Skype

Cardew

I have a new PC and have downloaded Skype - which I use on my laptop and other PC.

On this new PC all phone numbers on websites and in my emails are annotated with an invitation to call the number using Skype. i.e each phone number has a national flag of the country and a Skype symbol. Clicking either opens my Skype account.

Same websites and emails on my other PC does not have this annotation.

Any ideas.

[Deleted User]

It is a feature of newer versions of Skype. Do you have the latest version on your other computer? If you don't, I think that automatically updating the old version will not install this add-on; you have to uninstall it and then run the full installer for the latest version from the Skype website.

It could also be an extension that only works with new Browser versions - do you use the latest Internet Explorer 8 or Firefox 3.6 on the other computer?

Cardew

Thanks, that fits with my experience.

The other two PCs use the old version of BT browser, but have the automatic updating of Skype.

With the new PC it uses IE8 and of course Windows 7.

Do you know if the feature can be disabled?

Whilst it sounds emotive I really don't like the thought of Skype having access to look at my browsing history and content of personal emails. It seems far more intrusive than tracking cookies in that it actualy alters my emails.

[Deleted User]

It can be disabled. The easiest way is probably to uninstall Skype, then reinstall and look carefully at the available options - you should be able to choose not to install it. Alternatively, internet explorer add-ons can be disabled by clicking on the tools menu and going to "manage add-ones".

Incidentally, using an old version of any browser could be a security risk, so I think it would be a good idea to install the latest version of your favourite browser on the other computers.

Hermann

Using Firefox I have a small skype123 icon on the right hand side of the navigation toolbar, clicking that allows you to switch number highlighting on/off. I expect IE must have a similar icon, it's relatively small and easily missed.

redux

I haven't had this myself as I rarely have Skype running, and not even on this PC, but have read seen other people discuss it.

It shouldn't be necessary to uninstall Skype. There will be somewhere in Skype's options menu, perhaps advanced settings, to turn this off, or in the browser add-ons as people mentioned above

Cardew

I had emailed Skype and have just got this reply:

Thank you for contacting Skype Support.

We are sorry to hear that you are having problems with the Skype plugin.

We understand you would like to remove the number highlighting feature
in Skype.

To disable number highlighting please follow these steps:
1. Open your web browser
2. On the toolbar you should see the Skype Add-on/extension icon
3. Click on the icon to turn it off.

If you are not able to find an add-on/extension icon, then reinstall
Skype as follows:

1. Uninstall Skype from:
Start > Settings > Control Panel > "Add or Remove Programs" (for Vista
users, Start > Settings > Control Panel > "Programs and Features").
2. Search for "Skype" and remove/uninstall it.
3. Download Skype from http://www.skype.com/go/download

Important: Once you start the installation process, click on Options,
and make sure the following check box(es) are unticked:
- Install Skype extension for Mozilla Firefox
- Install Skype add-on for Internet Explorer

And proceed with the installation as usually.

In tools/add-ons I have 3 entries for Skype:

1. Skype add-on for Internet explorer - in the 'not available' section.

2. Skype add-on(Mastermind)

3. Skype

all the same version 3.3.0.3928

I have disabled them all and the feature has gone and Skype appears to be working OK