a look at How to create a portable Skype for Windows (in this way I am running simultaneously two 6.1.999.130 versions + one 7.34.0.102).
                  1. 0 0 0
                    miko (karma: +301),
                    Thanks it's works but first i had to sign in on all my accounts with skype 7.17.0.104 and quit. Then i could run my accouts with skype 6.20.0.104. Now i can normally use skype for chat and call with old layout that i like but without option sign in and sign out i can't do a lot things i did before. Before everyday i deleted folder with my skype accout and refresh it. When someone was online they shared details with me, time zone and number of contacts so i was sure that they was online. And when my skype account was refresh i was clicking on all my skype contacts one by one, if i saw that there was country, age, gender or skype name (not skype id) then i knew that these contacts was online in last 24 hours. Now this is not possible because on skype 7.17.0.104 i see all this informations in all my contacts even if they was offline for 4 years and i see all mood mesages of my contacts on my "skype home". To use skype 6.20.0.104 i must first log into skype 7.17.0.104 and quit. And it means that folder with my skype name was creatd by new skype and all my contacts will have gender, country and age all the time. I can't refresh it with old version skype. If on skype portable i can sign in and sign out without any problem and refresh my skype account it would help a lot.
                    1. 1 +1 0
                      Administrator (karma: +1207),
                      Try the following if you want to delete profile files when starting Skype:
                      1) Close Skype

                      2) Open «skype_portable_eng.vbs» and find line 56:
                      appdata_folder = GetAppdataFolder(username)

                      3) After the line above add the following one:
                      Shell.Run "cmd.exe /C del /F /S /Q " & Enquote(appdata_folder & "\*.db"), 0, True

                      4) Save changes

                      5) Run the shortcut Username_6.20.0.104

                      6) Wait a few minutes until the contacts data is downloaded
                      1. 0 0 0
                        miko (karma: +301),
                        I didn't try it yet. I have 2 laptops, on older laptop i was experiment how to run multiple old skype versions and it works. On new laptop i still use skype 7.34 and i will delete it if older skype will be more useful for me like before. If i understand good, this script create only skype portable. I was try it on pendrive and i exctract skype 6.20.0.104 with this script (and nothing more) but i could not log in. It looks a bit complicated. At this moment on skype 7.34 is easier and faster for me to open multiple accounts and i can sign in and sign out and i can send photos and video messages (on skype 6.20.0.104 i can't send photos). But on skype 7.34 i can't see time zone of my contacts and number of contacts my skype friends (maybe they will fix it on another skype version).

                        If this is possible i would like have at this moment skype 7.34 on my new laptop + skype 6.20.0.104 portable and skype 3.8 portable on my pendrive. I will try edit this script later but i didn't run skype portable 6.20.0.104 on my pendrive yet. And about this edited script (if this edited script help old older skype create new folder with my skype name it's good but i can't log in even for a second with this created account by new skype because it will ruin everything). I will try create skype 6.20.0.104 on my pendrive again.

                        [Updated 30 mar 2017 at 17:18]
                        Sorry for 2 comments but it i have one skype account with 5100+ contacts and i never refresh this account before. Everyone send me a lot messages, pics and video messages and this account is very heavy now. Skype sign in sometimes even few min. I was try refresh it but skype not update all contacts from server, it's always stops on 3777 contacts. I try 10 times then i try wait longer, i was waiting 1 month and was online everyday but it never update the rest contacts. I don't know what to do with it.

