Skype 4.2 for Windows Hotfix
Today we have released a hotfix for Skype 4.2 for Windows.
With this update release we have fixed a crash issue on video calls for users with some specific web-cameras.
We would recommend for everyone to upgrade to this version now. Start download.
We have also recently released a brand new version of Skype for public beta testing. Try it out.
Full release notes for 4.2.0.169 are:
Fixed issues:
* Skype crashed with some web-cameras when video calling, for example with Microsoft Lifecam Show and HP Elite Autofocus web-cam.
Known issues:
* Video may freeze on the other side in the following cases: two incoming calls at the same time > accept first call with video > accept second call with video while putting the first call on hold > hang up first call.
* After holding and resuming a Skype call the video quality may be degraded.
* Mobiola virtual camera software may cause Skype to cause problems with video when selected as a video source, or freeze during start-up.
Current solution: Uninstall Mobiola filter driver.
* High CPU usage on low-end computers during video calls when using a TouchCam N1 or Twincam encoding camera.
* In some rare cases when sending video from a Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000, the local preview may freeze. The other side will still receive video normally.
Current solution: Update video card drivers.
* Late switch to hardware video encoding when using TouchCam N1 or Twincam encoding cameras.
* The Skype video snapshots feature is not working on Windows XP SP3.
* The ASUS virtual webcamera remains open after terminating a video call.
Current Solution: Select the actual camera in Options->Video or uninstall the problematic virtual software.
* My Video Preview with ATI Rage series graphics cards, when using 16bit color depth, does not render picture correctly.
Current Solution: Use 32bit color depth.
* The microphones of the TouchCam N1 and Twincam encoding cameras generates CPU spikes in every 20 seconds that may result in lower video quality.
Current solution: Avoid using the encoding camera microphone.
* It rarely happens that calls are not successful when two users call each other at exactly the same time.
* The Call Quality Indicator shows a false error message that your webcam is in use by other application, even if it is not in use anymore. Ignore the message.
* Call Quality Indicator says "Medium" quality for a high quality video call with Logitech pro 9000 webcameras on both sides.
* Transferring a call to a phone contact and Skype user at the same time will cause the call to disconnect for the Skype user when the phone contact answers the call.
* Only one field change is saved when editing phone contacts.
Current solution: For saving more than one field, editing must be repeated.
* Netbooks with Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Graphics Chipset and Windows 7 can have problems when receiving large screen sharing resolutions beyond 1322 x 823.
Current solution: Set smaller screen sharing size.
* The Skype Access connection offering does not pop-up correctly when trying to connect to supported hotspot after starting Skype up.
Current solution: Connect to supported Wifi hotspot before running Skype.
* No warning message is being displayed when closing a conversation with the close button in compact mode.
* The automatic 'Away' status setting doesn't work if it has been set a long time ago.
Current solution: Change the auto away time in options to something else and then back.
* Browsing history is slow while running Jaws.
* Skype fails to detect some screen readers when they are started after running Skype. Workaround: restart Skype.
* Advanced Audio Options resets to Basic view if Tab is pressed while the Cancel button is chosen or if an audio device is moved to a different position in the device list.
* Users with screen readers may have problems noticing the new authorization requests in the Notification tab.
* Skype notifications about account changes can be delayed by a few hours.
* Skype browser plugins for Internet Explorer and Firefox ignore meta tag not to highlight phone numbers.
* When a user opens their web browser with no network connectivity, Skype displays an error message that SkypeNames.exe wants to use Skype. This happens when opening Firefox for the first time after installing Skype with the IE and Firefox add-ons.
* Skype's Firefox browser plugin can not be uninstalled from the Firefox Extensions panel on Windows Vista and 7.
Current solution: Uninstall Skype web features from Add or Remove programs dialogue.
* The Skype browser plugin highlights phone numbers and names while creating content on various popular websites.
Current solution: Disable Skype browser plugins on affected webpages.
* An error message appears when the Extras Manager is started while Adobe Flash Player is not installed.
Current solution: Install Adove Flash Player before opening Extras Manager.
* DailyMotion videos which have been added to a mood message are not being displayed to other contacts.
* The country drop down list in the call phones tab is not localized to Russian.
* Having "IM Magician" installed on your computer may cause Skype to crash.
