Skype Crashes on Startup?
 

I can't use Skype anymore! When I try to open the program, I get the generic "Skype has encountered a problem and needs to close." The system event log shows:

I'm running XP SP 3 with plenty of RAM. Skype has worked fine in the past. I have re-installed the program, fresh from the website, and rebooted. Nada.

Could it be a problem with services? A while ago I got a little overzealous in disabling services I deemed unnecessary. I've since switched them all back to Manual so they will start if needed, but perhaps this is still a problem? I also notice there are a couple of .NET services that aren't running. Perhaps I need to reinstall .NET...

Any other ideas?

Did you install any windows updates recently? You could try rolling them back.

I install Windows updates whenever they get pushed to me. It's been a while since Skype stopped working, so I have no idea what update it might have been.

I started Windows in safe mode with networking, and SKype still crashes.

Starting in a safe mode does not uninstall updates.

skype has a forum, why don't you try posting there?

-David

I think you having a problems with Skype. Why you don't uninstalled the Skype and you have to do installed it again. If you have any problems with Skype. I am here for my helps. You should have to redownloadable again.

You don't have enough memory space and I think you should have to buys a new computer or laptop to free up the memory space.

I did: no reply. My FTers are more responsive. :)

I have plenty of memory (3 GB), and I have reinstalled Skype countless times.

I have the same problem.
I have installed all updates, also tried to reinstall skype with no result.
Finally, I installed skype 4 it works.

How To - Click Start, Click Run and enter the command Click OK

Drwatson - Records programs crash & snapshots

Msconfig - Configuration to edit startup files

Msinfo32 - Microsoft System Information Utility

I think your problem is with third party software (drivers).

Msconfig startup is worth a look as is Msinfo32 (hardware resources conflict/sharing)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...6/msconfig.jpg

gfunkdave, any luck with this?

Nope. :(

edit: I tried the programs that propwasher recommended. Dr Watson just kept saying that no problems were found, even when I tried running Skype while Dr Watson was running.

I long ago disabled most startup crap via msconfig, so I'm not really sure what else to do there. And I didn't see anything interesting in msinfo32. So unless someone has some good ideas, I'm stumped.

Get a MAC ;)

Have you tried installing an older version of skype? Sometimes the older ones run while others have problems with the new updates the operating system has.

Why are you using the installed version of Skype? I hate installing software to my laptop - it clutters up the registry and when you upgrade it leaves crumbs all over the place.

Use the portable version if available. Portableapps.com has the portable version of Skype available. I ALWAYS use the portable version that requires no install. Causes less issues, and no constant reinstalls if you run into errors.

Portable version still uses skype.exe which crashes on opening in this case.

Yes, I think you having a problems with Skype. You don't have to reinstalled it. If Skype doesn't work at all. You have to uninstalled the Skype. You have go on skype.com to do downloadable again. If you have any problems. Please let me know if I need any helps for you.