Skype 4.0 Gold for Windows
By
Raul on February 2, 2009 in General, Skype for Windows.
Today is the day. Skype 4.0 for Windows becomes the production version of Skype.
Our engineers have been working long days and nights over the last two and a half years to make 4.0 a reality. Peter has written a bit about the early days of 4.0 and the beta period.
We recommend that everyone upgrades to Skype 4.0. Start downloading now.
I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the 4.0 beta version over time. Every single one of you who has submitted forum posts and issue reports in Jira, which has helped us considerably to find out what you think about it and what needed improving. Then secondly I'd like to thank all our closed beta testers who have been using 4.0 since the early days and who have given us an enormous amount of feedback on the alpha versions, plus hundreds of bug reports.
Please continue letting us know what you think about Skype 4.0 for Windows or other products through forums, and continue to report issues in Jira.
Today's release resolves a long list of issues and brings lots of final polish. Unfortunately it has also few known issues, which may affect some users.
See the release notes on our Developer wiki or view our new release document (PDF).
Enjoy using Skype ;)





Comments
Just installed 4.0 on two machines. Just called Switzerland from the US:
--Sound is superb
--Video was very good (Cable at one end, ADSL at the other)
--The user interface is much cleaner and much clearer
Great Job
Philippe Meyer 2/4/2009
philippesyma | Wednesday, Feb 4
Still no contact sending feature?
c'mon, guys..
zeakn1 | Thursday, Feb 5
They messed up the history bad. I can not delete selected IMs and/or save selected IMs. It is an all or nothing automated approach. While having the capability to automaticly purge history (or not) is a nice feature, removing the capability to do it manually is a un-necessary loss.
dcbohn | Thursday, Feb 5
Have tried R4 on two laptops ... one with Vtech 7100 USB phone and the other with webcam and UConnect V901. Neither USB phone works as designed through the R4 API:
7100 status shows Skype "not connected" and reloading all software does not fix the problem.
V901 always links to old called number instead of connecting with new dialed Skypeout number and lack of access to sound device switching through the "headphone" logo under call quality in R3 is a serious omission in R4
Only way to fix problems was to revert to R3 ... HELP!
fthomas5699 | Friday, Feb 6
Have the same problem with Vtech 7100 - hope someone has a fix.
david-c-wills | Sunday, Feb 8
I just upgraded my Skype to 4.0 version. I have a problem reading different dates. Instead of showing my contacts birthdays or dates of IM`s, calls etc, it shows different symbols. I set Skype to English language. I could not find the answer to my question in FAQ. Does anyone had the same problem?
elinaelsberga | Sunday, Feb 8
I have the same problem with USB7100, would really appreciate a fix for this, as it's probably a simple thing to do. Looking forwar to start enjoying 4.0
benny280 | Monday, Feb 9
Way to take a bow for your production but you are far too early and bold!
VTech 7100 no longer works on XP.
Your non-existent support will not return requests. It has been 4 days since i received my usual 24 hour later response but they seem to have flaked off.
Why do you ask for kudos and not tell all that certain VOIP phones will no longer work?
Skype is not ready for prime time as a serious threat to "real" phones.
I had to roll back a version.
You guys have not learned a thing.
danpritchard | Monday, Feb 9
What about Skype webcam with Windows Vista? I have been trying for 2 days to get it to work. Any suggestions?
paula.vossler | Tuesday, Feb 10
Confirmed! Vtech 7100 doesn't work with Skype 4.0
Reverted back to Skype 3.0 for now.
sushmavm | Wednesday, Feb 11
Skype 4.0 does not work with the VTech USB7100 driver under XP Home SP3 ...message reads something like 'no VoIP client running' ... USB can't 'see' Skype running I guess... tried uninstall / reinstall of VTech and searching for a newer version (latest is 2.17)...no dice.
No info on VTech site either...how can the phone be Skype certified if it doesn't work?
Solution: Searched and pulled down an archived version of Skype 3.8.0.188 and uninstalled 4.0 ...then reloaded 3.8... everything fine...go figure!
I was off the air from Friday last week until Monday (no one called me, I wonder why?) because neither software program issued an error message (accept for the error message in the window of the phone when you call out) ...both programs boot at startup...if one couldn't find the other, you'd think it would generate an error condition with a visible dialog message.
robert.pilkey | Thursday, Feb 12
Look I am from Bulgaria and of course everybody use Skype here but I downloaded Skype 4 Beta and I had a problem sometimes when somebody wanted to write me Skype send me a massage that there is an error or that Skype can't create a region I don't know what means that so I'll be glad to know the answer...now I am with Skype 4 from may be week but it still made errors ...all of my friends use Skype 3.8 but I like 4 more and I want to keep it but if I still have this errors I'll have no choise and I have to down-grade to 3.8...Before few minutes I remove it from my laptop and downloaded it again I hope that this time everything is going to be OK
tonito1989 | Friday, Feb 13
I am steamed about the 4.0 version. It appears as if skype is doing an end run on the VOIPVoice uconnect. There are no speed dial numbers for using my VOIPVoice uconnect V901M. The calls revert the the prior call. The number pad screen remains up after the call. The call does not seem to terminate as it should. How do I get rid of it and return to skype 3.8?
markmtucker | Saturday, Feb 14
Hello,
I hope that when accessibility comes back, the file receiving dialog will be useful with tab again, and not only by some screen readers, clicking the "save as..." button. All functions from Skype must be perfectly accessible via keyboard to be used by some screen reading programs still in development, like the free NVDA, for example. Anyway, thanks for the www.skype.com/go/getskype-accessibility, which should be a little more published in the main page, for people who will learn to use Skype for the first time and haven't found the release notes. Besides that, Skype 4's voice quality is great! Thanks for the good work there, and keep going!
André Baldo
supermalavox | Saturday, Feb 14
I am using Win XP Pro SP2 with Zone Alarm Pro firewall, NOD32 antivirus all with latest updates. Skype update from working version 3.8.0.188 to version 4.0.0.206 failed with code 1603. Older version is uninstallled. I followed all suggestions from Skype support thread related "error code 1603" but without success. Removed all Skype related files/folders from all partitions and all Skype references from registry. Pluginmanager.msi file not found on the computer and in the registry. Could not install several older versions. I am kindly asking for help/support to install Skype back, preferably the latest version.
yul711 | Sunday, Feb 15
I have the same issue. Computer running XP Pro SP3, Kaspersky antivirus. Downloaded the upgrade, V 4.0X to a temp file and it could not then be run. Dialog unable to be recognized by Windows XP Pro, according to the message I got. Please help.
debraes | Thursday, Feb 19
I have the same issue as well. Most frustrating. My vtech Voip will not run with Skype 4, so I will follow Robert Pilkey's idea of uploading the older version... would have been nice to know this before I subscribed to Unlimited packages. Hope they still work on the older version. Come on Skype, sort this out for us as I don't think many of us would like to start buying new usb phones.
ballyclogher | Friday, Feb 20
There's no skypeme status anymore how do I get that again
americanmustang78 | Saturday, Feb 21
I too am getting the error message "The older version of Skype 4.0 cannot be removed" when trying to upgrade from 3.8 to 4.0. It upgraded fine on my home PC, but on my laptop (running Windows XP Professional, Version 2002, Service Pack 3) it isn't working. I use Skype quite extensively for work and this error has literally shut me down. I also tried to uninstall Skype altogether and this failed as well saying it couldn't find the skype.msi file for this version and I tried, but can't find any skype.msi file on my computer either. Is there a solution for this problem? Can any body help?
manjeri.gupta | Saturday, Feb 21
You should have given a choice! Hate the new skype and all the new fees! I will roll back to other version if you haven't eliminated that one!
terri.davis | Saturday, Feb 21
On first impression I liked version 4. However, I very quickly realized that my Vtech 7100 phone (which is an amazingly problem free phone) will not work with the new version. When I attempt to use the phone, I get the message'NO VOIP CLIENT RUNNING'. It seems like this should be an easy fix but I cannot find any assistance to fix this problem.
(I have Vista and for once it does not seem to be Vista that is causing the problem). I did a system restore and went back to 3.8 and this solved the problem. Foolishly, I tried again to install version 4 and got exactly the same problem...have to do another system restore...
reg.bellefontaine | Sunday, Feb 22
pleases help me..... i have just download skype 4.0 while i open skype and call to echo123 for testing mic and sound after that the skype turn off immediately. so i try to login again i chat with echo123 for 5 seconds after that everything turn off immediately.
anyone please help me.
tonx99 | Sunday, Feb 22
I would like to know if this phone work with the new skype version
"GE Skype DECT 6.0 2". I have the vtech usb7100 but it's not working with the version 4.0.0.206
Regards,
chomdang | Tuesday, Feb 24
Can someone please help me i deleted the early version of skype and wanna install the new version 4 . But it gives the error code 1603 , and it tells it the early version is still on the PC . I checked everything and i couldn't find something . Can someone please help me i need the skype all days it's linked to my webshop . And now no body can reach me . I use XP Pro service pack 3 . Can you please send me an answer to secret-fantasyland@telenet.be . Or is here a technical number of skype ? Technical service ??
secret-fantasyland | Wednesday, Feb 25
I also can't install an early version anymore .
secret-fantasyland | Wednesday, Feb 25
Or is there someone who can help me to put the eraly version back ??
secret-fantasyland | Wednesday, Feb 25
I also have a vtech 7100 that no longer works "no voip client running". Is there a fix?
john.graham709 | Friday, Feb 27
Same problem, vtech 7100 no longer works with the latest upgrade.
At a minimum, testing should have made sure all current devices would still work before making a general release. Talk about amateur hour. Can't believe a patch can't be created quickly.
rosy.eric | Saturday, Feb 28
Same problem, vtech 7100 no longer works with the latest upgrade.
At a minimum, testing should have made sure all current devices would still work before making a general release. Talk about amateur hour. Can't believe a patch can't be created quickly.
rosy.eric | Saturday, Feb 28
The latest version crash for me over and over again. I typically have to try the call 2 or three times before I can make the call without it crashing.
Below is an example for the log file.
Faulting application Skype.exe, version 4.0.0.206, time stamp 0x49819a87, faulting module MRSystem.dll_unloaded, version 0.0.0.0, time stamp 0x48a4c875, exception code 0xc0000005, fault offset 0x09e71080, process id 0x1654, application start time 0x01c99a841d30d570.
(Windows Vista 64bit - 4G RAM)
mjt1962 | Sunday, Mar 1
Hello,
I couldn't download the new Skype because the old Skype was on my computer. I got rid of it and now i am getting the error code #1603. How do I fix it. I depend on Skype to make travel plans and need it available as soon as possible!!
mander_mi | Sunday, Mar 1
Hello,
I downloaded and installed Skype 4.0. It immediately crashed my Windows XP.
Notice - I even did not yet try to place a call or chat!
After reboot when Skype started (configured to start automatically) - crashed again. After next reboot - crashed again. I had to revert to v. 3.8 which works flawlessly. I will wait for stable release - just impossible to use this one.
I use Windows XP Media Center Edition, have latest SPs etc.
iblyuss | Monday, Mar 2
I downloaded V4 on my Windows XP SP2 system. It crashes immediately after logging in. In the event browser, applications the following message is given:
Faulting application skype.exe, version 4.0.0.206, faulting module skype.exe, version 4.0.0.206, fault address 0x003e0d30.
robertb0311 | Wednesday, Mar 4
Using Vista Business 32 bit. Get error message 1603 when installing Version 4, have tried the fixes as suggested but do not have the required plug-in. Any ideas?
klang64 | Friday, Mar 6
Version 4 has same situation with Skypal t-20...doesn't work. So I purchased a Skypemate (eTrust). Version 4 failed with it too.
Reverted to Skype Version 3.0.0.218 and that works with Skypal (didn't try it with Skypmate.)
There also appears to be an incompatibility between Version 4.0 and the USB ports (Intel 82801 w/ Intel BIOS). I removed the Microsoft drivers and tried Intel drivers Skype 4 wouldn't work with those either in either the "Generic USB Audio" or Default Win-XP audio port mode. (OS = Win-XP Home w/SP-2).
pj
pmhjr2 | Friday, Mar 6
In 4 i cannot delete selected history entries. Everything or nothing.Give us posibility to remove whwt we want to remove, please.
stonoga58 | Saturday, Mar 7
I "upgraded" with the "Help"/"Check for Updates" procedure from Skype 3.8 to Skype 4.0 on a Windows XP machine with SP3. Skype crashed immediately when trying to place a call. Tried different configuration options with the same result.
Uninstalled Skype 4, run CCleaner and reinstalled. Basically the same result but now the crash came consistently after a short while regardless of trying to make a call...
Will try to revoke to version 3.8 - wish me luck!
Ver 4 looks nice though!
cml.ablona | Sunday, Mar 8
the program looks really good. all the tech stuff is working good so far, everything seems pretty well.
but there was one favorite feature that made me go back to 3
THERE IS NO SKYPEME.
and i really liked that feature, not updating till its back though..
bu50.88 | Sunday, Mar 8
USB 7100 finally workes with the updated version 4.0.0.215 now available for download on the skype homepage.
Good job!!
benny280 | Saturday, Mar 14
USB 7100 finally works with the updated version 4.0.0.215 now available for download on the skype homepage.
Good job!!
benny280 | Saturday, Mar 14
What happened to "skypeme"? thats the reason im using skype!
jnpkwan | Sunday, Mar 15
im having problems changing my wallpaper/background the is no change option, and also i cant minimise to the notification tray im a windows person
james.ashworth666 | Wednesday, Mar 18
Confirmed!!! 4.0.0.216 works fine with the USB7100 phone. My initial informal testing indicates the sound is, in fact, a little better than with 3.8x. All features of the USB7100 work as before on the XP Pro box I use as a Web/FTP/Skype server. My main box is Vista Ultimate x64 but I rarely Skype from there so I haven't got around to testing the new driver yet.
I have several big complaints about the 7100... unreliable buttons requiring several presses... almost unreadable screen, especially when the backlight goes out... etc, but I guess we were too quick to fault VTech over the Skype 4 compatibility issue. Turns out the Skype team broke legacy handset connectivity, and all VTech had to do was wait for Skype developers to fix it. Also, with the info in this thread about the Vista compatible driver, my four 7100 handsets look to be useful for at least a few more years.
That said... c'mon VTech... we shouldn't have to dig so hard for answers. If one of your divisions (Canada) has the Vista driver we are looking for... TELL US! Put it on your main driver web page for the 7100. If you don't really want to support Vista, then just post a disclaimer with the download that it is unsupported and "at your own risk" or that not all features work properly. If a new version of Skype prevents the driver from working properly and you are waiting for the Skype team to fix it... don't keep us all in the dark. Just a simple note on the driver or product page for the phone telling us that early Skype 4 versions aren't working but that later ones will would keep us all happy.
greenmr | Thursday, Mar 19
I saw earlier on that there were problems with deleting History in v4.
Is anything going to be done about it?
The help pages still refer to Show History, Right click and then select delete,
BUT if there is no delete option when you right click on an entry how the h**l are you supposed to delete anything in the history??!!!!
kevandeb | Friday, Mar 20
I am trying to install the latest version but i am getting the error code #1603. Can anybody tell my whats wrong?
medek61 | Sunday, Mar 22
I installed the new version, and it seemed that everything was perfect, very good sound, excellent video but I had to turned off my notebook and when I initializate skype again there's no more camera!!! This version can not found by it self my webcam I already installed the program twice and when I just installed it the camera works fine, but if I shout down the computer, it doesn't work again... any body has had this problem? How can I go back to the last version?
jessica.cordova777 | Monday, Mar 23
I installed new 4x version - worked fine for a few days - Now will not let me sign into Skyle. Tried 3x but no joy there either...
get the following windows report:
Problem caused by Skype
This problem was caused by Skype, which was created by Skype Technologies SA. There is no solution for this problem at this time.
work333 | Tuesday, Mar 24
i saw somebody else asking about Skype Me status. i also want to know if 4.0 has this option 4 status and if it´s yes, how to put it.pls answer
renoval1 | Saturday, Mar 28
I'm hoping that soon there will be an update with the possibility of manually erasing selected history entries, like it was before. You can have dozens of reasons to want that, but mainly, it is just annoying that you update for what is supposed to be a better version and end up loose some capabilities.
jmsfonseca | Sunday, Mar 29
TEXT SIZE ADJUSTING FOR IM:
How can I adjust the text size in IM? I have my monitor resolution settings set so my default text is small but I often increase the size within firefox or IE by typing CTRL+ or by Shift trackball. I cannot do the same with Skype IM. Is there another way to increase the font size in Skype IM window? Can this be included in future releases please?
pwzanoni | Wednesday, Apr 1
The new version does not seem to generate DTMF tones, or they are too short to be picked up by the responding servers (conference call facilities, airlines, etc). Is there a solution for this probelm for XP users? If not, how can I revert back to the earlier software version which did not have this problem?
camialis | Wednesday, Apr 1
I have to quit Skype v.4, while you lost some options available in v.3 (see earlier comments). I'll be back as soon as you repair it.
wpiller | Friday, Apr 3
Subject: Installation Error 1603
Hello,
I cannot install v4.0, in fact any version except v3.1. I have XP Home SP3. The installation error is the infamous 1603, cannot remove old version xxx, where xxx in always the new version number I try to install, and not the previous version number. I even deleted all entries "skype" from the registry and rebooted before a new install of v4.0. The only version I can re-install and use is v3.1.0.150. Please help!
Lani Oncescu
lanioncescu | Saturday, Apr 4
Hey All , I have version 4.0.0.206 it seams to be working fine with the only problem being , that it shuts down the video after 20 - 30 mins any ideas ?
wolfden62 | Sunday, Apr 12
Hello everyone...
I am using 4.0.0.206, and it is constantly losing the history. It seems that every 3rd or 4th time I sign in (due to a restart or whatever), Skype shows limited history entries or nothing at all. This forces me to sign into my Skype account on a DIFFERENT computer and to download all my calls/vociemail/etc on that machine in order to retrieve everything.
Is there a setting somewhere I have yet to find which is causing this, or is it a problem with 4.0.0.206? The previous version NEVER lost my history even once.
This is a pain in the rear. I need to be able to see my history for business purposes, and to be able to go back and listen to voice mails as well.
Any ideas?
Thanks
todd_madsen | Tuesday, Apr 14
Hi. Somehow can not delete my history. in settings are written "do not keep history" but I can see the history of chats in any case. Any help ?
Thanks in advance.
dariuxm | Wednesday, Apr 15
I've just upgraded to v4 but no Skype Me mode. Why not that was all part of the fun of using Skype? I'm going back to the old version until v4 has it.
karenhey1 | Wednesday, Apr 15
hi, same DTMF issue with V4.
javierv05 | Thursday, Apr 16
By now, Skype should have realised that many, many Skype users need to edit and manage their Call History and not have the only option to 'delete the complete history' or leave it intact. It is puzzling to try to understand the mind set of the technicians who praise themselves for years of work and actually remove real personal editing tools from a core function and think this is progress.
Is it something to do with E-bay threatening to sell off the company by an IPO because there is some conflict concerning the possible buy back by Skype ?
jbmccarthy | Thursday, Apr 16
Hello skype team !
congratulation, nice product, great !
just want to say that
my skype 4.00.206 on Win XP
don't seem to make any DTMF sound when clicking
on the virtual phone keyboard.
Thanks in advance for the patch,
regards,
Philippe.
belgiummahieuphilippe | Wednesday, Apr 22
error code 1603,nothink is working.. need skype day in day out.. Please HELP! Im desperet
michal.iva | Wednesday, Apr 29
In this new version there is no SKYME, i miss it will we be getting a new one soon.
socajam | Friday, May 1
In this new version there is no SKYME, i miss it will we be getting a new one soon.
socajam | Friday, May 1
In this new version there is no SKYME, i miss it will we be getting a new one soon.
socajam | Friday, May 1
jus downloa skype 3.8..it still has skype me and the whole it has problems is bullshit...ive been using it forever and i dont have any problems so i dont see why anyone else does!!
angel_stars17 | Monday, May 4
jus downloa skype 3.8..it still has skype me and the whole it has problems is bullshit...ive been using it forever and i dont have any problems so i dont see why anyone else does!!
angel_stars17 | Monday, May 4
I was having the same problems with Dialpad Tones / DTMF in version 4. I found that when I turned the call volume very low by putting the slider to about 1/4 or less or if I muted the call and then opened the dialpad and entered numbers, the tones were recognized more often. There seems to be a problem with the tones echoing back if the volume is set too high. They could probably fix this by adding some extra echo cancellation while sending DTMF.
midnightscientist | Tuesday, May 5
Hay i can't find the skypeme status anymore on version 4.I suresly do switch to older version.this version sucks.why it is not there anymore
hashen.perera | Saturday, May 9
No Skypeme in the online status or anywhere else for that matter.... What's the deal with that? Haven't noticed any improvement in either video or sound either for that matter. Will have to try and find a file for the older version until Skypeme makes a reappearance I guess, Half the attraction of Skype was meeting new people from around the world, but now you have to use the rubbish search engine and guess names.... I might as well be using MSN
jay.warner | Tuesday, May 12
SkypeMe: Why would I even want to use Skype if I have no one else to talk to? most users are offline--everyone whos posted a comment here is offline, whats the point.
xenosilvano | Sunday, Jun 28