Network And Skype

I wanted to use skype, downloaded it, and could not connect with a friend. After some searching, I discovered that I cannot skype with a network. We had a very hard time setting up the network and I hesitate to make any changes, even on a temporary basis. I was wondering if I could unplug my router so I could use the high speed connection, without having a network, only on a temporary basis, long enough to make a skype to skype call, then re-attach the cabling to have network again. If this would mess up any of our settings, I would not do it. As far as I can tell, it would only be a matter of unplugging the router, and using the modem connection. Can anyone give me any idea if this would cause any problems if I changed the connection to modem, then re-attached the router? We have XP on the desktop, with a Netgear router, and Vista on the laptop. Thanks so much for any ideas or help.

 

I use Skype all the time in a network of 4 computers 2 with XP and 2 with Windows7.
You don't have to change any settings or unplug any cables.
Can you define exactly how you went about trying to hook up.
I presume you have sent the other person an invitation and they have accepted.

 

Just to add to what DSTM advised. The fact that you have a network should not effect your ability to use skype on line. However, if you are using a firewall either on your individual PCs and/or the router itself it may be blocking skype.

So, I guess the next question is, have you checked your firewall setting to make certain that it is not the cause?

 

I downloaded skype, then attempted to enter my friends name. I got a message outside the field that said "a-z, 0-9 -," and enter button would not work. I then tried to enter her name without a space between first and last. no go. I looked thru all the drop downs in top left of skype screen and could not find a place to send invitation. The tools menu said skype is not supported on wi-fi network. I had chosen skype to skype for free. my friend thought she was sending me an invite, but was only the download button. What do I look for in my firewalls and/or router firewall? Thanks.

 

What firewall are you using. In general look for exceptions in the firewall settings and make sure that Skype is listed among them.

 

Further to the directions BeeCeeBee has given.
What version of Skype are you and your friend running?
Up the top select Tools > Add a contact > A box appears for you to enter their Email Address or their Skype username.
If your friend hasn't a skype account then none of this will work.
Skype only takes a few second to find their Account.
Then an invitation Box appears > then follow the prompts.

"a-z, 0-9 -," is for setting up your Password.

 

my friend has been using skype, so it should have found her when I entered her name, I got a 'no match".
the version of skype is, 5.6 downloaded on 11/10
I got the a-z 0-9 -_, message behind the field where I typed her name, after I had entered her email and name, this was the "official" version of her name she uses on skype
I checked my firewall settings, skype is on the exceptions page

 

Are you able to communicate with anyone else on skype?

 

This is the only person I want to use skype for
have typed her name in lower case, all caps, normal caps, with and without space, she sent me her skype name in email
have checked my firewalls, skype is on exception page, have tried again to enter her in contacts, same message, a-z 0-9-_, behind her skype name, get no match in lower case with no space
Have checked skype support pages several times. thanks for the responses

 

Hi. Your Skype may be corrupted.
Uninstall and get the latest version from here.
Just click on latest version on the right in the download page.
http://www.filehippo.com/download_skype/
You won't lose any contacts by uninstalling Skype.
Ask your friend for their Email address and try that instead of a name.

 

thanks for all the help. my friend send me an invite and we can now skype. cool. thanks again.