Skype 4.

2 for Windows
Release Notes
Version: 4.2.x.166
Release date: 10 May 2010

Skype 4.2 for Windows - Release Notes

4.2.x.166

Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................3
What is Skype? .....................................................................................................3
System Requirements ..............................................................................................4
Operating Systems ...............................................................................................4
Compatibility .......................................................................................................4
Installation Notes ....................................................................................................5
Upgrades .............................................................................................................6
Uninstalling Skype ...............................................................................................6
Skype for Windows features ....................................................................................7
Known Issues ..........................................................................................................9
Fixed Issues ..........................................................................................................12
Appendix A - Directories and Skype data ..............................................................13
Appendix B Languages supported ......................................................................14

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Introduction
This document provides you with information about Skype 4.2 for Windows,
including:
A list of features
System requirements
Known issues
Fixed issues.
You can find further information about Skype and its features on our website at:
www.skype.com.

What is Skype?
Skype is software that enables the worlds conversations. Millions of individuals and
businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages
and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype
to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer
or mobile phone at skype.com.

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System Requirements

PC running Windows 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7. (Windows 2000 users

require DirectX 9.0 for video calls).
Internet connection broadband is best (GPRS is not supported for voice
calls).
Speakers and microphone built-in or separate.
For voice and video calls we recommend a computer with at least a 1GHz
processor, 256 MB RAM and of course a webcam.
For High Quality Video calls you will need a high quality video webcam and
software, a dual-core processor computer and a fast broadband connection
(384 kbps).

Operating Systems

Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows

2000
XP
Vista
7

Compatibility
Instant Messages can be exchanged with users of the following applications:
MySpace Instant Messaging
Tom Skype
Skype

is also available for:

Mac OSX
iPhone
Linux
Mobile phones
WiFi and Cordless phones
Playstation Portable
MIDs
Nokia Internet Tablet.

More details can be found here: http://www.skype.com/go/getconnected.

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Installation Notes
Skype for Windows provides two methods for installation.
The main method is via a download from our website. This version of the download
is delivered to the end user in two parts:

A Light installer,
Manages the download process - if you have any hardware or network
issues, the download can be resumed without the need to start again.
Learn about Skype features while Skype downloads and installs
Size: Approximately 1.6Mb
The Skype application (remainder)
Size: Approximately 19Mb
You can find the latest version of these files here:
http://www.skype.com/go/download (Gold versions)
http://www.skype.com/go/download-beta (Beta versions, when
available)

An alternative method is via a Full Installer. This version is available in a single

installer file, and is useful for:
Installation where an internet connection is not available
Size: Approximately 22Mb
Users who wish to retain a copy of the application to install at a later date,
for example on multiple computers.
You can find the latest version of this file here:
http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-full (Gold versions)
http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-beta-full (Beta versions, when
available)
A number of user options are available during standard installation (the options
available will depend on your browser and location settings):
Google Toolbar
Skype browser plug-ins for Internet Explorer, Firefox
Skype Extras (applications you can use with Skype)
Google Chrome browser
The following components are created in the Windows operating system:
Desktop icon starts the application
Start menu items Start > All Programs > Skype
System tray icon used to show presence status; indicates new messages;
right-click to quit Skype completely
Task bar icon flashes when a new message is received
The Skype for Business version is available as a .msi installer
Details about Skype for Business can be found here: http://www.skype.com/
go/business (Gold versions only).

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Upgrades
Skype recommends that you regularly update your version of Skype, in order to
ensure you have installed the latest features, call quality improvements, bug fixes
and security updates. You can find out if you have the latest version by selecting
Check for updates from the Help menu.
You do not need to uninstall Skype in order to perform an upgrade.

Uninstalling Skype
Skype is listed in the Windows Add or Remove Programs list (see Windows Control
Panel). All entries relating to Skype, are shown in the list with the Skype name.

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Skype for Windows features

Skype for Windows contains the following major features.