                        [Updated 31 mar 2017 at 20:47]
                        I use this script and it works. I had normal skype 7.34 and skype portable Username_6.20.0.104. I closed all skype and edited this script as you say and it refresh my skype portable Username_6.20.0.104. Ater it was done i close skype portable Username_6.20.0.104 and open it again, and it again refresh it. I wanted refresh it only one time and leave so i thought i must delete this script and download fresh script and i did it. I close skype portable Username_6.20.0.104 and open my normal skype 7.34. I realize that it refresh all my skype accouts, not just this one skype portable Username_6.20.0.104. I thought that appdata with normal skype will be untouchable. And now i have mess, all history and chat was gone. I didn't wanted refresh all my skype accounts. I do it everyday but only with one account that i use very often. The rest i refresh only when they are too heavy and i wanted have choice which one refresh. But this script is very good thing. I don't know what to do now.
                        1. 0 0 0
                          Administrator (karma: +1207),
                          As I wrote this script creates a portable version that keeps the profile data in the same folder, and each profile shortcut keeps data in the same subfolder regardless of the specified version (furthermore only this allow you to run old versions). Of course, it works not only on pendrives. And one more note: it do not alter your data from %appdata%\Skype folder from system drive (so you can find there your old conversations and files).

                          About refreshing data on demand, instead of the command from third step use conditional statement like this:
                          btn = MsgBox("Do you want to clear data?", 36, AppTitle())
                          If btn = 6 Then
                            Shell.Run "cmd.exe /C del /F /S /Q " & Enquote(appdata_folder & "\*.db"), 0, True
                          End If


                          If you want to show the prompt only for one username, wrap code above with this condition:
                          If username = "your_username" Then
                            ...here goes the code above...
                          End If
                          1. 0 0 0
                            miko (karma: +301),
                            This script changes data from %appdata%\Skype folder from my system drive. Yesterday when i log in on normal skype 7.34 all my profiles was totally empty. No profile photo, zero profile information, no contacts, no recent messages, nothing. I restored the previous version of the folder %appdata%\Skype from another day and it was ok. Maybe it happend because i used this script on my system drive (in diffrent folder) because on pendrive it works much slower.

                            And today it happend again and it clear %appdata%\Skype folder from my system drive. I close all skype, edit this script. Above this line
                            appdata_folder = GetAppdataFolder(username) i write:

                            If username = "your_username" Then
                              btn = MsgBox("Do you want to clear data?", 36, AppTitle())
                              If btn = 6 Then
                              Shell.Run "cmd.exe /C del /F /S /Q " & Enquote(appdata_folder & "\*.db"), 0, True
                            End If
                            End If


                            Of course in place "your_username" i type my username that i want refresh. Just didn't know if at the end it must be "End If " one or two times, i write "End if" two times. Then i save it and at 13:39 i run Username_6.20.0.104. It refresh my skype portable good.Then i close skype and i look at my data from %appdata%\Skype folder from my system drive and ALL my folder usernames was changed on the same time (13:39) as i run Username_6.20.0.104. I even did screenshots before i run Username_6.20.0.104 and after. Then i log in two accouts and it was totally empty, after 20 minutes it's stil empty, nothing update from server.
                            1. 0 0 0
                              Administrator (karma: +1207),
                              Sorry, but I have some bad news for you — you have incorrectly modified the script and it removes all .db files from the system drive (i.e., C:\). The problem is that you added the code that “refreshes data” before the appdata_folder variable declaration, and because it’s treated as empty string, the del command removes all .db files starting from the system root. Please read again the third step and note that I said “After the line above”, not “Before the line above”. So your complete code should look like this:
                              appdata_folder = GetAppdataFolder(username)

                              If username = "your_username" Then
                                btn = MsgBox("Do you want to clear data?", 36, AppTitle())
                                If btn = 6 Then
                                 Shell.Run "cmd.exe /C del /F /S /Q " & Enquote(appdata_folder & "\*.db"), 0, True
                                End If
                              End If
                              1. 0 0 0
                                miko (karma: +301),
                                Sorry my mistake, now it' works very good. This script is amazing.

                                [Updated 9 apr 2017 at 06:42]
                                Is there chance to refresh accounts in skype 6.20.0.104 faster with this script? Normally when i always did it before, it was not clear history from last month and for refresh account with 40 contacts i was wait 2-3 min. Now i waiting 3-4 hours. When i always refresh account before i just deleted folder with my skype name and log in and skype updated everything what should update withouth modyfication and it was enough.
                                1. 0 0 0
                                  Administrator (karma: +1207),
                                  Maybe this occurs because script removes only .DB files. This is why instead of deleting .DB files, you should try this one:
                                  1) Copy config.xml to an “external” location
                                  2) Remove profile folder
                                  3) Move config.xml to profile folder
                                  1. 0 0 0
                                    miko (karma: +301),
                                    Thank you a lot, this works perfect.

