The Windows 8 Release Preview is a great improvement over the last two pre-release versions of Microsoft’s next big operating system. Metro-style apps like Music are much better than what was previously available, and desktop apps like MetroTwit finally work without compatibility problems. Unfortunately, the Release Preview also breaks a few desktops applications, particularly Skype. This could be a major issue if you rely heavily on Skype, as we do for the CrowdGadgets podcast.
Installing and running Skype for the first time on the Windows 8 Release Preview works as expected. Eventually, however, Skype will break down. The application loads correctly, but it stalls at the login screen, preventing you from actually using the app. This affects all accounts, and attempting to reinstall or update the application does nothing to fix the problem. Officially, there’s no way to fix this issue. “We are aware of this problem and will fix compatibility with a future update to Skype for Windows,” said Skype Community Manager Claudius. ”Right now there’s no solution to get Skype working with Windows 8 Release Preview.” This is very unfortunate, especially given that Skype is a Microsoft product.
Unofficially, however, you can fix the problem by deleting a few files. According to Skype forum member bojanbozinovski, the workaround requires you to delete all of the files and folders which start with “shared” in the folder “C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Roaming\Skype.” Specifically, the folders “shared_dynco” and “shared_httpfe,” as well as the files “shared.lck” and “shared.xml.” Before deleting the files, make sure Skype is not running in the background. This can be done via the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + ESC). Select More Details and then look for “Skype (32 bit)” under the background processes heading. If it’s not there, you’re good to go.
This workaround seems to have fixed the issue even after multiple application and OS restarts. Of course, there’s always a chance that the problem could resurface. If that happens, simply delete the files again to continue using Skype. That being said, it’s quite annoying. Hopefully, Microsoft will fix the problem with an update in the near future.
Thank goodness there’s a fix! I want to see if I can use Windows 8 daily and to do that I’ll need Skype.
New OS breaks the company’s own software… I would say it’s typical Microsoft behavior, but then again, Apple still hasn’t fixed its own Keynote Remote app that iOS 5 broke last fall. Sometimes I wonder how these companies manage to run.
Thanks this solved the issue for me too
Quit Skype or use Windows Task Manager to kill any Skype.exe process. Go to Windows Start and in the Search/Run box type %appdata%, press Enter or OK button. The Windows File Explorer will popup. Locate there a folder with the name Skype. Rename this folder to something different, e.g. Skype_old. Restart Skype.
N.B. If needed, you will still be able to re-establish your call history. All data are still saved in the Skype_old folder.
its just doesnt work for me. I deleted all “shared” files after tried to turn on skype again.nothing changed and those “shared” files showed up again.what else i can do ? pls i really need skype.
Hmm, that’s strange. The files are supposed to return once you open up Skype, but it should have resolved the issue.
Are you still running the Windows 8 Release Preview, or is it the RTM version? Which version of Skype are you running? I haven’t experienced this issue in months (since I installed the RTM version), but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a problem.