Skype 4.1 hotfix for Windows
Today we have released a new version of Skype for Windows.
We recommend for everyone to update to this build now.
The new release is a bugfix release which resolves many of the problems you have been telling us about.
In this build, links are not clickable in contact authorization requests – it’s another way we’re tackling spam (and there’ll be plenty more improvements like this in future releases). Secondly, we have resolved a full bunch of video issues which managed to sneak into previous builds, so if you had issues with webcam detection by Skype or the video froze from time to time then this build is definitely for you 
.
Last but not least we have resolved a issue which made Skype to crash on start-up for people who have really old computers, which did not support SSE technology.
In addition to these fixes we have also updated our web browser plugins and fixed many smaller issues.
In case you see that Skype is not behaving as expected then please let us know about it. Post on our forums for discussing things and file issue reports in our public issue tracker.
Full list of fixes and known issues for the newly released build 4.1.0.166 is here:
]]>Known issues:
Calling
* When a user has multiple USB audio devices plugged in, and removes the active device, they will see a message for a couple of seconds informing them that no devices are available.
Workaround: This is rectified automatically within a couple of seconds if another device is found.
Audio devices
* Some types of Broadcom Bluetooth audio hardware need to contact Skype in order to operate – in which case the following message is displayed: “BTSTAC~1.EXE wants to use Skype”
Workaround: If you have a Broadcom Bluetooth device and experience this issue, then you should try to update the drivers for that hardware. Otherwise, it is safe to Allow access. The issue has been reported to the manufacturer.
Audio devices
* If a participant in a conference call is using a Bluetooth enabled device from Broadcom, the conference call will be terminated when they hang-up the call.
Workaround: Disable btstack.exe (Tools > Options > Advanced > Manage other programs’ access to Skype).
Video
* Digital video cameras cannot be used to make video calls on Skype.
* Using YouCam to change special affects on a Skype video call will cause Skype to freeze.
* Skype may freeze when starting video if the Creative Webcam NX Pro (VFW) normally used is not plugged in. Workaround: This is a third party software issue and users are advised to ensure the webcam is plugged in before selecting the option to “Start video”
Workaround: Known Third Party issue
Busy hard disk
* Skype can become unresponsive when the hard drive is busy.
Workaround: Users are advised to wait for a few seconds for the hard disk activity to reduce.
Busy hard disk / startup
* Users with a large amount of Skype history may find that Skype takes longer than normal to start.
Workaround: Reducing the number of items in the Conversations tab helps alleviate this problem slightly – our engineers are currently working on further solutions.
Conference calling
* Conference calls, which include one or more landline or mobile participants are not placed on hold correctly. The call host and the users on their landline or mobile are not placed on hold – however all other users are.
Installation
* Users cannot uninstall the Skype browser highlighter for Firefox (Vista only).
Workaround: Users are advised to install a patch provided by Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951847
Upgrade
* When upgrading Skype, and installing the Skype plug-in for Firefox, users may experience a crash in Firefox if it is running during the upgrade
Workaround: Close Firefox before attempting to install Skype.
Screen sharing
* Resizing selected area (constantly dragging mouse for more than 20 seconds) causes the system to freeze
Workaround: This is resolved by Microsoft Hotfix #954436, and included in Vista Service Pack 2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/954436.
Miscellaneous
* Certain graphical components may be misaligned when running Skype with a high graphics DPI setting.
Fixed issues:
Instant Messaging
* Text moved on screen when something was added to conversation while user was scrolling it.
* Users were unable to copy and paste text from instant messaging (IM) text field into another application
Audio / Video
* Some webcams were not detected by Skype
* Video froze with some webcams
* A long delay occurred when a user opted to start video during a call
* Skype occasionally froze when selecting video options.
Accessibility
* Skype crashed when focusing, with alt+tab, communicator message in compact view
* Some controls were inaccessible via keyboard navigation
Miscellaneous
* An incorrect informative message appeared when selecting the option “Make a test call” from the Welcome Screen
* An incorrect informative message was displayed when creating a Skype account starting with a numeric symbol
* Users were not able to enter a password which contained the same characters used in their Skype name
* The Link “Learn more about SMS” was pointing to an incorrect help page.
* Users were advised incorrectly of the Password length.
* Skype froze when selecting the option Ctrl+Alt+Delete followed by Task Manager.
