Download the stable version of Skype. How to start the old version of Skype

If you use Skype, then you have already tasted all the “delights” of the new colorful version. There were advertisements and terrible brakes. Many people complain about the design of the chat itself, etc. Personally, after switching to the new version, a question quickly arose - How to launch the streaming version of Skype? You won’t be able to simply download and install the old version; it will immediately update to the latest one. In this article, using step-by-step instructions, you will be able to take the necessary steps and finally revive your favorite old version of this popular means of communication.

So, let's go.

Option 1

First, let's look at the simplest method and it is suitable for fans of version 4.2. This version is distinguished by its simplicity of design and speed of operation, which is why it is loved. Reviving it is very simple, you don't even need to do anything with your current version of Skype. The actions are:

Option 2

This method still WORKS as of 04/20/17, tested on myself, on version 6.21.0.104. If a particular version doesn't work, try another.

The second method is a little more complicated, but it allows you to run any desired version. Do everything step by step and there will be no problems.

ADDED 08/5/15:

On some computers and operating systems in version 5.2 an error may occur: " Not enough memory to process the command". I solved this problem by installing a later version; in my case, Skype version 6.6.0.106 worked fine, so I decided to post it here. It is installed in the same way as written in the paragraph above (with points 1-4).You can download Skype 6.6.0.106 from the link:

But I want to immediately warn those who actively uses various Skype groups. The good news is that chats can now be moderated again in older versions! Deleting and changing any messages by a moderator works. BUT, there is also bad news. The fact is that Microsoft changed something in the functionality of groups, so groups created in the new version unfortunately do not work in older versions, which included the possibility of moderation. Old groups created in older versions of the program work. I ran some tests with different versions and this is what I get:

Versions up to 6.21.0.104 — moderation of old groups works, but some groups created in new versions of Skype do not work;
Versions after 6.21.0.104 — all groups work, but there is no moderation.

So if you want to have your own moderated Skype chat, try creating it in the old version of the program before 6.21.0.104, it might work. I haven’t found a solution to the problem with groups, although I searched long and hard, apparently at this stage there is no solution. If you know how to solve it, write in the comments, I and many people will be grateful. Now you know how to install the old version of Skype, all you have to do is try it in practice.

Skype is a special program that was created for comfortable communication with other people around the world. It is a special platform that allows you to make free calls with just the Internet. Thus, with its help, it becomes possible to keep in touch by calling from computer to computer or from computer to mobile phone. Skype has become the favorite of hundreds of Internet users thanks to the convenience and simplicity of the interface, which is understandable and accessible to absolutely everyone.

Skype allows you to receive and make not only audio, but also video calls, allowing you to see a person who is far from you. You will have the opportunity not only to recognize the intonation of the voice, but also to see the facial expressions and gestures of your interlocutor, which is an integral part of human communication. In addition, many users love Skype for instant written messages. When working with chat in this program, you will never have any difficulties, because the program interface is incredibly clear, and the placement of buttons allows you to use the program on an intuitive level.

Being a leader among programs that offer comfortable online communication, Skype pleases its users not only with smooth operation and an extensive range of useful functions, but also with adaptability to almost any operating system installed on the user’s computer.

Considering that many experienced PC users prefer to use the Windows XP operating system, difficulties still often arise with Skype. This operating system, although it is reliable, is outdated and, accordingly, has no official support since 2014.

From time to time, Skype users may encounter a problem when the current version of the program causes the CPU to load at 100%. In this case, the skype.exe process completely takes over all CPU resources, causing a terrible drop in computer performance. Or a more common case in which Skype consumes an excessive amount of RAM. Just as in the first case, this reduces the performance of the computer to a level where it becomes uncomfortable to use. I am writing about this based on the fact that machines with Windows XP on board are, as a rule, not very powerful, and resources should be spent sparingly.

