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Skype Issues Software Fix For Windows and Mac Users

jbrodkin writes "Skype has released a new version of its Windows software to fix the problem that has kept some Skype users from logging in and making calls yesterday, and plans to issue a similar update to Mac users later today, the company said. Skype, which is in the process of being sold to Microsoft for $8.5 billion, previously gave users instructions on how to fix the problem, which involved deleting a 'shared.xml' file. While Windows and Mac users are being given a software fix, Linux users still have to fix the problem manually (but they can handle it). Still unknown is what caused the Skype outage. Skype said it affected only a small percentage of users, but hasn't explained the cause. Skype has at least updated its status page to reflect the outage, however. Even after issuing yesterday's fix instructions, the status page had claimed for a while that sign in and registration were 'all working normally.'"

61 comments

  1. wrong link? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    article is about sony fyi

    1. Re:wrong link? by xkuehn · · Score: 1

      Welcome to Slashdot. You're not supposed to read TFA.

  2. Re:Skype's network is interesting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Your comment is to the summary as the summary is the linked article.

  3. Linux updates by Wowsers · · Score: 1

    I was hoping Skype would take the opportunity to update the 2 year old Linux 2.1.0.81 version (which did NOT crash and could dial without problem to non affected users). We don't all use Ubuntu.

    --
    Take Nobody's Word For It.
    1. Re:Linux updates by robotito · · Score: 1

      Actually, there's version 2.2.0.25 (Beta, of course)

    2. Re:Linux updates by sakdoctor · · Score: 2

      2.2.0.25 is packaged for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and SUSE.

      I personally like how the Linux version is neglected, because it doesn't get all the faddy junk features.
      Last time I saw win skype, it looked worse than QQ.

    3. Re:Linux updates by theguyfromsaturn · · Score: 1

      Amen to that. Of course, it also means that when the protocol is changed we will access too.

      --
      I like my dinosaurs feathery, and my pterosaurs hairy (or is it pycnofibery?)
    4. Re:Linux updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yup. The neglected Linux version is much better than the Windows version. Imagine how bad it will get once MS gets involved and add yet more useless crud to it.

    5. Re:Linux updates by yarnosh · · Score: 1

      Careful what you wish for. Us Mac users finally got an updated client and it is the worst piece of shit software I've used in a long time. I reverted to version 2.8. If they force us to upgrade to that new abomination of a client, I'm going to do everything I can to break my dependency on Skype.

    6. Re:Linux updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      forgot about it. Microsoft has just bought skype.

  4. Missing Fix by MonsterTrimble · · Score: 1

    Where's the fix for Linux? Surely that was affected as well?

    Wait, Linux only has version 2.2 Beta and they are up to version 5 on Windows & Mac? Never mind...

    --
    I call it 'The Aristocrats'
    1. Re:Missing Fix by SimonTheSoundMan · · Score: 2

      Any Mac user with common sense has downgraded to version 2. Version 5 isn't worth it, so I wouldn't worry too much.

    2. Re:Missing Fix by jd · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Microsoft buys Skype. Skype announces a stoppage to all support for Linux. Skype suffers mysterious outage that gets fixed for non-Linux users.

      --
      It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
    3. Re:Missing Fix by badboy_tw2002 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It goes deeper than that. Microsoft plants employees 2 years ago to stop version updates on Linux. Linux version is two years out of date. Two years later, Microsoft buys Skype.

      I think we can all connect the dots here.

    4. Re:Missing Fix by jd · · Score: 1

      *lolcat mode enabled*
      Oooooh! Dots!

      --
      It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
    5. Re:Missing Fix by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think all the time you've spent in your parents' basement hasn't been very good for you after all.

  5. Wait what? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is this a hoax for those who don't read TFA? If so, well played.

  6. Re:Sure, its possible to fix it in Linux.... by Shikaku · · Score: 2

    That's a lie. You just have to delete the shared.xml file just like the manual fix in Windows or Mac, except it's in ~/.Skype/shared.xml

    So just rm ~/.Skype/shared.xml

  7. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by sakdoctor · · Score: 2

    Interesting use of Data URLs for Goatse linking.

  8. Ackbar by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's a trap!

  9. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Watching second monitor, there was something wrong with the other screen.

    Control + w

    Phew...

  10. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by nystire · · Score: 2

    Thank you for that informational link. I'm sure that you will really manage to help the hundreds of people out there who are looking for such a specific client.

  11. Re:Sure, its possible to fix it in Linux.... by networkzombie · · Score: 2

    He is trolling for users to click on his slashbomb. ratmouse 2205818. They give an account to anyone these days.

