Skype won't connect, can't update, can't uninstall...error 1603

Forums › Microsoft Windows › Skype won't connect, can't update, can't uninstall...error 1603

quickymart

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#83653 19-May-2011 21:49

Not strictly a Windows problem as such, but I am using it on XP :)

I have Skype installed on my laptop (newest version) and desktop (older version). The newer version connects perfectly, no issues.
I tried to use it on the desktop tonight and it refused to connect, just sat on signing in. Found out the laptop version was working however. Figured out the version differences. Tried to update to the newer one, and I get the error: "Could not access network location :."
Clicking retry does nothing, clicking cancel eventually brings up another error: "Installing Skype failed; code 1603".
I've tried heaps - giving myself permissions to the folder in the registry, installing my current version over the top. I can't uninstall it as I get the above error, and the upgrade (I managed to download a full copy of the newest version) gives the result above.
Googling has found many different solutions, none of which works.
Anyone else had this happen? Better still, is there any solution?? Frustrating as hell, really...

quickymart

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#471591 20-May-2011 14:21

73 views and not a single other person has had the same issue? :(

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quickymart

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#471848 21-May-2011 09:58

Small update, since no one else has had this problem - I persevered and eventually it connected. But still not updating. I guess I'll just have to leave it until I format/reinstall my machine. GG Skype.

freitasm

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#471862 21-May-2011 10:34

Working fine for me, updating correctly. I would say the update problem is a localised thing - a corrupt file or registry entry on your system perhaps?

There are some tools - from Microsoft even - that allow you to remove any program from the list. You can then delete the folder and install it fresh. Worth trying? Google is your friend.

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quickymart

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#471876 21-May-2011 11:20

I did try that, and yes, some people on Google suggested what you're saying too...but nothing worked. And I agree it probably was localised to the desktop machine, as my laptop was fine.
Never mind, the older version is connected now and seems to be working. Thanks for the suggestions anyway :)

heretohelp

360 posts

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#472347 22-May-2011 14:20

If you created a new Windows XP user account. reboot the computer and loginto that new user account and try uninstall/reinstall from there? then check for updates etc.

also have you tried downloading the newest Skype and just installing overtop of the old one i assum you have.

also try reseting windows firewall.

what antivirus are you running?

Hu? did i do that?
16Mb (EDO RAM), K6-II processor, 2Mb of onboard graphics. 32k dial up modem. 12 speed CD ROM. 5¼-inch floppy drive. 500Mb HDD.

quickymart

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#472415 22-May-2011 16:09

I thought about the account option, but the login I have is the Administrator, so I didn't think it would make any difference.

As mentioned in the first post, installing over the top gave the same 1603 error.

Windows Firewall is always off, and I'm using AVG. Nothing on the system has changed, and this has worked fine before. Just that Skype won't update.

I'm making do with the older one for now, as it seems to be working. Thanks for your suggestions anyway :)

Natux

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#472465 22-May-2011 17:00

Thanks @heretohelp!!! I had the exact same error with my Skype, but following the steps, it's all back to normal!!!

Thank you!!!

heretohelp

360 posts

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#472486 22-May-2011 17:27

quickymart: I thought about the account option, but the login I have is the Administrator, so I didn't think it would make any difference.

As mentioned in the first post, installing over the top gave the same 1603 error.

Windows Firewall is always off, and I'm using AVG. Nothing on the system has changed, and this has worked fine before. Just that Skype won't update.

I'm making do with the older one for now, as it seems to be working. Thanks for your suggestions anyway :)

If it were me i would ditch AVG just for now try fixing it while you have no AV.

AVG tends to do crazy stuff to your system the latest one tends to be the worst.

if it fixes your problem install avast.

SOmtimes creating a new account gets rid of somthing that is getting stuck stoping some software from installing.

May be a virus or another setting worth a shot making another account regardles if you are admin. just make sure your new account is admin also

Hu? did i do that?
16Mb (EDO RAM), K6-II processor, 2Mb of onboard graphics. 32k dial up modem. 12 speed CD ROM. 5¼-inch floppy drive. 500Mb HDD.

heretohelp

360 posts

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#472490 22-May-2011 17:29

Natux: Thanks @heretohelp!!! I had the exact same error with my Skype, but following the steps, it's all back to normal!!!

Thank you!!!

no problem dude

Hu? did i do that?
16Mb (EDO RAM), K6-II processor, 2Mb of onboard graphics. 32k dial up modem. 12 speed CD ROM. 5¼-inch floppy drive. 500Mb HDD.

quickymart

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#472519 22-May-2011 18:02

heretohelp:
quickymart: I thought about the account option, but the login I have is the Administrator, so I didn't think it would make any difference.

As mentioned in the first post, installing over the top gave the same 1603 error.

Windows Firewall is always off, and I'm using AVG. Nothing on the system has changed, and this has worked fine before. Just that Skype won't update.

I'm making do with the older one for now, as it seems to be working. Thanks for your suggestions anyway :)

If it were me i would ditch AVG just for now try fixing it while you have no AV.

AVG tends to do crazy stuff to your system the latest one tends to be the worst.

if it fixes your problem install avast.

SOmtimes creating a new account gets rid of somthing that is getting stuck stoping some software from installing.

May be a virus or another setting worth a shot making another account regardles if you are admin. just make sure your new account is admin also

I tried one of your suggestions (setup a test administrator account) and attempted to re-install Skype - nope, no go, exact same error. I've tried Avast before and it made my system crash, so I'll stick with AVG for now.

Funnily enough the laptop (running Vista Home Premium) updated Skype all by itself with zero problems, it's just the desktop (running XP Pro) that's having these update problems. Not to worry, I'll probably be formatting and reinstalling in coming months anyway.

heretohelp

360 posts

Ultimate Geek

#472522 22-May-2011 18:07

If it were me i would just remove AVG even run the removal tool. then just try the skype install. you can always put AVG back on.

Hu? did i do that?
16Mb (EDO RAM), K6-II processor, 2Mb of onboard graphics. 32k dial up modem. 12 speed CD ROM. 5¼-inch floppy drive. 500Mb HDD.

quickymart

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#472664 22-May-2011 22:09

heretohelp: If it were me i would just remove AVG even run the removal tool. then just try the skype install. you can always put AVG back on.

Tried that (had issues uninstalling AVG as well), no change - thanks for the suggestion, but I'm not going to troubleshoot this anymore as it's just becoming too much hassle to upgrade one program - and the old version is working anyway.