The solution to this problem is quite simple: you need to use version 4.2, which was released by the developers in 2010. Please note that the original version 4.2 will not work on computers with Windows XP (or on more recent OSes either), because Skype updated its protocol in 2014. Enthusiasts who are friends with programming were able to create a unique version of Skype for Windows XP, which is updated to a modern protocol and works correctly on an outdated system. Thus, you can already use the program, which does not even require installation on your computer (the so-called “portable” version). Consequently, it does not unnecessarily load the processor of older machines and does not take up all the RAM.
We suggest downloading from our website

After unpacking, you can put the folder with Skype in any place, you need to launch it through the START.bat file, but you can make a shortcut from it to your desktop.
This version is also a solution to the problem “Skype no longer supports its software on your OS”

If you want to use Skype on your computer with Windows XP, then this solution to this situation will be the most optimal. Do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to communicate with family, friends and colleagues, maintain warm and trusting relationships. This program will help erase boundaries and any barriers, providing its users with full-fledged personal and business communication. And even an outdated version of the operating system will not be able to prevent you from using Skype comfortably.

Why do you need old Skype? Undoubtedly, this messenger continues to be one of the most popular today, so new, slightly modified versions of this program do not stop coming out. But there are also a lot of arguments in favor of older, no less effective messenger options.

Why are old versions needed?

Downloading the old version of Skype, starting from the earliest ones, released several years ago or more, means getting all the basic (aka main) functional features that are not inferior to the current ones.
Skype programs are distributed free of charge.
As in earlier versions, there are options for communication (communication) between people who are physically far (or close) from each other, such as a video call, the ability to send text messages, contact information, and attach any files to them, including images.
Any old working version of Skype can offer exactly the same tariffs for paid services.
If the new version of the messenger does not work for unknown reasons, you can restore the program by downloading its previous version.
Simplicity of design and access to all useful sections of the program allows you to quickly, safely and efficiently make a call with or without video recording of your interlocutors.

Possibility to organize conferences for up to 5 people when choosing the free option.
There is a convenient call log, and installation and further use of the program usually does not cause any difficulties for users.
There are no character restrictions when entering text messages.
There is a function for sending standard SMS messages to mobile phones.
You will have a personal number that will be as easy as pie to call, since for this you can only have a mobile phone or landline at hand (without the Internet, laptop, etc.).
The sending speed of those objects (files) that have been sent or downloaded is always high.
Older versions of Skype are compatible with a variety of operating systems and are very easy to install.
Each version does not take up too much space in your device's memory.
The old version of the messenger may be useful for older computers.

What do you need to do before installation?

The instructions given below are required for those who already have any version of this program installed. Do the following step by step (reproduction of a backup copy):

Find a folder on your computer (laptop) called “Skype” and located in another folder – “AppData”. To do this, you can use the search: click “Start”, enter the following text “%appdata%\skype” in the search field, press Enter.
When you see the search results, click on the folder you are looking for.
Copy the contents to another folder located elsewhere on your computer. Note the address (folder location) of the second location of the copied data.
Now you need to transfer another block of information to another location in order to create a backup copy of not only your personal data, but also your contacts, that is, everything that is needed to resume your normal communication in this messenger after installing the old version of the program instead of any other. This block of information is about the user’s contacts. This file is called "shared.xml".

When you install the old version of Skype, you can return the copied (backup) folders back, then contacts and other messenger information will remain in the program.

Where should I download old Skype?

Considering that all official programs for communicating in the Skype messenger are distributed free of charge from their official website (https://www.skype.com/ru/download-skype/), first of all, let’s look at the “Download” section. We will see that there are always only the latest, up-to-date versions of the famous messenger, offered to everyone (Internet users) for free and fast downloading, but there are no old versions there.

If the user decides to look for non-new versions of the program on other portals, for example, in the official Skype community located at https://go.skype.com/scom.download, he will see that the transition is to a download page on the company’s service portal, which owns the Skype messenger.

Based on the above, you can download the program after performing a search on the World Wide Web.

How exactly to do this:

1.Go to the Internet browser on your laptop or computer.