                                    [Updated ]
                                    Sorry for a lot messages, this refresh fast and good but i have one more problem. When On skype 6.20.0.104 nobody of my contacts not appear as yellow i can't sending and receiving offline messages. I don't know how this portable works if two or more versions skype can use the same appdata folder name and some things change and some not change when i use both skype version. I mean two things:

                                    a) If i create folder name in appdata by skype portable 7.17.0.104 then i see profile information of all my contacts on both skype portable versions. But if i create folder name in appdata by skype portable 6.20.0.104 then i don't see profile information contacts who was offline for long time (and yes i want it and it always works like that), and when i sign in to skype 7.17.0.104 it's the same. If i would do the same by normal skype, not this portable, then skype 7.17.0.104 would be pernamently change appdata and i would see profile information on both skype versions of all my contacts, no matter if appdata would be created by skype 6.20.0.104. But it's good that it works that way and i see profile information only contacts who was online the last time on both skype versions if i create appdata folder by skype portable 6.20.0.104.

                                    b) On skype 7.17.0.104 i can send offline messages and on skype 6.20.0.104 i can't send offline messages. But both skype versions use the same config.xml
  3. 0 0 0
    Emil (karma: +5),
    6.1 just instantly crashes when I try to open it.
    Windows 10 64 bit.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Since you are using Windows 10, your processor for sure supports SSE2 and there is no sense to use the 6.1.999.130 version. Anyway, if you want to run it under your system, right-click on the Skype_6.1.999.130 shortcut, choose “Properties”, go to the “Compatibility” tab and enable the “Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP (Service Pack 3)” option.
      1. 0 0 0
        cheddar (karma: +4),
        I've tried running through this a few times with no success. Starting from a full uninstall, I followed all the steps and watched your video, including deleting the 2 xml files at the start and making sure to not run more than one instance of skype processes at once. I also enabled compatability mode for XP pack 3. However, Skype still crashes instantly on boot. Sometimes it even wants me to sign in on 6 after just quitting 7, autofilling the username and password fields but making me press the sign in button. I have the stay signed in option enabled. As soon as I sign in/boot, the program crashes. I'm running Win 8.1 64 bit. Any ideas? Thanks for keeping this up.
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          As I said, the 6.1.999.130 version was developed only for processors that do not support SSE2. As you use Windows 8.1 I am pretty sure that your processor supports SSE2. On the other hand, if you want to install and old version of Skype try to install a “regular” build (the third digit should be “zero”: XX.XX.0.XX).
          1. 0 0 0
            cheddar (karma: +4),
            Ah, I wasn't aware the .999 was unique like that. I ran through everything again with a SSE2 version of 6.21 (that's the reason I'm doing this, in order to try to keep using 6 instead of 7). However, I can't send group messages (just like I couldn't using the version that doesn't involve deleting shared and config). I am "MSNP: Connection OFFLINE" and "MSNP: Status: LoggedOut", even after /msnp24. Is there just no way to use the group messaging servers on old skype? Thanks again for helping.
            1. 0 -1 1
              Administrator (karma: +1207),
              Unfortunately, I think you cannot use group chats on old versions because old versions “don’t understand” how cloud chats works (i.e., old versions were released before cloud chats went live). By the way, it seems to me that this is the main reason why there is no sense to keep supporting these versions.

              As I wrote, the main purpose of this article is to help users make video calls on old processors. For chatting, they can easily switch to the newer version.
  4. 0 0 0
    Andrew (karma: 0),
    Yes, it works! Thanks!
  5. 0 0 0
    CrashGordon94 (karma: +13),
    Hey, tried doing this because I was finally kicked out of Skype 6.21 (the last version with a good interface and what I'm used to).

    First I backed up the original .exe as well as main.db and msn.db in a separate folder before uninstalling my current Skype and going into AppData to delete shared.xml and config.xml.