Current solution:
* The High Quality Video logo sometimes flashed during a video call.
* Outgoing video froze when Skype raised the outgoing video quality.
* When on a video call to an Asus Videophone users, the local video preview sometimes froze and the other side saw a green still image after some time into call.
* Having "IM Magician" installed on your computer may cause Skype to crash.
Current solution: If you are affected by this issue then please uninstall "IM Magican" until the vendor provides patch for this issue.
* Netbooks can experience problems displaying some of the Skype windows.
* Certain graphical components may be misaligned when running Skype with a high graphics DPI setting.
augusto-cqb commented Friday, May 21
I updated my Skype to the 4.2 version and during the installation it presented a problem informing some kinds of exception and the process was stopped.
Then when Skype open all my contact list had disappeared, I recovered the contacts but many of them, including history seems to be vanished.
How can I get all my contacts and history back?
By the way, This Skype 4.2 version continues giving problems.
Thanks
Augusto
getuday commented Friday, May 21
I got to install the latest version 4.2 and it gives me cabinet files error and wouldn't install at all. So I'm forced to downgrade my version...!
Please put a file that can be download completely before installing, rather than downloading while installing... This would help many users in porting the exe file to other machines rather than having to download each time.
Cheers,
Holmes.
buswell commented Friday, May 21
In my case is not a "Skype crashed" but a "PC crashed". Skype, since 4 0 0 226 restart my PC (blue screen) when I try to use LifeCam VX-3000. No matter how many hotfixes you launch, the problem still remain.
asooner commented Sunday, May 23
After using Skype the night before, I found that Skype was no longer active on my system. So I downloaded Skype 4.2.0.169 yesterday. It worked fine. Today, I am receiving the following error message "Access violation at address 00404A84 in module Skype.exe. Read of address 24A2BOBC" and Skype will not work. Suggestions?
chaocy_hbc commented Sunday, May 23
This version 4.2 has issues for me. I can not make phone call to Taiwan and it drops my call and end skype auotmatically
derek.turner87 commented Monday, May 24
How do you except your new contacts? The Notifications thing is not accessible for this version. Where do I go to downgrade?
e.karsten2618 commented Monday, May 24
Got the latest version but when I check for updates it says update available, when I click on update nothing. ??
nagy.jozsef.balatonlelle commented Monday, May 24
Helló! Ahozzászólásom a következő lenne a számitógépem ugy van beállitva hogy állandóan fogadja az aktuális frissétéseket mégis a skype videó hivásnál azt észlelem ,hogy a videókép lassu vagy ugyis mondhatnám hogy kúszik mászik.beépitett kamerája van a laptopomnak ilyenkor mitlehet tenni?
valera_1984 commented Monday, May 24
buswell
BSOD don't depend directly on skype. Because drivers of your camera is bad. You may search "bad" driver and send minidump to Microsoft.
ЗЫ
Мелкомягкие обычно дрова в последнее время пишут нормальные, ну хз, кто-то прозевал в тестировании.
jon.roose1 commented Monday, May 24
I'm Skyping though a sony Vaio with built in web cam, ever since i loaded windows 7 my web cam doesn't work. It gives me incompatability error. Have re installed, updated drivers etc but no change. Anyone else having the same problems?
helpdesk.netherlands commented Tuesday, May 25
I decided to update Skype after the update warning but kept getting a 2738 install error. I disabled the IE plug-in install and the update installed to 4.2.0.169 but after the installation the computer stalls when using Skype. I uninstalled Skype completely and reinstalled it again. The update check keeps saying that there is a critical update to be installed.
mentorrick commented Wednesday, May 26
Though I updated Skype (including exiting the program & restarting my pc) and currently have the latest version according to your website, whenever I click on "Check for Updates" in the drop down window, it still says there is an updated version which is a "Major Release". Why is this and how do I correct this issue?
keleme commented Thursday, May 27
hi!
ich habe das gleiche problem wie mentorrick unter windows7.
ich denke,die letzte skype version 4.2.0.169 (updatefunktion) ist buggy!
lostdeadman commented Friday, May 28
I use the group IM quite a alot but when I logged on this morning my chats were really messed up. I would type in a message but instead of showing up at the bottom of the chat like it normally does it shows up in the middle of the chat with yesterdays messages in between todays...whats going on?