* When editing a phone number on an existing landline or mobile contact, the entry was deleted and replaced with the new number
* Skype crashed on startup on CPU’s which did not support SSE technology
Authorization Requests
* URL Links are no longer clickable within authorization requests
Toolbars
* The Firefox Add-On would slow down page rendering even when highlighting was switched off
* The games Mafia Wars http://www.myspace.com/zyngamafiawars was not available when Skype plug-in was installed
* Account Names which contained two characters or less were not recognised.
Localization
* All localization files associated with the abovementioned fixes have been updated
I am using skype 4.1.0.179
This is perhaps the worst skype version I am using till date. The sound quality is extremely poor and it is becoming impossible to understand what the other end is saying. I am using Windows 7 Ultimate.
It seems this sound issue is common in Skype and Windows 7. Any ideas, on how to fix it, other than downgrading to 3.8?
Any help will be much appreciated.
sooo my computer is telling me i need to download this new version but everyone seems pissed about it…..what should i do
Hi, I have been using skype for a few days on vista. Now whenever I am on internet explorer, a message comes up that internet exporer has stopped working. It says that the problem is due to a Skype add-on. would you please help me with this problem.
I have version 4.1.0.179 loaded Is this not a later version than 4.1.0.166? I also keep getting a message that “internet explorer has stopped working” Do I need to revert backwards and still load 4.1.0.166 to solve the problem. I have Windows Vista
I cannot sign in to skype. When i put my name and password in something pops up at the top that says “Skype can’t connect.” I dont know what is going on, please help.
Hot Fix does not work, I have 4 computers with Skype on them and the Internet Explorer plug in for highlighting numbers causes I.E. to not respond every few seconds. I solved this by removing all Skype plugins from I.E. and everything works fine now. Click on tools, Skype plugin, scroll to the bottom, and click remove Skype plugin.
system:
Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
i.e. 8
Downloaded this on 2 computers with web cams. 1 computer works fine and one you can’t see a picture with the web cam. I can see the person I am talking 2 but they cant see me. What is going on? It is super frustrating!!!!!! Any ideas on another site to try????
If it is of any use to the developers or other users. I get a race condition from the SkypePnr.dll with certain other applications. It drives CPU utilization to 100%. I too found the toolbar installed without my permission, but when I uninstalled the toolbar (under IE Tools) the condition has gone away.
It appears that with some web pages or applications the phone number parser (the above .dll) can’t find an endstate to terminate its search of the web page.
This fix isn’t working guys. I’m having the same Win 7 issues as everyone else’s posts above.
Hy everyone !I,m using Skype from 3.8 version to 4.1.0.179 version.It,s working perfect.I have a HP laptop with integated camera.I allways do it all updates for Windows 7 and for laptop(bios).I never have had problems with Skype.I think it,s a problem of OS or settings for who have problems with Skype.
Hi thanx for de new devt/ i installed skype setup version 1.4.0.179. was successful but when i try to call my fellows on sykpe, i dont hear them, it tell me ‘unable to connect’. and fellows tell me i have a problem with my line. how can i rectify this. Dreke
Hello, I’m having problems with my Internet Explorer because of Skype. Every time I open internet it close the window becaouse IE is not working and then shows that some Skype-add is doing this…and I don’t know what to do. Please help me solve this problem.
Thanks
i downloaded skype a couple weeks ago and now my computer wont even work. for example im unable to connect to the internet when im not even using skype.
i downloaded skype a couple weeks ago and now my computer wont even work. for example im unable to connect to the internet when im not even using skype.
hey! I think your program blows goat testicles in my opinion. what kind of game show are u people running -the screw with peoples computers because were posers! karma will get’cha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello
I have problem with Spype in inter net Explor?
I have also a problem my PC frezz when i recived a messege sorry bad eng iam DK
For me; This version crashes IE7 using Windows 7 64 bits. I am so angry I wanna through the computer out the window…
On top of this Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 has to be installed with Logitech’s 64 bit version and this seems to crash Skype 4.1. My father has the same laptop and camera and it behaves the same. Skype freezes and the ringsignals just never stops unless you reboot the computer or kills the program in the task bar. This logitech camera is certified together with skype and skype’s 32bit version is certified with Windows 7 64 bit. But things are really a mess at this point. (01312010)
I even tried Skype 4.2 beta. I could not open the setup screen for the sound camera etc before skype crashed and I had to reboot the computer. Closing all skype software and logitech software in take manager/bar does not help, they wont startup properly again without rebooting… this is so so bad.