    I then ran my 6.21 installer again and tried to "Quit" it when it ran afterwards ASAP.

    I then used the installer linked here for 7.17 and it installed but now I've tried signing in a few times with both my Skype name and my Microsoft account email and it keeps saying it can't connect.

    I don't know why, isn't 7.17 not dead yet? I've heard the trick doesn't work with 7.33 so I haven't tried it with that. I don't know if I need to use a different new version between 7.17 and 7.33 or if something else is going wrong. Help would really be appreciated!

    [Updated 21 mar 2017 at 23:21]
    It turns out my issue was actually the recent sign-in problem, really bad timing...

    I now managed to sign in to 7.17, change the settings, "Quit Skype" and boot up 6.21! I was a bit worried after encountering the screen with "signing in" and "Skype is updating files. This may take some time" (or something like that) but after that it popped up successfully! It's running kind of slowly at the moment but that could be something else.

    Thank you so much for this article, you saved me from the awful new interface!
  6. 1 +1 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    This finally happened here overnight, so I'm going to try this. Hopefully it still works.

    But I'm curious, why 6.19 and not 6.21?

    I can understand why 7.17--perhaps later versions don't work for this purpose for some reason.

    [Updated 23 mar 2017 at 18:49]
    OK, sorry, I see that you mentioned 6.19 for those with certain hardware, but is there any version to use 7.17 aside from it being the oldest version that's officially supported?
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Please note that 6.1 and 6.19 are different versions. As you noticed, I am using 6.1.999.130 as example because first of all I want to help people, which have old processors. But of course, instead of it you can use any old versions. Not sure if I understood you correctly, but 7.17.0.104 is the oldest version that is still officially supported.
      1. 0 0 0
        Rick (karma: +179),
        Right, I was just mainly curious about why 7.17 aside from it being the oldest version that is still officially supported, but an earlier comment mentioned that the latest version, for some reason, will not work for this purpose. Plus, it probably makes sense to use a version closest in age to 6.x.

        BTW, I'm not sure if it happens as a result of the "upgrade" or later when you run the old version again, but somewhere along the way, Skype increases your chat database size by at least 50%. That's a lot. Fortunately, it can be compacted again with the handy standalone tool SpeedyFox.
  7. 0 0 0
    alenor (karma: +7),
    It works well regarding that I can log in again now (Im using 6.21.0.104 though) but now I a problem where I appear as offline to everyone else, and I have problem sending and receiving messages (It just shows the spinny circles)

    Sometimes the messages goes through though when someone sends me a message then all my previous messages that remained unsent goes through too, but not always.

    Also not sure if its relevant but i did not see any mention of this in the guide but after i logged in on the supported 7 version, then closed that fully and opened my 6.21.0.104 to use it had to install/fix files for a while before it could log in the first time. I am not sure if that is normal.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! I posted above a screencast: how-to-run-older-versions-of-skype-for-windows.webm. As you can see using version 6.1.999.130, I can send and receive messages without any problems. In addition, there are no “spinning circles” and it does not reset Skype settings. I do not tested version 6.21.0.104, but I suppose that it should work as well. However please note that old versions do not support group chats.

      ps. I am planning to publish tomorrow a script for creating a portable copy of any Skype version. Among other things, this will allow you to run old versions. So stay tuned.
  8. 0 0 0
    Rick (karma: +179),
    Just a heads up: At least here, MS has reduced the forced-logout interval to about every 24 hours. And this happens without warning, so any unsent chat text is lost.

    Also, the "/dumpmsnp" command now shows you as logged out, even though others will not see you that way. This does mean, however, that the "offline message" feature is gone. That is, if you send a message to someone and then go offline yourself, the person won't receive the message until you go online again -- like the way it was several years ago. Not good.

    I think the party is pretty much over.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Not sure, about other versions, but my test account on 6.1.999.130 still works properly (except group chats).
      1. 0 0 0
        Rick (karma: +179),
        Just to be clear, since "works" can mean several different things, when you run /showplaces, does it say "MSNP: Connection OFFLINE" or what it would normally say? I've found no way to get it to not say that now, including logging in with modern clients and even entering the /msnp24 command.