johnlouis.davy commented Saturday, May 29
althought i have version 4.2.0.169 when I "check for updates" the program comes back with "download a skype update", there is a major release!
steebop commented Saturday, May 29
I can't get to have the name recognition in my firefox window... I reinstalled skype on my computer... no changes. What is it I have to do... can you contact me on my account for that?? Please...
daveez54 commented Saturday, May 29
Hi I've just got a netbook with windows 7. I loaded 4.2 and I get a disc I/O error. I've tried all the suggestions in the forum and none work - back to msn unless someone knows how to resolve my problem. Thanks
sl600s commented Sunday, May 30
This version 4.2 has given me nothing but problems. I am unable to connect to any of my contacts. I have done all the troubleshooting as recommended with no success. This is very frustrating as I wanted to see my Son this weekend and had been notified by Skype that it will take at least18 hours for a response. The older version gave me no problems. What a disapointment.
katerina_stamou commented Monday, May 31
I cannot sign in to my account although I can sign in to this site. I can also log on to other accounts from my pc. What is wrong with my account? Please help!
katerina_stamou commented Monday, May 31
I cannot sign in to my account although I can sign in to this site. I can also log on to other accounts from my pc. What is wrong with my account? Please help!
alan.poulter commented Tuesday, Jun 1
My Father in-law has XP tried to load Skype but keep on getting error 1601. tried most of Yesterday with no luck no problem with my Windows 7.
How can I sort this out,I need help.
Thank youi
amedatman commented Tuesday, Jun 1
Okay, I'm running 4.2.0.169 and when I use the "Call Phones" feature, Skype crashes in both Windows XP SP2 and Windows 7. If I make the numbers into a contact, it is fine, and I can make the call no problem. I am calling both Canadian & USA phone numbers, both tool-free and private numbers to no avail. Re installation did not fix the problem either, using a fresh download. Any ideas???
stephanh1969 commented Wednesday, Jun 2
i have been using skype via rdp 6.1 connection. After returning to the pc, skype is really running on i din't get back the audio- and video-device to the local ones. In the drop-down-box only the rdp-devices get listed.
justinasalytus commented Thursday, Jun 10
I'm using window 7 proffesional and when i press X to close Skype window it only do same as minimizing Skype. Skype is not pined to taskbar.
sebastianz1983 commented Monday, Jun 14
I am seeing the same problem as justinasalytus and killerbeer. Is that intended to be like so now? In former versions when I clicked on Close (The "X" inside the title bar), Skype was minimized to the tray icon. But now it's having the same functionality as clicking on Minimize (The "_" inside the title bar), so it's also shown inside the task bar.
Instead of changing this behavior the problem with the disappearing tray icon should be finally fixed for Windows XP!
david.wells commented Wednesday, Jun 16
I'm seeing the same problem as amedatman. Skype 4.2.0.169 running on fully up to date version of XP pro. Every time I try to use the Call phones window and type in the phone number it crashes skype. The call attempt get made and I can hear the other end respond but by then there is a window saying that skype has failed and closing that allows skype to restart.
I have not tried creating a contact and using that.
I have re-installed skype and it appeared to cure the problem and I could make calls. However, after the machine has been re-started the problem is back.
lynn.ramsey4 commented Thursday, Jun 17
i to just installed skype 4.2 after having the old version for many years. now skype will not work at all. all the fixs on line have failed to do anything to correct this. give me back my old spype.
pickapicko commented Thursday, Jun 17
I downloaded the latest skype and my friend invited me to do a game with him. When I clicked the link it said 'Please Download Skype Extras Manager'. How do i get this?
dhgbrown commented Friday, Jun 18
I need a skype full offline setup download link because my ISP is blocking the skype setup application. Please make the full install available!!
peterparkes commented Saturday, Jun 19
@dhgbrown you can get the full installer here – hope that helps 
robloc commented Sunday, Jun 20
I am sure this comments does not fit skype policy, however I want to send it again. The version 4.2.xxx is a mess, sorry for developpers. The interface is confusing, unclear and looks like that instead of improving the performance make the service worse. I have already sent comments like this, the result is that skype policy of upgrading from previous versions to 4.2 became more agrresive. The installations starts without permission. The version 3.8 is very stable and performant (I am an enthusiastic skype user for more that seven years). Please stop with this boring useless version 4.2
Thanks
Robloc
righteousjude commented Sunday, Jun 20
Hello All,
**To the Admins, Please consider NOT deleting this Post. This Information IS NOT an "Advertisement for a Web Site".**
Rather, this Public Service Post could make Skype work for those persons needing the "older versions" of Skype for their PC's, due to Various Technical Reasons.
