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I was trying to update Skype and it gave me this message

Installing Skupe failed; code 1638

I went to Programs and Features to uninstall it, but I couldn't find 'Skype' in the list. I deleted the Skype directory manually in Program Files and also Program Data and tried to install again. It gave me the same message. I really want to use Skype so that I am communicate with my friends. Btw, Java is missing from the list too.

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  • Before you manually removed it was Skype working?
    – Ramhound
    Oct 13, 2015 at 10:48
  • How many user accounts are on this PC? Are there any Skype plugins installed in the browers/other programs
    – Dave
    Oct 13, 2015 at 10:59
  • @Ramhound, I manually removed it after it isn't working.@Dave, one and nope
    – Jeremy
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:02
  • @Ramhound It doesn't help me
    – Jeremy
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:13
  • At this point, you might want to try Revo Uninstaller to clean up.
    – rrirower
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:21

1 Answer 1

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To remove Skype (or most programs) completely, check the Program and Features, find it and uninstall this way (even though you said you did this).

After this is done do a simple search in C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(x86) if it exists for any Skype folders. If you find any, delete those too.

Search in your registry for any Skype components. Press windows key + r then type 'regedit' and click ok. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Skype and delete this entire folder.

Alternate method:

Download, but don’t run this installer for the latest version.

Using the procedure described here,

http://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-archive/How-to-update-Skype-without-using-any-Skype-installer/m-p/707359

extract the Skype.exe file from the SkypeSetup.msi file and replace your currently installed Skype.exe with this new Skype.exe file. You will be now running the latest Skype version.

After this, there should be no parts of Skype remaining.

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9
  • There is no Skype in program and features(prntscr.com/8qt0ah). I deleted the registry but I still get the same error
    – Jeremy
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:04
  • Have you looked at this SU answer? Seems like this may help you: superuser.com/questions/848742/…
    – Eric F
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:08
  • Yes I did. Tried the method but it didn't work
    – Jeremy
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:12
  • Did Microsoft Fixit uninstall it fine?
    – Eric F
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:14
  • I added another method for you to try in my answer
    – Eric F
    Oct 13, 2015 at 12:18

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