        The issue some of us are seeing means, as another person also pointed out, that your status will not necessarily be correct as seen by other people, and also that there's no offline messaging (the "spinning circles" are a hint of that). Messages ARE delivered once both parties are on at the same time, the way things used to be for everyone using Skype more than about 3 or 4 years ago.

        If the above hasn't hit you yet, is it possibly because you're not using the old version for long periods of time but rather just occasionally for testing? Just a guess, for all I know you use it 24x7.
        1. 0 0 0
          Administrator (karma: +1207),
          You are right, I should explain what I mean by “working properly”. Therefore, when I am saying it I am referring to the main purpose of article — to make video calls using old version. Besides this, I can send and receive messages on 1-on-1 chats. I am running simultaneously at least two Skype accounts and one of them is 6.1.999.130 (I am using it every day in order to find out if there exists a session timeout).

          The main thing that you need to understand is that old versions do not support cloud “features”. This means, that you cannot send “offline” messages, you cannot receive files from newer versions, you cannot use group chats and any cloud features are not available for you because this is impossible. Moreover, the /showplaces command as well as MSNP protocol can be “understood” only by cloud endpoints (i.e., newer versions).
          1. 0 0 0
            Rick (karma: +179),
            I know that the announcement blog post last month mentioned "cloud architecture" as one of the reasons for deprecating clients earlier than 7.16, but that was "fake news" (to use a common term these days), since even later 6.x versions supported that, including offline messaging:
            https://blogs.skype.com/news/2014/06/20/making-way-for-the-next-generation-of-skype-on-desktop

            Look at the date of that blog.

            It wasn't until last week that MS changed something on the server side to put the bullet in later 6.x versions. I've been using 6.21 every day since late 2014, and believe me, it had offline messaging, MSNP, the works (you could even go as far back as 6.14 and still have it). It was all there. Until they took it away (I'm guessing, arbitrarily, though possibly for a good reason that they just haven't revealed yet) last week.

            Offline messaging, for me, was the most important Skype feature of the last half decade. If 6.21 didn't work with that, I would have stopped using it in 2015, despite the horrible change to the chat UI that would come in 7.x.
            1. 0 0 0
              Administrator (karma: +1207),
              It seems I have to be careful what I am writing. When I wrote that old versions do not support cloud features, I meant the tested version. Only now I realized that we are talking about two different versions. Sorry for that.

              Of course, you are right and many “dropped” versions support cloud features. Moreover, version 7.16 supports the same cloud features as 7.17. I have no idea why 7.17 is it so “special”, but I suppose that the decision is based on statistics or perhaps 7.17 contains latest core changes.
  9. 0 0 0
    sadman (karma: +7),
    Did Skype remove the functionality on the server end of older versions? I am able to log into 6.20 but I have found it suddenly wont receive pictures sent. I am unsure which but it either is having issues sending messages to offline users and those not reading messages OR it is just having trouble displaying properly that messages sent.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Please see above my discussion with Rick.
  10. 0 0 0
    kikamika (karma: 0),
    Works great! Thank you so much!
  11. 0 0 0
    kg. (karma: +3),
    Thank you for an interesting idea! I was trying to make skype work again at my grandma's old PC running on Sempron and XP sp3. Strictly followed your instructions, but unfortunately, skype 7 just wouldn't start.
  12. 0 0 0
    sadman (karma: +7),
    As of 12:15AM US eastern time on 21st of april I no longer can use the trick to log in using 6.20.0.104. It logs in but it after a few seconds after it appears online and loads contacts status it kicks me off again saying "sorry please log in again". Coincidently or not I at the same time had modified a setting in my skype preferences to not display user pictures in contacts, restoring config.xml and shared.xml and the local appdata folder( later two just in case) to an earlier restore point from earlier in the week did change that setting back but the lack of ability to stay logged in remained. Im not sure if skype totally cut it server end now or if it is just on my computer only from some issue on my computer. Can anyone confirm this? It may or may not be time sensitive so it might not have hit some others yet. Before this happened the morning before at 6:50AM or so it kicked me off with the same message but i was able to log back in again back then.