Getting Started:
An interactive guide to using and setting up Skype
Automated detection and setup of your audio and video devices
Accessibility features / keyboard navigation
Improved first-time user setup flow

Calling:
Free Skype-to-Skype calls
Group audio conference calls
Video calling
Screen sharing
Improved audio quality
Improved bandwidth usage for Audio and Video calls
Call Quality Indicator
Voicemail
Call Forwarding
Call Transfer
Caller identification
Calling Landline and Mobile Phones (SkypeOut)
Online numbers - allowing anyone to call you on Skype from a normal
telephone (SkypeIn)
Skype Prime call premium services
Automated call quality indicator and assistance

Instant Messaging and SMS:

Instant Messaging (IM) for one-to-one or group conversations
Sending Files securely to other users of Skype
Message notifications (tray alerts)
Communicate with MySpace IM users
Sending SMS (Text Messages) for one-to-one and groups

Skype Access Beta:

Pay by the minute using Skype Credit for WiFi internet connection in
public hotspots

Contact and Conversation Management:

Bigger profiles
Easier to use participant lists for conversations
Conversations tab to display your recent and new conversations
History for calls and conversations, accessed via the Conversations tab
User and Business recommendations directory
Importing contacts from other address books
Presence see when others are online and change your own status
Contact groups to manage your contact list
Block and report abusive contact requests or spam
Exchange contact details with a friend even when they are offline
Birthday reminders
Send contacts to other users
Client alerts

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Preferences:
Default (single window) or Compact View (multiple windows)
Edit your profile
Change your profile picture
Change sounds

Installation and upgrades:

Light Installer download manager
Automatic notification and download of new versions

Make the most out of Skype:

Shop for Skype phones, headsets, webcams
Pay-as-you-go or Subscriptions for our calling services

Bundled applications:
Google Toolbar
Skype browser plug-ins for Internet Explorer and Firefox
Skype Extras Manager (applications you can use with Skype)
Google Chrome browser

Further details of Skypes main features can be found here: http://www.skype.com/

go/features.

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Known Issues
The following table describes the most common issues that users may experience
while using this version. Skype is working hard to resolve these issues, and will
release further updates as soon as possible.
Category

Description

Video

Video may freeze on the other side in the

None available at this time
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
None available at this time
video quality may be degraded.
Mobiola virtual camera software may cause
Uninstall Mobiola filter
Skype to cause problems with video when
driver.
selected as a video source, or freeze during
start-up.
High CPU usage on low-end computers during None available at this time
video calls when using a TouchCam N1 or
Twincam encoding camera.
In some rare cases when sending video from a Update video card drivers.
Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000, the local preview
may freeze. The other side will still receive video
normally.
Late switch to hardware video encoding when
None available at this time
using TouchCam N1 or Twincam encoding
cameras.
The Skype video snapshots feature is not
None available at this time
working on Windows XP SP3.
The ASUS virtual webcamera remains open after Select the actual camera in
terminating a video call.
Options->Video or
uninstall the problematic
virtual software.
My Video Preview with ATI Rage series graphics Use 32bit color depth.
cards, when using 16bit color depth, does not
render picture correctly.
The microphones of the TouchCam N1 and
Avoid using the encoding
Twincam encoding cameras generates CPU
camera microphone.
spikes in every 20 seconds that may result in
lower video quality.
It rarely happens that calls are not successful
None available at this time
when two users call each other at exactly the
same time
The Call Quality Indicator shows a false error
Ignore the message.
message that your webcam is in use by other
application, even if it is not in use anymore.

Audio

Calling
Call Quality
Indicator

Call Transfer

Current Solution

Call Quality Indicator says "Medium" quality for a None available at this time
high quality video call with Logitech pro 9000
webcameras on both sides.
Transferring a call to a phone contact and Skype None available at this time
user at the same time will cause the call to
disconnect for the Skype user when the phone
contact answers the call.

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Category

Description

Current Solution

Contacts

Only one field change is saved when editing

phone contacts.

For saving more than one

field, editing must be
repeated.
Screen sharing Netbooks with Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,
Set smaller screen sharing
910GML Express Graphics Chipset and Windows size.
7 can have problems when receiving large
screen sharing resolutions beyond 1322 x 823.
Skype Access The Skype Access connection offering does not Connect to supported Wifi
pop-up correctly when trying to connect to
hotspot before running
supported hotspot after starting Skype up.
Skype.
Instant
Messages