  12. How is this different than yesterday's news? by God_TM · · Score: 2

    Isn't this the automatic patch that they mentioned yesterday? It fixes the same issue people were having before, but without the manual operation of:

    Windows
            1.If the Skype icon is displayed in the system tray at the bottom right of the screen, right-click it and select Quit.
            2.Click Start, type "run" and press Enter. (On Windows XP: Click Start and then Run.)
            3.Type "%appdata%\skype" and click OK.
            4.Locate and delete the file shared.xml. The file may be displayed as shared if file extensions are not displayed by default on your computer.
            5.If you cannot find this file: Click Start, type "run" and press Enter. (On Windows XP: Click Start and then Run.)
                    Type "control folders" and click OK.
                    In the View tab, ensure that Show hidden files and folders is enabled.
                    Repeat the instructions from the beginning.

            6.Restart Skype.

    Mac
            1.Open Finder and locate the following folder:

    ~/Library/Application Support/Skype
            2.Delete the file shared.xml.
            3.Restart Skype.

    The ~ sign means your home folder. You can find your home folder by opening Finder and selecting Go > Home from the menu bar or pressing Command (Apple), Shift and H keys at the same time.

    Linux
            1.Go to the following folder: /home/YourLinuxUserName/.Skype
            2.Delete the file shared.xml.
            3.Restart Skype.

    The Skype folder is a hidden folder - please check Show hidden files in your file browser to view and access it.

    This info is obtained from: http://heartbeat.skype.com/

    1. Re:How is this different than yesterday's news? by smitty97 · · Score: 1

      Deleting a buggy file: Free
      Knowing which file to delete: $8.5 billion

      --
      mod me funny
  13. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by cpu6502 · · Score: 1, Informative

    Warning: GOATSE.CX
    - It's because of Assholes like you tuxtorule that I can no longer trust URL shorteners. Bravo teeny bopper. You're a really mature mother fucker (or do you prefer father fucking? Damn you homo erotic shittter).

    Wait! I think I hear your mommy calling to give your tongue a good soap washing. And maybe she'll execute you too. (death to all assholes - Let's pujt tuxtorujle first into the guillotine)

    --
    My AC stalker: " I personally agree with your posts most of the time, but that won't keep me from modding you troll"
  14. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hey family! Come look! They're opening the Google Talk client!

    Now, click here......

  15. Re:Sure, its possible to fix it in Linux.... by Shikaku · · Score: 1

    I know, but misinformation is still misinformation, and the solution is nice to know if you use Skype on Linux.

  16. Encryption by joeszilagyi · · Score: 1

    Didn't someone just announce they had cracked Skype encryption? Could this be because of that?

    --
    Dude, where's my packet?
  17. Skype encryption cracked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    > Didn't someone just announce they had cracked Skype encryption? ..

    Yea, fortunately it rapidly got modded off the bottom of the screen, so nobody noticed.

    http://www.techeye.net/security/skypes-encryption-destroyed-by-phonemes

    1. Re:Skype encryption cracked by HBI · · Score: 1

      This didn't fix the problem unless they are padding packets now. The fix doesn't seem to cover that.

      --
      HBI's Law: Frequency of calling others Nazis is directly correlated with the likelihood of the accuser being Communist.
  18. Its Only the Beginning. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It seems the mere mention of Microsoft buyout is allowing the gypsy gremlins to teleport from Redmond to Luxembourg. Get used to it... next Skype update under Microsoft will most likely demand a reboot...then the patches will come...I can't wait to see how it's going to work when we compete with Window's live bandwith and the XBox kiddies chatting.... thank the dielectric gods there is Google Talk.

  19. Skype 5 is a nightmare by rsborg · · Score: 2

    Agreed. I don't need multi-user video, so I'm fine with Skype 2.8 on Mac (gotten on oldversion.com)

    --
    Make sure everyone's vote counts: Verified Voting
  20. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  21. Re:Skype's network is interesting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Do you have a set of pre-written posts about common subjects and then copy&paste them (or auto post on keyword) instead of typing "FRIST!!!1"? Just curious.

  22. "... but they can handle it ..." by eepok · · Score: 1

    Like Linux users need their egos stroked any more... ;)

    1. Re:"... but they can handle it ..." by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      probably the first time they've been stroked. let them enjoy it.

  23. That famous small percentage... by Nom+du+Keyboard · · Score: 1

    Skype said it affected only a small percentage of users...

    Have you ever noticed how often you fall in to that famous "small percentage" of users?

    Lotteries also only pay off a "small percentage" their players, but somehow I don't end up in that small percentage group nearly as often.



    Moderation hint: Insightful+1.

    --
    "It's the height of ridiculousness to say for those 9 lines you get hundreds of millions."
  24. Screw the update. I want my features back. by Jane+Q.+Public · · Score: 1

    A while ago I upgraded Skype to version 5. Lo and behold... my history list was gone! Disappeared!