Hi, I have been using skype for a few months on windows 7. Now whenever I am on internet explorer, a message comes up that internet exporer has stopped working. It says that the problem is due to a Skype add-on. would you please help me with this problem.
Thanks
I have been using the latest Spype 4.1.179 on my Windows 7 64-bit. I also have the same problem with Internet Explorer popping up a message with Skype plug-in causing issues. Sometimes it crashes all instances of Internet Explorer and sometimes it just closes the current tab automatically. It was very fustrating.
I was able to get around the problem by uninstalling Skype plug-in module. Skype still works fine without the plug-in. This might help others with the same problem. Give it a try.
My Skype is freezing during making calls. I have used Version 4.1 and 4.2 Beta for last few weeks. There is no any change, after connection in few seconds my laptop PC is freeze and I need to make hard reset. I have Skype on my desktop PC and it is working fine.
My laptop is: IBM, ThinkPad, model: R40e, CPU 2.20GHZ, 500MB RAM, O/S Windows Home SP 3.
I have cleaned up memory and registry with CCleaner and Registry Mechanic. Memory usage with load Skype is under 20%, with Skype in calling mode under 60% and no other programs run. All other programs, including video and audio are working fine.
Is there anything that Skype will run well on my laptop PC?
Regards
Igor
P.S. Could you please send your answer on my email.
My logitech web cam clicksmat 420 can’t be configured because Skype freeze on video web cam configuration page
Humainevolution
My logitech web cam clicksmat 420 can’t be configured because Skype freeze on video web cam configuration page
Humainevolution
My logitech web cam clicksmat 420 can’t be configured because Skype freeze on video web cam configuration page
Humainevolution
My computer has crashed 2 times and wouldn’t restart because of Skype. I run with windows 7 64 bit. I have to run the windows repair dvd and restore the PC to a previous setting. I’m not sure I want to install Skype again because of of this.
Ok,so one reason i am soooooo mad is that i got thia computer for christmas and now feb.8,2010 and i use skype cause my cousin i talk to is in collage in italy and to talk to her i use skype same with if i want to talke to family or friends i havent seen in a littke bit so now (MY COMPUTER HAS A VIRUS!!!!!) from this stupid program and my video freezez up alot and some times when i am in the middle of video chatting it cutts me off and wont let me video chatt for a long time !!!! (FIX IT!!!)
Ok,so one reason i am soooooo mad is that i got thia computer for christmas and now feb.8,2010 and i use skype cause my cousin i talk to is in collage in italy and to talk to her i use skype same with if i want to talke to family or friends i havent seen in a littke bit so now (MY COMPUTER HAS A VIRUS!!!!!) from this stupid program and my video freezez up alot and some times when i am in the middle of video chatting it cutts me off and wont let me video chatt for a long time !!!! (FIX IT!!!)
My webcam has stopped working. I have Windows7. Those with Vista do not have this problem.
I used ur “hotfix” because windows said I’d skype problems & so diverted me to your site which then said 2 download hotfix 4.1. I did that & now my webcam wont work for video chats yet it was working perfectly earlier. Can you help me about this a.s.a.p. because I need to make a video call but can’t, yet the only reason I tried the hotfix was for a problem with skype stopping working with internet explorer & not because I’d webcam problems. Yet now thanks to this download I now have more problems than I started with. The exact explorer problem wasn’t listed but Im guessing it had something to do with the fact I only setup today for it to be able to dial website numbers etc & now Im very disappointed because I would rather have put up with that problem & just manually called website numbers instead of having my webcam stop working with video call. I would never have tried the hotfix if I’d known this would happen. Please help me about this.
Just to add to my comment above – I have Windows Vista Home Premium & my webcam now wont work for video chats. Please help as soon as possible.
I cannot use skype at the moment. Does anybody know about online problems?
I am running Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and my first attempt at solving the problem (IE freezes):
Completely Uninstall Skype – Problem of IE freezing is gone however no Skype!
Reinstall Skype w/o IE plugin – Problem of IE freezing is gone whenever skype is not running. As soon as I start Skype, within about 10 seconds IE will freeze.
I’ve been having problems with video (latest skype 4.1.0.179)sometimes not working on multiple PCs, XP, Vista and windows 7. However I’ve found if I close internet explorer windows then the video works.