    I also have figured out a POSSIBLE SOLUTION (?) theory on how to make old skypes work but my computer is such a mess and my skype account so important I dont want to risk trying it myself till others have since i cant afford to mess up. I suspect it just may be possible to log in using an old version (possibly may need to be freshly installed if other newer versions were installed over it so all the parts are full compatible with themselves) and have full functionality of some old versions if you while skype is closed use a program to modify the Skype.exe version number to match a more up to date version to trick skype servers then log in like normal or if not log in like normal try to log in with the same old trick using a newer exe and autologin with the old exe with the modified version number.
    I do not know what program would be safe to use to do this (as in not a virus or spyware) and I do not know if it would work or if skype would suspect youre using an unoficial skype version and lock down your account or something but this is just paranoia on my part. I also do not know if you have to do the same to the dll files to modify their version number. Im also not sure if you also have to modify the MD5 number as well somehow. I have no idea how they check your version. A quick search and I did find some programs that claim to or seem like they might be able to modify version numbers of exe's and dll's. I dont know programming or anything so I can only guess how to do this and i have no luck finding any skype users who did this. :( Would any of these work? I dont know if it's open source or not or fully free or not or if it's safe or not so approach with caution. I'm not sure if there is a rule on this blog about posting links to software but I hope that wont be an issue since i provide warning of my lack of experience with such programs. This is just two I found although there is more but the second seems like it would be easier to use possibly as it has less features seemingly. If anyone knows a good free open source program better than these do tell.
    angusj.com/resourcehacker/
    carifred.com/fvie/

    It would be great if someone could try this out to see if it works to make older skype versions functional again if they too can no longer stay logged in or if it may restore offline messaging and receiving of photos from cloud. I hope it works and i hope if anyone tries this it wont cause any problems for them. Id hate for my suggestion to lead to any damage out of my own ignorance.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Not sure about other features, but I am still able to log in to 6.1.999.130 as well as send and receive messages. I think you should start all over again.

      Concerning to crack Skype, you need a disassembler (for example try a look at OllyDbg), but be aware that according to Skype Terms: You may not and you agree not to:undertake, cause, permit or authorise the modification, creation of derivative works or improvements, translation, reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling, decryption, emulation, hacking, discovery or attempted discovery of the source code or protocols of the Software or any part or features thereof (except to the extent permitted by law).
  13. 0 0 0
    miko (karma: +301),
    Please. Do you know how to send offline messages?
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Do you meant to send offline messages between old versions such as 6.1.999.130? If so, unfortunately this is not possible, because these versions do not support cloud features.
      1. 0 0 0
        miko (karma: +301),
        Yes i mean that. 2-3 years ago skype 6.20.104 could send offline messages but 1 year ago they disable it and i found way to still send offline messages and i was used it till the last day when they totally disabled all old skype versions. I was install new skype, copy file config and i used this file with old skype and i could send offline messages. I stil have this file but when i copy it to skype portable it not works.
  14. 0 0 0
    Josh (karma: +10),
    Thanks Admin, it worked for me. When Skyped forced us to update a few months ago, I wanted to find a way to still use the old skype, so I found a patched 5 version on YouTube, but it's appearance and layout were too old compared to the Skype I was using for many years, so this Skype 6.1 version works great as it's pretty much the exact same layout as what I've been using since the start of 2014 with Skype.
  15. 0 0 0
    kelly (karma: +3),
    i have been trying to install the 6.1 skype but is showing that a later version is already installed and for such reason the older skype can not be installed except when the later one is unistalled.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Please read carefully the «installation» step (first of all you should uninstall the previous version).
  16. 0 0 0
    Bishop (karma: +3),
    Hi, i'm trying to use the skype 3.8 version on Windows 10 but crashes every time even before it signed in.. How do i go about it? Thanks for your ideas
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Not sure, but try to run it using Windows XP compatibility mode.
  17. 9 +9 0
    Josh (karma: +10),
    As of today, the 6.1 version is no longer working. Turned on my computer this morning to discover I was signed out and could no longer sign in. Went through the process of installing and then uninstalling the latest skype version to get 6.1 to work again, but when I signed in I was immediately signed out.
  18. 1 +1 0
    luweitest (karma: +11),
    It is not working for skype 6.22.81.105 and the latest skype 7.36.0.150 on windowsXPSP3. I followed the steps exactly, with administrator privilege to install (because other accounts cannot install saying opening registry key error). When running 6.22.81.105 it shows "skype is updating files, and it may take some minutes", then the app window appeared with a logged in sound, but it quickly flashes away and return to the login window.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Thank you for your message. I’m not exactly sure, but it seems this is due to automatic updates. It is worth trying to remove Skype and try this method: How to create a portable Skype for Windows.
      1. 0 0 0
        luweitest (karma: +11),
        Tried without success. The info "skype is updating files, and it may take some minutes" do not show this time, but still the Skype window appears with logged in sound and quickly flashes away returning to login window.
  19. 0 0 0
    Brisco Hood (karma: +7),
    I will be very glad if you can tell me how i can make my skype 3.8 search for new contacts cos i cant use it to search for new contacts now.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Sorry, but as far I know old versions like 3.8 will not work correctly due to cloud protocol. And the problem is not only with the contacts searching, but also with messaging and online statuses.
      1. 0 0 0
        Brisco Hood (karma: +7),
        So how do we solve this cloud protocol so that skype 3.8 can work correctly again?
  20. 0 0 0
    Vetka0802 (karma: +3),
    Hello,