    In place of the history list, where I could go and see all my incoming and outgoing calls in chronological order, and listen to ALL of my voicemail, what did it have? It had some kind of bollixed-up system whereby I had a list of "recent" calls, (but only recent... the ability to see long past calls was not there) and other than that, I had to click on a "contact" to see the calls I had received from that contact.

    So what is the problem? I usually get more calls from people NOT in my contact list than from people who are... and there is no way to retrieve a voicemail from someone who is not in my contact list! Even though they CAN leave me voicemails!

    I contacted Skype and was told that it was an oversight (!!) and that their "technicians" (I assume she meant programmers) were working diligently on the problem. Yet here it is months later, and this "oversight" has not been fixed! I am back to running Skype version 2, because at least that is fully functional!

    Now, I don't know what kind of product manager thinks that putting all incoming calls under the "contacts" is much of a feature, but putting voicemails under the contacts and removing the chronological call list is the act of a real moron. Hint, Skype: you know how the old answering machines worked? Where your calls were all in order? That works! The arrangement you have now does not.

    Other than that I like Skype 5. But unless and until they fix this problem, I'm not going to upgrade.

  25. dont upgrade, Skype is now Adware by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    anything greater than v4 and you will be bombarded with adverts/popups/overlays/embedded MSIE/2o7 analytics and other such user hostile annoyances.

    the users are complaining about it
    https://encrypted.google.com/search?hl=en&q=+site:forum.skype.com+skype+5+adverts

    and Microsoft want more adverts ? good luck with that $8b userbase fleeing as fast as they can.

  26. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by PNutts · · Score: 0

    I'm passing up the opportunity to mod you down. As they say on Slashdot, "You must be new here."

    Please don't feed the trolls. Also, I'm surprised at your reaction to someone you don't know posting a shortened URL to something you don't want to see. If you are that sensitive this type of imagery then I suggest you browse at a higher threshold, don't click unknown links, or wait until someone else falls into the trap.

    Somewhere, there is someone offended by the following link. Do not click if you are easily offended: http://bit.ly/hNpY50

    Sorry to everyone else for another off-topic post. Some folks consider that more wrong than an unplanned visit to our old friend Mr. Goatse.

  27. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by cpu6502 · · Score: 1

    I could care less about the image.
    But I'm at work and the last thing I need is for a coworker to see a naked ass.

    --
    My AC stalker: " I personally agree with your posts most of the time, but that won't keep me from modding you troll"
  28. Re:Skype's network is interesting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Common subjects? No. Microsoft? Yes.

  29. This is why we have standards by Baloo+Uriza · · Score: 1

    Screw Skype. XMPP Jingle is where it's at: Standards for the win. We don't need Skype to get this functionality.

    --
    Furries make the internet go.
    1. Re:This is why we have standards by molecular · · Score: 1

      so help me out. what's a good solution to do video/voice/chat over xmpp that works across linux/mac/win ? (serious question)

    2. Re:This is why we have standards by Baloo+Uriza · · Score: 1

      Any relatively complete XMPP client can do this already now. Google Talk and Psi come to mind immediately.

      --
      Furries make the internet go.
  30. Re:Ah skype, I'll sure will miss you (not) by asssssssssshole · · Score: 1

    And this answers the magic question about why I use goatse despite the fact that slashdotters are used to it...

    Besides, here is my up-to date food list:
    (Today I hit a jackpot, with 150 victims on these two links alone and a lot of food):

    Favorites:
    "It's because of Assholes like you that I can no longer trust URL shorteners"
    "Ugh. Goatse. NSFW. Asshole (poster and picture, both)."
    "You fucker" - "I had the same thought as you. What a fucking asshole. The link is nsfw."
    "Death to all assholes - Let's put you first into the guillotine"
    "I hope you die in a fire before you are old enough to contaminate the gene pool."
    "You're a fucking douchbag." - "That is the most accurate comment yet"
    "Thanks, I'm reading slashdot in class like a good student and just got tubgirl'd."
    "Can someone make a fucking goatse blocker firefox plugin please? This is pissing me off now."
    "Seriously ... new account to post that ... what a douche!"
    "Asshole... Ginormous asshole, in fact."
    "It would be more interesting if I had a piece of pipe and your face, in close proximity so I could smash your face beyond recognition,"
    "Ugh. Goatse. You asshole."
    "Really? Are you not tired of this yet?"
    "Posting your picture online again?"
    "I did not even bother to look, but this same idiot has been doing this for weeks now. Fuck off asshole."
    "Stop giving the troll lulz! It's like a catnip to them!"
    "Didn't click it, but the magic 8-ball says goatse."
    "I am sick and tired of that crap on /. "
    "Fucking troll, do not click there"
    "Better than you, you arse bandit."
    "You can't actually expect the Slashdot users to actually know enough not to respond to a goatse troll, right ?"
    "What a retard..... enough said...."
    "The fuck is a goatse? it's some dude pulling his arse open."
    "Bravo teeny bopper. You're a really mature mother fucker (or do you prefer father fucking? Damn you homo erotic shittter)."
    "Wait! I think I hear your mommy calling to give your tongue a good soap washing. And maybe she'll execute you too"