I prefer firefox so not a disaster but not right I’m sure.
I have this problem too with IE stppingnwork when Skype is on.. I just ignore it, and make sure IE is shut down whn skype is running..
I think the problem is IE (microsoft) is being cut out of ADDVERT incomes by the Skype people, who don’t have enough financial clout to design thier own counterforce bug to combat Microsoft’s MSN mesenger.. I’m probably wrong with this theory, but there is a 50% chance I am not..
Albert Covemaeker
I constantly get an error with IE Explorer saying that the Skype ad-on has stopped working and is causing IE Explorer to shut down. I’m using Windows 7.
I also get a message when using Skype extras (games) that Skype extras has stopped working and needs to close. I then lose ability to use the extras. Using Windows 7.
Hey, I have a solution for those of you who have the skype internet explorer add-on problem.
While in Internet Explorer, you can go to tools and click “Skype add-on for Internet Explorer” and click uninstall, or you can click “Manage Add-ons” (also under tools), scroll down to “Skype add-on for Internet Explorer” and click disable.
This will not uninstall the add-on, but it should prevent it from closing your web browser.
Other options include using a different browser such as Firefox, or waiting until a new version of Skype comes out. They will have probably fixed the problem with the new version.
How come it’s taken 6 months for Skype to do nothing about these issues and not release a new version!!!
Okay, so my husband is out of country with the military. We both have the latest version of skype for windows. I am finding that anytime I make a call to him he answers the call but the call on my side keeps ringing. When it gets to that point I have to close down any programs including skype and actually restart my computer, as this is the only thing that will actually turn the ringing sound off. We try and type messages at that point and we get the little waiting circle and the message is then sent HOURS later. We try to make another call and the same process starts all over. Is anyone familiar with this and how do I fix it, any help will be great I miss seeing my husband!! This has happened on more than my computer (which is new, so old computer problems aren’t my issue) any computer I try this happens, one version is also on linux so that has not made a difference. Thanks
Ya know… I’ve tried your program four or five times, and every time i try it, it messes up my ability to stay connected with my wireless router. its bad enough that calls are cut off numerous times, and that there’s ALWAYS some kind of software (phishing, etc.) attatched to your downloads, but come on guys…quit messing the other stuff up on my machine! I know of only one person that isn’t having issues with this, and its only because he’s using an old version of windows.
thant you very mucht for skype
I have no response to any of my questions. Why?
thank you skype, i love you…..
I am forever getting IE has stopped working and shuts down. I’m using IE 8. And it says it is because of SKYPE. I don’t even have Skype running and it does this. Please help!
Hey Skype programers!
This is an interesting senario I am experiencing. I am running IE8 on XP Professional SP4. When I fire up Skype, Windows box pops up and tells me: Sorry Windows has experienced a problem and will have to shut down, sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused (like they care
. So after numerous try’s (100s), I went into ‘tool’, ‘internet opton’, ‘advance’, ‘browsing’ and TURNED OFF ‘ third-party browsing options. But still, windows is giving me the error message about …sorry…blah, blah, blah.
So, I turned off IE8 and fired up Firefox, its usually good to go, not today or any day re this matter. I fire up Skype in Firefox with IE8 disable and the damn windows message STILL pops up…sorry…
.
Skype programmers do you have anything new in your ‘Fix-It Tool Box’, because I have run out options. Until you find a fix, I will be be using ‘Google Voice’, I haven’t had any issues with them, nor have any one else I have spoken too, and the best part, is it is ‘FREE’.
I hope you can get this worked out soon, I was really digging Skype up until this recent developments with constant shutting down of windows. Again, hope you can get us an answer soon.
Best of luck!
I tried downloading skype after it stopped working on Windows 7 IE Explorer 8 and I removed the original program. The Download is almost complete when I get a message I don’t have a key and the download aborts. What to do?
I have updated to version 4.2.0.163 the newest I believe. Still have the same problem, my lifecam camera still freezes. Have windows 7 on a Imac. whta could the problem be. Is it skype or the pc. Thanks all.
this was helpful because i like skype and it was nice to know about the new skype
im lovin it..
I bought an HP computer with i3 processor, 4 GB and Windows 7 Home Premium Edition two months ago. After several attempts installing Skype 4.1 versions and now 4.2.xxx my conclusion is: Skype doesn’t work properly Windows 7. Menus, typing, video, all is extremely low in Skype and all other programs work fine.