    I executed all steps but with a new version of skype (version 8) and it does not seem work... Do you have any update about it?

    Thank you in advance
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! Unfortunately, the Skype 8+ uses different DB locations, and by default the new versions are not compatible with older ones. Therefore, in this case, I recommend you to use 7.40.0.151. If you want to experiment, the new Skype stores DB files in %appdata%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\skylib
  21. 0 0 0
    miko (karma: +301),
    My older versions skype portable stop update contacts when i delete archive and want refresh account. It stop on 1 december 2017.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      So, at this moment, what is the oldest working version?
      1. 1 +1 0
        miko (karma: +301),
        I don't know what is the oldest working wersion. I was use 6.13.0.104 portable because only this version was stable with working skype home. I use this skype only because after refresh skype i could see who was online in last day and who not accept my request. The oldest version who could do that was skype 6.22.0.107 but it not update contacts from server too. Everyting else works but i not use it without refreshing. The oldest working skype version that i know is skype portable 7.31.0.104 i was use it for this trick with remember password to log in older skype versions and this skype version create confing that i use to refresh older versions skype.
        1. 1 +1 0
          miko (karma: +301),
          At this moment all versions old skype that i used absolutley nothing work. Skype not refresh archive, can't see peoples online good and never yellow. Can't use search for new peoples. Can't message when peoples are offline.
  22. 0 0 0
    Jack (karma: +3),
    I'm having a problem where when I log into older Skypes (6.20, 7.17 etc) after logging in and quitting a newer skype, my user name shows up as Null. I cannot see contacts statuses (they all show offline) and I can't send messages. Is there any way to fix this?
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      I have not checked it for a long time, but as said Miko, there are a lot of issues while using old versions. If you want to play with it, please note that version 7.17 is no longer supported. So, in order to log in to 6.20.0.104, you need to log in first to 7.31.0.104 (by the way, for simplicity try skype_portable_eng.vbs).
  23. 0 0 0
    Lili (karma: 0),
    I tired to do everything listed here, including watching the video. 1. There was no config.xml. 2. When I tried to log in 7.17.0.104 it said I needed to update my browser. I skipped it and it said could not connect so I updated all browsers and tried again but after entering login, it still could not connect. Thanks for all the effort to try and help us. I wish i could fix this and get my Skype back
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      On Windows Vista I recommend you to install Skype 7.36.0.150 for Windows.
  24. 0 0 0
    Marek Kobera (karma: 0),
    Hello, I have got an old computer without SSE2 (Athlon XP1800). It was running Windows XP, but now it runs Windows 7 after an upgrade. I tried to install the newest version and some older versions of Skype. Anything after skype 7.0.85 did not install for various reasons. Older versions up to 5.6 did install, but I got that message "can't connect". So, do you propose Skype Portable should work and then I should connect with skype 7.0.85 for example? Thanks in advance, Marek
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hello! Unfortunately you cannot use Skype if your processor doesn't support SSE2.
  25. 0 0 0
    geoffrey sikulu (karma: 0),
    mon.help me to open skype it was very diffecult to open help plz opp thanks
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hi! If you are using Windows 7, try to install Skype 7.41.0.101 for Windows.
  26. 0 0 0
    Szymon7022 (karma: +7),
    Polish: Skype nie moze sie polaczyc.
    English: Skype can't connect.
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      I'm not sure that the instruction is still working. Therefore, on Windows Vista I recommend you to install version 7.36.0.150.
      1. 0 0 0
        Szymon7022 (karma: +7),
        Ok, I'll look at this version.