No warning message is being displayed when

None available at this time
closing a conversation with the close button in
compact mode.
Presence
The automatic 'Away' status setting doesn't work Change the auto away
if it has been set a long time ago.
time in options to
something else and then
back.
Accessibility
Browsing history is slow while running Jaws.
None available at this time
Skype fails to detect some screen readers when None available at this time
they are started after running Skype.
Workaround: restart Skype.
Advanced Audio Options resets to Basic view if None available at this time
Tab is pressed while the Cancel button is chosen
or if an audio device is moved to a different
position in the device list.
Authorization Users with screen readers may have problems
None available at this time
requests
noticing the new authorization requests in the
Notification tab.
Notifications Skype notifications about account changes can None available at this time
be delayed by a few hours.
Browser plugin Skype browser plugins for Internet Explorer and None available at this time
Firefox ignore meta tag not to highlight phone
numbers.
When a user opens their web browser with no
None available at this time
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
Uninstall Skype web
uninstalled from the Firefox Extensions panel on features from Add or
Windows Vista and 7.
Remove programs
dialogue.
The Skype browser plugin highlights phone
Disable Skype browser
numbers and names while creating content on plugins on affected
various popular websites.
webpages.
Extras ManagerAn error message appears when the Extras
Install Adove Flash Player
Manager is started while Adobe Flash Player is before opening Extras
not installed.
Manager.
Video in mood DailyMotion videos which have been added to a None available at this time
mood message are not being displayed to other
contacts.
Localization
The country drop down list in the call phones
None available at this time
tab is not localized to Russian.

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Description

Current Solution

3rd party issue Having "IM Magician" installed on your computer If you are affected by this
may cause Skype to crash.
issue then please uninstall
"IM Magican" until the
vendor provides patch for
this issue.
Miscellaneous 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.

2010 Skype Limited

10 May 2010

None available at this time

None available at this time

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Fixed Issues
The following table describes the most important issues that have been fixed since
the previous release of Skype for Windows 4.2, version 4.2.x.163.
For the full version history, please refer to
https://developer.skype.com/WindowsSkype/ReleaseNotes.
Category

Description

Call forward

Skype crashed for the caller when a call was being forwarded to a
phone and answered on the actual device.
Extending a Skype Access session first resulted in a hotspot not
valid dialog, then after a few seconds the session got correctly
extended, but the cost information and wifi SSID was not shown.

Skype Access

Further Information
You can contact Skype Customer Support via the following website: http://
support.skype.com.
Visit our forums for discussions and additional information on known issues:
http://forum.skype.com.

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Appendix A - Directories and Skype data

Skype application data is normally saved in the following locations:
Start menu location: Start > All Programs > Skype
Operating System

File types

Default file locations

Window 2000 and XP Skype Application

C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone

User folders

C:\Documents and Settings\<windows-loginname>\Application Data\Skype

User databases and C:\Documents and Settings\<name>
configuration files \Application Data\Skype\<your-skype-name>
Pictures / Avatars C:\Documents and Settings\<windows-loginname>\Application Data\Skype\Pictures
OR
C:\Documents and Settings\<windows-loginname>\My Documents\My Skype Pictures
Extras Manager
C:\Program Files\Skype\Plugin Manager
Browser toolbars

C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars

Received files

See settings in
Tools > Options > IM & SMS > IM Settings
C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone

Windows Vista and 7 Skype Application

User Folders

C: \Users\<windows-login-name>\AppData
\Roaming\Skype\<skypeid>\
User databases and C: \Users\<windows-login-name>\AppData
configuration files \Roaming\Skype\<skypeid>\<your-skypename>
Pictures / Avatars C: \Users\<windows-login-name>\AppData
\Roaming\Skype\Pictures
Extras Manager
C:\Program Files\Skype\Plugin Manager

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Browser toolbars

C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars

Received files

See settings in
Tools > Options > IM & SMS > IM Settings

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Appendix B Languages supported

The following table lists the languages currently supported by Skype for Windows.
During installation, Skype determines the default language setting based on your
location, however you may change this during installation or later via the Tools
menu (Tools > Change Language).
Languages

Credits to

Arabic

Bulgarian

Nikolina Filipova & Nikolay Filipov

Chinese (Simplified)

Della Wang (TOM.com)

Chinese (Traditional)

Carlos Lee (PChome)

Czech

Petr Silon

Danish

Dutch

English

Estonian

Finnish

French

Fabrice Imperial & Bruno Lpaulard

German

Claudius Henrichs & Dick Schiferli

Greek

Panagiotis Sidiropoulos

Hebrew

Hungarian

Italian

Japanese

Korean

Latvian

Intars Students

Lithuanian

Viktoras Kriukovas

Norwegian

Stig Auestad

Polish

Karol Szastok

Portuguese (Brazil)

Portuguese (Portugal)

Francisco Ferreira

Romanian

Pter Henning & Mnika Iancu

Russian

Spanish

Swedish

Turkish

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Kees Koenders
Viljar Sepp & Eve Loopere

Mark Bender, Laszlo Koncz, Gabor Stefanik, Tams

Henning
Daniele Conte

mer Emin Dede

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