    Emotion:
    "i WAS eating lunch you ass!"
    "Oh dear god my eyes. Haven't seen THAT awful image in a while."
    "My eyes are burning... argh! Damn you!"
    "MY EYES... dude i am at work here "S "
    "WARNING: Don't click on the parent's link! Damn goatse! The first I experienced, no less.
    "You fucking piece of shit!" , "You sorry piece of shit." , "You cunt.", "Fuck you."
    "I hate your guts."

    Philosophy:
    "Why the sudden coordinated campaign for Goatse? Is someone making money off this?"
    "You're right, this is the most coordinated troll campaign in a long time. Multiple accounts, multiple pages."
    "Urgh...dammit, am I the only one thinking the goatse trolls are getting worse lately than they have been in the past five years?"
    "Who found a way to monetize goatse at this late date? If we got half the effort of that campaign on real stuff we'd all have better software by now."
    "Boy Goatsex is out in force today... - Every topic is littered with them..."

    Admiration:
    "You are one dedicated troll."
    "Well played, sir. Well played."
    "A link that redirects to a page containing goatse? How clever of you!"
    "Congrats. It's been a long time since I saw goatse."
    "Thank you for that informational link"
    "Interesting use of Data URLs for Goatse linking."

    Misc:
    "Watching second monitor, there was something wrong with the other screen. Control + w. Phew..."
    "Could not someone at slashdot write a small script to blacklist url's that have been flagged troll? I'll do it if you pay me a slave wage..."
    "Parent should be modded down. Link is NSFW and mentally scarring."
    "Just post the damn url, i'm not going to click on a tinyurl link and get goatse'd or something.."
    "Goatse URL - Haven't seen that guy in a while"
    "Someone please mod this guy down... Don't click his link."
    "I tried to post warnings about the goaste loving jerk yesterday but was modded into

  31. Linux users still have to fix the problem manually by chemosh6969 · · Score: 1

    I thought linux users were supposed to be able to just read the code, figure out what was wrong and compile a fixed version themselves. I thought they wouldn't have had to wait for directions from skype on what to do. Or was the problem trying to read Microsoft code and figure out where the noodles are all going?

  32. Theorists unite! I'll take the first caller by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hello, caller 1, who do you ascribe the Skype fiasco to?

    I think it was a dejected Skype ex-employee too chicken to inhale the carbon monoxide from his Prius?

    Nice try, but he'd lose all car pool lane privileges that way, next! Yes, caller2? Who do you think?

    Paul Reiser?

    The stand up comic? I think you mean HANS Reiser! Sorry but he's in the slammer right now, but thanks for playing. Next!

    Terry Childs?

    Still coughing up the payment for damages for San Fran, next!

    Cowboy Neal?

    I swear officer, I was at Lucasfilms er I mean Pixar when it all happened! Here's the photo of me and the lamp, as you can see, I am also holding up yesterday's paper as proof! It's one of my eccentricities as /. editor! Next!

  33. Re:Linux users still have to fix the problem manua by pandrijeczko · · Score: 1

    Here's an idea for you - find out a little more about what you are talking about before you write anything. It'll mean less chance of looking like a plonker.

    The Skype program on ALL OSes is *CLOSED SOURCE*! That means that nobody, apart from Skype people, get to see the source code.

    --
    Gentoo Linux - another day, another USE flag.
  34. Re:Linux users still have to fix the problem manua by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    True linux users won't use anything that's not completely open source. Why don't you go back to your windoze machine and weep.

  35. Re:Linux users still have to fix the problem manua by pandrijeczko · · Score: 1

    Oooh, another one! But this time wrong on two accounts, not just one.

    1. I've been using (and working) with Linux for about 15 years, UNIX for about 25 years. I became a Red Hat Certified Engineer back in 2001 and at home use Gentoo Linux 80% of the time and XP for 20% of the time.

    2. I have no problem paying for a closed-source application if the price is right and the application is good enough. That's because a computer is a device for productivity & entertainment. I am, and always have been, as OS fiddler, I like open platforms and being able to install what I like when I like. However, I'm no hippie with a need to make any political statements.

    Therefore, the word is "Fail". Please try again.

    --
    Gentoo Linux - another day, another USE flag.
  36. Re:Linux users still have to fix the problem manua by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    True Linux users won't come out of their parents' basements.

  37. Re:Linux users still have to fix the problem manua by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes, us linux users can fix the problem, we drink beer (canada) or vodka (russian) until one of us in our drunken stooper writes a replacement client.