As a Public Service, note that there is a Free Website here: (Norton Trusted and Scanned as Safe, no Spyware or Malware Found): http://filehippo.com/download_skype
cleiza.pontes commented Tuesday, Jun 22
ola tentei conctar-me skpe ontem para minha supresa o skype voltou hoje estou sem gostaria de sua atenção sou uma senhora não tenho pratica quero ajuda se possivel
mike.vanecek commented Wednesday, Jun 23
Where can I download 4.2.0.166?
Ever since installing 169 I have been getting
Event Type: Error
Event Source: Application Error
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1000
Date: 6/23/2010
Time: 8:16:33 AM
User: N/A
Computer: MAINXP
Description:
Faulting application skype.exe, version 4.2.0.169, faulting module skype.exe, version 4.2.0.169, fault address 0x000ef1ac.
For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
Data:
0000: 41 70 70 6c 69 63 61 74 Applicat
0008: 69 6f 6e 20 46 61 69 6c ion Fail
0010: 75 72 65 20 20 73 6b 79 ure sky
0018: 70 65 2e 65 78 65 20 34 pe.exe 4
0020: 2e 32 2e 30 2e 31 36 39 .2.0.169
0028: 20 69 6e 20 73 6b 79 70 in skyp
0030: 65 2e 65 78 65 20 34 2e e.exe 4.
0038: 32 2e 30 2e 31 36 39 20 2.0.169
0040: 61 74 20 6f 66 66 73 65 at offse
0048: 74 20 30 30 30 65 66 31 t 000ef1
0050: 61 63 0d 0a ac..
awl100 commented Thursday, Jun 24
I have exactly the same problem as amedatman and david.wells. Why after years has this bug that crashes Skype appeared. Running on fully up to date XP and latest version of Skype 4.2.0.169. How on earth was the product released without testing this functionality? I have been suffering with this bug for about a month or so...
jacob.ramirez3 commented Thursday, Jun 24
i don't want to download skype 4.2.0.169 because it might freeze my computer
aanicesmile commented Saturday, Jun 26
HELP PLS if somebody has a solution or faced the same problem
When i am signing in , skype signs in then all of a sudden it signs out by itself
i am using version 3.8 and i dont want to update because i like this version, how can you help me pls
i am using windows 7
chinwag87 commented Monday, Jun 28
I am running WIndows 7 64-bit and all of a sudden Skype completely stops working after signing in only hours later after using is previously! I have tried downloading and installing 4.2, and the new 5.0 Beta, nothing works. Same problem every time. I have checked my firewall settings, they are fine. I have even tried disabling Skype permission in the firewall, restarting the computer and then re-enabling it again in the firewall, and have also done multiple uninstall, restart, and then install again. I have all the latest Windows updates installed aswell and have updated all my system drivers manually myself. Does not work for Windows 7!!!
chinwag87 commented Monday, Jun 28
I forgot to mention that I am using a Toshiba A200 laptop... don't know if it's relevant or not, but I'll include it anyway.
tifflets commented Tuesday, Jun 29
This version of Skype keeps on crashing for me. I can log in to view my contacts, but when I click the group conversation that spans on for days, skype crashes.
I have tried 1 to 1 conversations and it works, but group conversations fail me.
acwomble1 commented Tuesday, Jun 29
skype out is falling after upgrade and after reinstall. It crashes or give an access violation right after I dial.
ravi.k.rao commented Thursday, Jul 1
Crash! Crash! Crash!
And all you guys did was fixed "one" issue!!
