Having problems removing Skype, installing it, or Skype Simply does not work on your machine? This guide will show you how to cleanup your old Skype install and start fresh.

Getting started setting a restore point, and running a MS- Fix-it.

The first thing that we will  do after creating a restore point, is run this Fix-It This Fix-It will attempt fix issues where you are unable to install uninstall programs.

When doing a clean install of Skype you might be asking yourself…..How do I back up my configuration and instant message history? Click here to see how you can do this.

Download Everything Tool, and determine whether you’re running 32-bit or 64-bit version.

Then download Everything by Void-Tools. You will need the correct version for your operating system. CLICK HERE to determine whether you’re running 32-bit or 64-bit for Windows.

 

Running the tool Everything to find all Skpe Files.

Once you have download and installed, either the 64bit or 32bit (x86) Version. Right Click on the VoidTools application and Run As Administrator.

Type Skype into the Everything Search Window.

Click Edit >> Select All.

Right click highlighted area.

Select Copy Full name to clipboard.

Now open a notepad by hitting the start button and typing notepad.exe into the search box. Once notepad is open, right click and select paste. Now click on File then save as. Name the notepad Fixlist and save it to your desktop.

Downloading and using Farbar Scan Recovery Tool, to delete all Skype Files.

You will now need to download and save FRST 64bit or FRST 32 bit to your Desktop.

Right Click on either FRST64 or FRST32 and Run as Administrator. Now Click on the Fix button and allow the program to complete.

 

Note: A reboot may be needed. Next copy the bold red text below and save it as fixlist as you just did, this fix will reset the windows firewall and remove any temp files.

Start

CloseProcesses:

CMD: netsh advfirewall reset

CMD: netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state On

CMD: ipconfig /flushdns

Emptytemp:

reboot:

end

Note: If you have a firewall other than windows firewall, you will want to have this command instead .

CMD: netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state Off

 

Download and install Revo Uninstaller.

Now lets DOWNLOAD  (no install). Unzip the file to your desktop. Right Click on Revo Uninstaller.exe and Run as Administrator.

Once the program has opened. Right Click on Skype and Select Open Registry Key.

Once the registry editor is opened. Right click on the highlighted ClSID key.

Select Delete.

When prompted select yes.

Repeat for any Skype related program(s).

Now please reboot your machine.

Using the Windows installer Clean up Utility.

After the reboot, lets check for any remaining Skype installations, with the Windows Installer Clean-up.

After you install the Windows Installer Clean-up.

To Access it:

• Click the start button.
• Click Computer.
• Local Disk C:
• Program Files (Program Filesx86 for 64bit machines)
• Scroll to the Windows Installer Clean-up Folder.
• Double Click it.
• Right Click the MSICUU and Run as Administrator.
• Select anything you see Skype related then select the Remove Button.
• Then Select Ok.
• Repeat as needed.
• Press the Exit button.
• Reboot your machine.

 

Unistalling Skype From Add Remove Programs.

Now after the reboot open your add remove programs, type or copy and paste appwiz.cpl into the run box hit enter.

Remove anything skype related if present. If the item will not remove then use Add Remove Cleaner

Now you can remove your antivirus and reinstall it, sometimes an antivirus can cause issues with skype. Here is a list of

Removal Tools for most common antivirus applications today.

A final reboot of your machine is needed at this point, after the reboot Install and test Skype.

 

Note: These steps can be applied to the following versions of windows. Xp, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1