2.Type in the address bar the name of one of the most used search engines. It could be Google.ru, Yandex.ru or any other.

3.Enter the desired search query, namely: “Old version of Skype”, “Old versions of Skype” or “All versions of Skype”, and press Enter.

4.From the hundreds of thousands of results that open, go to the one that meets your security requirements. It is better to choose those sites that you have already dealt with and have not downloaded any unnecessary programs or viruses.

5.Select the version you need. Please note that this is a program that you can download without registration and for free.

7.After the download is complete, open the folder with the downloaded file and find it. If you did not specifically select the path to the download directory and do not know where the files are downloaded on your computer, look in the browser menu, in the “Downloads” section, for the latest (top) option from the list. This will be the file you are looking for.

8.Double-click on the installation file that you found in the downloads to begin the short Skype installation process.

Important Notes

To make the right choice of program version or solve problems with the operation of already installed new versions of this software, read the following important notes below:

If you have an old and weak computer (for example, a computer with the following parameters: RAM - 1 GB, video card - 256 MB), the camera may not work in the new version, so you will have to install the old one. However, in order to prevent the “no connection...” message from appearing, your device must support the so-called SSE2 instruction set.

In order not to perform any additional checks or install other programs, try immediately installing version No. 6.18.0.106 or older (that is, the one with even fewer numbers in the number, for example, from the sixth generation - No. 6.16.0.105).

Do not try to use the fifth version, since it was “blocked” at the end of 2015, but this does not mean that you cannot try slightly later versions of the same fifth generation - for example, No. 5.2.
In some cases, if you have been struggling with Skype for a long time and without results, which does not work, you can try to combine two old versions together, that is, make them work as one.

What to do if your old Skype stops logging in? Try this:
1.Press the “Windows” and “R” key combination to bring up the command (small new window) “Run...”.

2.Insert the text “%appdata%\skype” into the line of this command and press Enter.

3.Find the file “shared.xml” and open it (this can be done using a regular text editor).

4.Find line 52369 in the file that opens (you may have a different number there), exactly the same number should be in the Internet connection settings in the “port” section.

If it doesn't match, you need to correct the number. If this does not help, change the port number to “8080” in the same Internet settings in the “Network and Sharing Center”.

If your computer does not want to work with older versions of Skype, try downloading an old portable version (which works without installation).

How to combine two versions of the messenger?

If there is a need to combine two different old versions of the messenger program, you can do it like this (practical instructions for combining Nos. 2.5 and 4.2 are provided):
1.Return to the point “What must be done before installing the old version?” and back up your Skype files as described there.

2. Completely remove all versions of all Skypes and supporting files from your computer. To do this:

Go to Start, “Control Panel” and find the section about uninstalling programs. It is called “Uninstall programs” and can be located, in turn, in the “Programs” section.
In the list of installed programs built by the system, find Skype (if there are several of them at once, you should repeat this action for each version).
Select the found program in the list by placing the cursor on it and click the “Delete/Change” or “Uninstall” button. The same effect can be achieved by double-clicking on the selected line and clicking on the desired item if the system offers different options (delete or change).

3.Following the point “Where should I download the old Skype?”), you need to download the two versions of the program mentioned above - 2.5 and 4.2 - and install the first one.

Important! To choose a non-classic installation path, in the first window, select the path you need (the ability to select this in some versions is hidden under the “Settings” button).

4.Double-click the newly installed program and log in.

5.Install the second (No. 4.2) version of Skype in a different folder (not the one you selected in the third step). For example, you simply install the first program on the “C” drive, and the second in the “Program Files” subfolder of this drive.

6.Now run version 4.2. If you can’t log in, go to the installation folder of this program (follow the path “C:\Program Files\Skype”).

7.Find the “shared.xml” file there and delete it.

8.Instead of the file you just deleted, insert the one located in the backup folder (it has the same name) that you created in the first step of these instructions.

9.Now Skype should work. If the contacts are not saved, again go to the backup folders you copied previously and copy this file (“config.xml”) for your contacts to the folder of your installed Skype version 4.2.