Why am I even sticking to skype?
larry.kiehl commented Thursday, Jul 1
I'm using 4.2.0.169 and when I use the "Call Phones" function Skype crashes (Windows XP SP2). If I make a call from my Contacts list it works fine. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling. No go. I've tried uninstalling and installing an earlier version (3.8.0.139), and it automatically updates me back to v4.2. What's the deal?
h.sanyi78 commented Saturday, Jul 3
For me is too. I have the 4.2.0.169 and endless crashes.
The old versions not work, after install they upgrade immediately.
Somebody knows what is the solution. . . 
((
martin.panayotov commented Sunday, Jul 4
Skype 4.2 is very slow. I am a computer expert, I have 4gb ram/ core 2 duo with Win7.. and it is verrry slow.. I am downgrading now.
fst911 commented Saturday, Jul 10
I am using a USB B2K Telbox with a Panasonic Dect phone system. After installing the new 4.2, Skype shuts down after every Dect call is made or received. It also shuts down after listening to voicemail on the computer. I now have to restart Skype after every call. Solutions?
lorraine.mccloud commented Sunday, Jul 11
Has anyone found a solution to STOP Skype from crashing? I have done everything the Skype help tells you to do and still it crashes!
playmarketinguk commented Monday, Jul 12
I have a major issue which I think cannot see listed. Sometimes skype does not select the correct audio device when I answer a call even if it is available and I have to quickly go into settings to correct it so I can hear the caller.
giazint71 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Dear sirs! I use for a long time your service and is very happy with work SKYPE. But, to my affliction, yesterday communication with you has for some reason stopped. Please, help me to reestablish communication with you and with my correspondents under my login giazint71 I thank in advance.
lordadam81 commented Monday, Jul 19
Im having a major problem with my camera ever since i upgraded 4.2.0.169 everytime i turn the cam on to chat ,it freezes and when i try to turn it off the light stays on and the only way to turn it off is to restart the computer ,this sucks ,the old version never gave me problems like this before ,help please since thats the only way i can see and talk to my family .
peter.datasoft commented Wednesday, Jul 21
Confirm what others reported: 4.2.0.169 "Call Phones" feature crashes Skype on *all* our fully up-to-date Windows XP machines here, generating the same error message mike.vanecek pasted above. Downgrading to 4.2.0.169 eliminates this.
ajl.asl commented Wednesday, Jul 21
when i try to install it says error connecting to skype download network so i cant even install it all even the full download and beta wont connect
alexvladandra commented Thursday, Jul 22
It is annoying!!
Every time i update my skype version, it finishes the download and then when it's time to sign in it tells me that it encountered a problem and it needs to close.
It's the same with the Beta version...
Every time i want to open skype i need to install the last version, cause the last update is downloaded automatically...
HEEEELP MEEE!! It is making me maaaaad...
sargar25 commented Tuesday, Jul 27
This latest version has multiple bugs so had to delete it. Where are older versions that worked fine. I am on a new asus laptop and this is the only program that does not work consistently. Warning to others. Find an older version.
suninozzi commented Wednesday, Jul 28
I have skype for some time. I upgraded my computer, then lost all my contacts. I resigned in, now I don't get the main screen on my computer, the one that you can call your skype contacts on. I also have credit that I cannot use. Please help me as I am not very computer literate. I await your reply urgently. thanks
rg.papp commented Thursday, Jul 29
someone ask for older versions ..try here > http://www.filehippo.com/download_skype/
I cant seem to change my status. I even did a complete clean install. The video options just spins and spins. nothing wrong with my connection.
Skype status should be a separate/stand a lone option
paulinesims commented Wednesday, Aug 4
I've had to go back to version 3.8.0.188 to restore the use of my video camera without Skype crashing my computer.
What terrible support from Skype, thank God for filehippo!!!!!
rfrigot commented Friday, Aug 6
Skype no longer closes to system tray in this version. Pressing the close "x" merely minimises the window. To get window to close or leave the taskbar, I have to quit Skype. Please fix!
robathome5725 commented Wednesday, Aug 11
Have they put speed dial back in yet so my Blue Box will work. Reduced the amout of processing power skype needs to run so it will work on older PC's. Or do our comments just fall on deaf ears. Version 2.5 worked great for me all I want to do is make a phone call.
tinngruvev14 commented Friday, Aug 13
Version 3.8 works with set speed dial numbers and skypemate.
Ever since, I have tried upgrades, and needed to reinstall the 3.8 version.