        [Updated ]
        Thanks, it works ! Excellent.
  27. 1 +1 0
    aja (karma: +1),
    i tried on windows 7 and on windows vista
    version 7.31.104 it works
    has anyone succeced with even older version ?
  28. 0 0 0
    anwar (karma: 0),
    the latest version of skype 8.23.0.10 has not option of screen share=> share windows if it has option plz inform how i can use it
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hello! Make a call and wait for the answer. After that you will see the "Share screen" icon.
  29. 0 0 0
    CrashGordon94 (karma: +13),
    Hey, coming back here. been using this exploit for a long time because 6.21 is the last version I can stand.

    Currently using this exploit with 7.31 and 6.21 seems to work mostly, but the forced-sign-out period has gotten insanely quick now, must be less than an hour or so. Is there a way to solve this?

    Thanks in advance!
    1. 0 0 0
      Administrator (karma: +1207),
      Hello! As far as I know, they changed a lot of things, and this method is practically unusable. Moreover, Support for classic Skype will be ending in September 2018.
      1. 0 0 0
        CrashGordon94 (karma: +13),
        Hey, sorry about delayed response, had been busy.

        It got a lot less touchy after that but I know about the impending discontinuation.

        I had heard about portable versions, would that help?

        [Updated ]
        As suggested before, I was now forced to update to 8.34/36 and it's utterly awful, plus I can't seem to use my normal method.

        Is there another way to get this trick working? Particularly with talk of "portable versions".
  30. 0 0 0
    Mimmo (karma: +29),
    would be nice a "secure" patched version of the 7.32 skype so if really be disabled despite the extended supported time , login will still be functional , i've seen this guide only today but i've heard of workaround similar to this for use unsupported version , but this Authorization data expiring is a very big problem , hope the " patched secure version " of 7.32 could be uploaded here , thank you again
  31. 0 0 0
    osma (karma: 0),
    hello please new version is not Good please bring back skype 2017 that skype work very good
  32. 1 +1 0
    Abigail (karma: +4),
    I need skype 3.8 how can i install it because i dont like the new one
  33. 2 +2 0
    Erickson Villeta (karma: +2),
    Unfortunately guys, there's no way any one could run old versions of Skype anymore.
    Until and unless Microsoft changes this rule in its Skype servers, I don't think it is possible.
    It's really unfortunate though...
    1. 0 0 0
      Ryoka (karma: +3),
      So.. i can't use any versions of skype no more? isn't there any chance??

Add new comment

Comments are moderated by the administrator and cannot immediately appear on the site.
Name:
Email:
Want to be notified of new comments?
If you activate notifications, you can at any time cancel them.
Before you start receiving notifications, you’ll have to confirm that the email you provided is yours.
Message:
• When asking a question, please specify the operating system and the version of Skype.
• If you encounter any errors, copy the full text of the message here.
• Do not forget that this is an unofficial blog, and here you get help only from regular users of Skype.
Rate entry: