Skype 4.1 hotfix for Windows

By Raul on September 3, 2009 in Skype 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

View blog reactions

Comments

Hi, I just upgrade to 4.1.0.166, when signing in it shows "disk i/o error....", please advice, thank you.

I'm a bit disappointed the accessibility issues were too small to mention in the actual blog post. I'm glad the entire list of fixed issues was included though. Accessibility is important my friends. Thank you.

BTW, I'll be interested in seeing if some dialpad keyboard issues were resolved but not included on the list.

My apologies for "disappointed" comment. I thought this was someone else's blog about Skype rather than a blog posted by you folks at Skype. Sorry 'bout that.

The accessibility enhancements are definitely appreciated and needed. Please keep them coming.

hi your so called hotfix stopped my webcam from working, it say it is not streaming in the correct format, it was working fine this morning till i downloaded the upgrade, now i cant chat to my family in england, please try and fix this problem asap, others are having problems as well.......

hmm, sorry, but this does not seem to have solved the video issue. the freeze now just takes longer to occur! Anyone else having this problem?

Video freezing problem not fixed

Video freesing with logitech quickcams not fixed.. Could be it takes 2-3 mins instead of 30 secs before it occur..

I have 2 vista machines (desktop and laptop) both have the same issues with poor quality sound and video making skype unusable. until mid august we had no issues with either machine other than the occasional drop out which I put down to bandwidth issues rather than skype issues. the really frustrating thing was the two hours I spent working on the problem today which was followed by a succesful call to Austria which was then truncated by a recurrance of the problem. get your act together guys and sort this asap

update to post above - I have applied the hotfix to my laptop but still have the same issues no time to waste o desktop at the moment

update to post above - I have applied the hotfix to my laptop but still have the same issues no time to waste on desktop at the moment

Previously using 4.0.x version with Trackercam as the driver for my DV camera. Upgraded to 4.1 and outbound video would freeze. Regression fixed the problem.

Applied this patch. Used direct DV interface instead of Trackercam. Much improved video but outbound video would still freeze after 1-3 minutes. Regression fixed the problem. When everything was working, the experience was enhanced, but the freeze still happened.

I was previously using skype version 4.0 with no problems when recently the video would freeze on a call. I upgraded to 4.i and the problem still remains.

Il mio problema è che non ci si vede contemporaneamente come fare? La versione 4.1 non ha l'opzione Enable skype video.

when the new version is schedule to be release with all the anti spam goodies?

Hey guys, video calls worked fine until about a week ago. I could screen share, talk, do everything, now it is crashing on a new dell laptop (purchased september 4th) that it worked fine on. I have a logitech cam like some other users, i just dont get why it went from working to not working...

Video freezes with my MS LifeCam VX-3000. Skype 4.1.0.166.

Windows XP Home SP3, Celeron 2.93 GHz, 1GB RAM

downloaded it, tried to upgrade, error 1603, then tried to uninstall, won't let me uninstall, error 1603, then i used a better uninstaller, STILL error 1603.. now I tried to download it, error 1603... then i tried to download your fix #2 from 2007, error 1603... NOW I found your Sept 09 fix #3... ERROR 1603!!!!!!! this is a BUNCH OF BALONEY!

thank goodness I never put any money into it - it drops calls (the few times I made them) and has all kinds of glitches. Bye, SKYPE

PIECE of crap- your stupid program ruined my camera too now! I cannot use my camera and it won't even let me uninstall my camera and reinstall it, let alone SKYPE- your company is extremely irresponsible for adding people's programs to your crappy program without one's knowledge, that does NOT work, no matter what update you have.

I WILL blog about this so NO ONE adds SKYPE! I am still in the process of fixing programs in my computer because of your irresponsibility and your greed for taking over people's computer programs.

This version does not allow the use of video!

Pretty useless update cuz the last version was fine

Video freezes after 30 secs
Using Intel USB Video Camera III
Skype used to work beautifully in 3.xx version. Really disappointed with this.

so just wonder...
downgrading the version will work perfect for video problem?

I always get "unknown error" for video setting option. hope that old version will fix my problem.

Having the same problem with the video freezing, each time right at the 30 second mark. Using two different cameras, one a logitech and the other built into a mini HP 2133 so i don't think it is a camera problem. Audio is great, clear and no delay.

Yea, My family and I just starting using Skype 4.1.0.166, and all of us are having problems with it freezing the video. Takes about 30sec or so to freeze then it freezes frequently thereafter. My brother and I went back to 3.8, and it DOES NOT freeze there, but the video delay and quality is bad. Any ideas when a new version will be out, OR what version can we go to, to get better quality but eliminate the Freeze??

Really disappointed with this freezing issue. Skype used to be the most reliable. Now looking for alternatives.

I have the same problem with the "unknown error" when trying to display video. Downgraded back to 4.0 and it works fine.

Does not work with windows 7. Skype comes up but will not connect to caller. When I call it rings but will not respond to caller. Just keeps ringing. I have to go to task manager to force skype to close and stop ringing.

I have same issue as casoli1. On windows 7, skype just rings and rings and call does not connect. When someone calls me, i am unable to accept calls. When I click answer button, nothing happens and it just rings. Even if i quit skype, it keeps ringing until i kill skype.exe from task manager.

My daughter and I have been on Skype for several years. I have Skype 4.1.0.179. Is there ANY WAY to remove the "conversations" tab? My daughter still has 3.5 on her PC for her phone, but I cannot seem to find a way to get it again for my PC. I have unchecked automatic updates so if I do get it, it won't reload this new one again. I just want a plain phone the way I had before. The conversations tab seems to replicate the history list. Any chance of a simple, plain phone interface again?

brand new computer, not windows 7 - fatal error 1603 over and over again

Windows 7 Installs a driver on it's own for Logitech Wireless Internet Handset but the contact list is not available so I installed the Vista driver and it complained because 1 driver was already accessing it .. then I tried uninstalling the Windows 7 driver to no avail ... In wWindows Xp if I boot up with Windows Messenger running the contact list is not available (disconnected) .... I've tried contactind Logitech ... Skype .... MSN ... Microsoft about it and everyone sends me to the other for a solution ... feels like I'm doing the line dance from Little Whorehouse In Texas

Update ... Logitech Cordless Internet Handset in Windows 7 .... If i disable the windows driver in device manager and set skype not to launch at boot then restart windows ... then start Logetech Cordless Handset software after Windows 7 restarts which launches Skype .... then re-enable the drivers for Logitech Cordless Internet Handset in device manager .... IT WORKS ..... just don't launch Windows Messenger ot you are back to square 1 ... disabling/re-enabling the drivers in the device manager will have to be done before every reboot

I have a message in my Windows 7 action centre which says address a problem with Skype add-on for Internet Explorer, please go to Skype Technologies website for information. Well here I am, and I'm asked to download Skype build 4.1.0.166. But I am already using build 4.1.0.179..??

I am having the same problem as this guy.
I have a message in my Windows 7 action centre which says address a problem with Skype add-on for Internet Explorer, please go to Skype Technologies website for information. Well here I am, and I'm asked to download Skype build 4.1.0.166. But I am already using build 4.1.0.179..??

Same problem: Windows 7 action center sends me here, and I have build 4.1.0.179...

I am getting the same message on Windows 7 as dpelliott1947, daddymonster1, and aphmd1. I hesitate to download ANYTHING even though Windows 7 brings me to this page, given the problems I am reading about above. But I can't have Skype shutting down my Windows Internet Explorer on a regular basis either. My daughter is going overseas in 2 months, and Skype will be my only visual contact with her for 4 months -- so I need Skype and my Internet Explorer to work without a glitch. What's the fix, guys? I have yet to see a solution for any of us!

The posts immediately above keep syaing that they hae v 4.1.0.179. But the download page tells me that this is 4.1.32.179. In view of the widespread problems with Windows 7 systems, Skype should discontinue presenting us with a demand-page saying to upgrade now. Take that out of our way, fix your "issues," and then we will be happy to upgrade. Until then, I am staying with v4.1.32.166.

Skype, with all due respect, what are you all doing?

Not just on Windows 7. I tried to upgrade skype 4.0 to 4.1 on my XP laptop. It comes with fatal error 1603 too. I tried to use manual update, and when I installed it same thing happened. But I think I'm a little bit lucky, because I still have my older version. So, Mr. Skype Developer, please fix that bug before people leave you for good.

Please allow to disable Conversations tab.
I use Skype on multiple computers, and because it does Skype does not know that I've already read the messages on a separate computer, it doesn't scroll the chat window, or mark the conversation as read.
So I have to click on that tab and open the conversation and scroll down, and waste time and enjoyment of my life.

Otherwise, I'm pleased. Also, for Skype on Mac, please allow to delete message history for only selected threads/conversations.

For Latinaaa and caprod, if you go into "View" (menu on the main window) and click on Compact View, then it will look like the older 3.5 version.

I'm also on 4.1.0.179, and when I attempted to install the latest version (Windows 7) I received an error. I'm re-downloading it right now, and will try it again.

everytime i download it.once i turn off my computer and turn it back on it says there is a problem with the computer. so i press automatic fix and fixes it and once i see what changes its done i dont see skype no more. i tried it 3 times and i have the lates version windows 7 id like 2 no y is skype acting like this

skype is di best ever i love it give thanks for the people who made skype

im also havingproblems with skype add ons .. in on windows 7 home edition ... unable to find solution

Ebay Owns Skype now, They just sold alot of it. Windows 7 action center gave me this message, this is after the update, I was also running 64 Bit IE when the error was given, Does Skype plan on releasing Skype for x64 Windows 7?

Address a problem with Skype add-on for Internet Explorer
Skype add-on for Internet Explorer has stopped working properly.

Skype Technologies SA is aware of this problem and working as quickly as possible to make a solution available.

Just now I have updated my skype version now its 4.1.0.179 ,
I am facing a major problem , that I am not able to see the IMS when anybody send to me even its giving the signal that new IM came but I am not able to see

Can you help me by fixing this one

Skype add-on for internet explorer has stopped working properly. What shall we do?
Thank you

Using Windows 7 64 bit, Quad Core Q9400, 4 Gig Ram, ATI HD4350 Video. Skype version 4.1. The video freezes constantly on my end - works OK with the XP machine in the house. Had similar issues with Vist 64 bit - but not nearly as bad on the freezing. Windows 7 freezes almost immediately. Call coming from the other end is completely uninterupted - it is fine.

I got the same problem but found a solution for the time.
You can turn off the Skype-AddOn for the Internet-Explorer.
Just open Internet-Explorer, go to Extras -> Add-Ons and deactivate the Skype-AddOn.
I hope this helps you.

using windows 7 64 on this machine and 32 on desktop.
Never encountered problem until yesterday. Call connects and within seconds a window appears and says "Skype has stopped working".
I have tried to uninstall, reboot, install... to no avail.
I have suspended the firewall and the antivirus... to no avail.
This is now happening on both machines (32 & 64 both windows 7)
What's the next step?

Goodluck I.T. managment

What are VC.exe and skypeVCM.exe they appear at the top of my Skype screen.

Internet explorer cannot work properly- shows mistake every 15 min because of skype. could not find mistake on the list

Same as khayb55 says:
'I am getting the same message on Windows 7 as dpelliott1947, daddymonster1, and aphmd1. I hesitate to download ANYTHING even though Windows 7 brings me to this page, given the problems I am reading about above. But I can't have Skype shutting down my Windows Internet Explorer on a regular basis either'

Skype has been great in the past, is it worth hanging around in the hopes it will be great again????

I actually stopped using Skype for this very reason. I got fed up with the constant hangs with Internet Explorer. Upon upgrading to Windows 7 I decided to give it another go and even after specifically requesting the add-on for IE NOT to be installed..BUT..it miraculously found itself enabled on my system once again and the hangs have started again. I will not be downloading any 'fix' for this because god only knows what sneeky extra little toolbar or add-ons you will include in it. I was very happy with Skype in its earlier, more basic form, but have become increasingly displeased with each successive upgrade and will now consider removing it from my system again to stop these conflicts it causes

i really want do REMOVE the addon for skype for internet explorer it keeps STOP WORKING!!! every working day (from 9 to 5) i get it like 10x , very annoying fix this

loven31 , i tottaly AGREE! More people will

start > control panel > unistall a program > unistall > Skype (toolbar addon or what ever its called, not SKYPE but the other one) After i removed this i did NOT got any errors anymore.

Skype add-on for Internet Explorer has stopped working properly. (Win 7 Ultimate)

Skype Technologies SA is aware of this problem and working as quickly as possible to make a solution available.

Click to go online to the Skype Technologies SA website for more information and support options

and it brings me to this page and no help.

Same problems with skype 4.1.0.179/win 7/IE8
Does it really helps to remove Skype Webfeatures, what does it do?

I also have the same problems with Skype 4.1.0.179/Windows7-32bit/IE8 using a Logitech Pro 9000 Webcam...cannot a call in any shape or form. Additionally, the test call feature hangs...no answer and the ringer does not stop after I end the call. My computer recognizes there is a problem with the Skype add-on and tells me that Skype is working on it. From the other posts, the fix does not appear to be high on Skype's priorities...people started reporting this problem at least 2 months ago.

Feedback from Skype on their progress would be VERY helpful. As it stands, I am not so sure the problem is being worked at all.

I have an HP HDX 18 laptop and I was using version 4.0 for Skype. Al was well until I installed the Vista SP2 update. After the install my insternal webcam would no longer work with Skype. I tried different webcam driver versions and another webcam and no luck. I know the webcam is working because I can see is working through the video options within the Skype program but when I place a call and connect home I see them but they can't see me - the video neveer comes up just sits there spinning trying to start. I've upgraded and downgraded the Skype program and nothing seems to help. Tomorrow is Christams morning and I'm thousands of miles from my family and this is how I am able to see and communicate with them. Thanks for the Christmas present!!

Hi,
I'm running 4.1.0.179 and having a few minor problems. First, I'm no longer able to see when contacts were last on Skype. That feature helped deal with my other main problem, which is that for some reason some of my contacts are not showing up as online, even though they are in fact on Skype. I'm actually IM'ing with one person right now, and she's still not showing up as on Skype in my contact list - and I don't show up as online in hers, either. This is becoming a real problem because we're missing meetings. Please advise! Thanks.

HI
I HAVE BEEN USING SKYPE FOR YEARS. I CHAT WITH SOME GUYS AND USE THE VIDEO,[I DONT HAVE A WEBCAM]. I AM USING VERSION 4.0.0.226

THE OTHER DAY I UPGRADED TO THE LATEST VERSION 4.1--- .AFTER INSTALL, I COULD NO LONGER SEE MY FRIENDS WEBCAM, JUST A BLACK SCREEN. ALSO HAPPENED WITH ANOTHER GUY, ONLY SAW THE GREEN SCREEN THAT USUALLY APPEARS BEFORE THE WEBCAM STARTS TO DISPLAY.

I DECIDED TO ROLL BACK TO VERSION 4.0 NOW I CAN SEE THE 2 GUYS ON THEIR WEBCAMS AGAIN. WHATS UP WITH THE NEW VERSION???????????????????????

My problem with Skype occurred when I switched to Windows 7. The audio is bad with lots of echos.
Anybody elese have this problem?

Ps On another machine which has XP no problem with audio.

Every time I boot up there is a message from Skype to log in as administrater for extras,I am the admin.how do I clear it ? Ideas please..............

I am running the new skype beta version and its causing problems with internet explorer constantly closing any news of a bug fix