So, to download the old version of Skype, choose a secure site. And if problems arise, read the instructions and explanations above, and everything will work as it should!

Many people think that Skype is no longer supported by the Windows XP operating system, which was released back in 2001. We assure you, this is not true! Moreover, we have proof - you can download Skype for Windows XP at any time on our website.

Installation instructions

Why Skype for Windows XP is convenient

Unlike more modern systems, XP is the most undemanding of system resources. This means that it can be easily installed on older and low-power computers that are not compatible with later versions of Windows.

Who might need this? For example, older people who need a computer only for Skype and email. Why would they buy a more modern system when not even 50 percent of its capabilities will be used? The second option is an old laptop that does not support later Windows.

How to install Skype on Windows XP

The same as under any other Windows operating system. The only exception is that the system must be updated with Service Pack 3. If you do not do this, the installation program will generate an error.

System Requirements

For the program to work correctly, it requires at least a gigahertz processor, a gigabyte of memory and 16 GB of empty space on an SSD and/or HDD disk. If your system does not meet the above requirements, then be prepared to put up with poor performance or other problems.

In addition, you will need a webcam and microphone, because without them, a powerful program will turn into a primitive messenger, that is, it will only work in chat mode. You can also buy a headset for voice communication if you don't need video.

You can always download Skype for Windows XP and other operating systems from Microsoft on our website. Just download a single file, run it and follow the steps indicated by the installer.

Skype (or Skype) is a free program for making audio/video calls to other users and for calling real numbers at low prices.

Download the new Skype for free on your computer, tablet or smartphone, and it will help you call another similar user anywhere in the world absolutely free. Other benefits of the application:

calls to landline and mobile numbers, sending SMS messages;
group correspondence in chats;
voicemail and voice recording;
on sites opened through the browser, with your permission, adds an active link to a call via Skype;
group video calls.

Download Skype for free for Windows 7, 8 and 10

The new Skype can be installed or updated in Russian using the links below in the “Download” section. Large animated icons in correspondence, a new type of interface (see screenshots), as well as many useful and necessary updates.

The latest version of Skype has added/fixed: intermittent webcam error, engineering improvements, reduce memory usage and avoid crashes, favorites list can be moved between clients, group video calling, display of product prices including VAT, spell checker and autocorrect, from Windows 8 and higher.

How to download and install Skype on a computer or laptop step by step

Installing Skype on a computer or laptop for Windows is the same, perform all steps in the following sequence:

Download the application from the link below using the main big green button;
Start the installation. Preferably as an administrator by right-clicking on the icon;
The installation of Skype will begin, lasting about 5 minutes;
Next, a window will appear for entering your existing login and password.

The advantage of Skype is obvious - all video conversations are actually free for users, because only the Internet connection is paid for.

It is used for both private conversations and entire conferences. The highest quality of communication, absolutely clear voice transmission, as well as the absence of freezes and delays during direct communication.

Frequently asked questions and answers via Skype

How to change your Skype username?

No way. Recently, it is impossible to change the login. You also cannot choose your login when registering for the first time. You can change your name (not login) through the program or the Microsoft website.

How to create a Skype account (register)?

There are 2 options: 1 - install the program and click create login in the window; 2 - go to the official website using the link:

The microphone does not work in Skype after the update/installation.

Right-click on the speaker icon (bottom right where the date and time are) and select “Recording Devices.” Double-click on the active microphone and select the “Levels” tab. Move the slider to increase and apply.

The camera does not work in Skype;

Perhaps the drivers are not installed or the camera is turned off by hardware, hold down the Fn key on the laptop and the camera icon on one of the keys (F1-F12). You can try turning it on without Fn.

What is the difference between the old version of Skype and the new one?

portable and regular assemblies;
removed: check for updates, call plugin, API module, Skype browser;
installation of the MS Visual C++ 2015 programs required for operation;
Advertising banners were removed and Skype Tracing was blocked;
updated and added many other useful features.