Multiple Skype accounts on one computer

It’s a bit of a hack as with this solution, Skype’s memory usage will grow linearly with every additional instance of the Skype client you run (about 40 MB are required per instance), but at least it seems to work fine on Windows XP:

http://www.tradebit.com/channels/software/110543/multiple-skype-accounts-on-one-computer/

Note that the double quotes should be simple double quotes, not typographical ones. So for 2.) the link’s destination should be sth like

%windir%\system32\RUNAS.exe /profile "/user:skype2" /savecred "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe"

(Of course you need to adjust the paths and user to your environment and settings)

Alternatively, particularly if you use Windows Vista, you could try this free Skype launcher (I haven’t tested it):

http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=88055

Since this launcher doesn’t seem to use dedicated Windows user accounts on your box, you’ll have to disable Skype’s auto-login feature in order to use different Skype profiles.

9 Replies to “Multiple Skype accounts on one computer”

  1. Search google for something called SkypeLauncher. It will sort you out…no usernames etc to create, just a simple software.

  2. best way is to install skype 3.6 and download SkypeLauncher1.3.3
    step 1….. create c:skype folder and copy SkypeLauncher1.3.3 files to it.
    step 2 …. copy skype.exe from c:progr…..skype…..phone to c:skype
    step 3 …. uninstall skype
    step 4 …. run skype once from c:skype (do not sign in) and disable auto start and auto sign in
    step 5 …. run SkypeLauncher_Config to add accounts
    step 6 …. run SkypeLauncher
    step 7 … Have FUN!
    P.S it’s work onvista 32, 64 windows 7 32, 64
    best way is to install skype 3.6 and download SkypeLauncher1.3.3

  3. Note that installing 3rd party apps (like SkypeLauncher) may compromise your computer’s security and your privacy. Don’t install any app unless you trust its source and its quality and accept to take the potential risks.

    Of course, this applies to any piece of software, also to Skype itself. Basically, any program you install on your computer can do with it whatever[1] it likes (delete data; spy on passwords or your communication; install other software, e.g. a trojan or a virus; send your data to an attacker etc.).

    Generally, open source software is considered to be safer than closed source software (like Skype), as the public (incl. you) is free to audit the code. You can compile open source software yourself and hence “know”[2] what kind of software you’re using/installing.

    Some general advice:
    1) Use open source software, if available
    2) Check the signature of the source code, audit the code
    3) Compile the source code, if trusted. Scan the binaries for viruses. Grant minimum privileges to installed binaries.
    4) For closed source software, check the signature of the executable. Scan the executable for viruses before installing the software. Grant minimum privileges only.
    5) Adhere to general best practices like using good passwords, strong encryption, a firewall, a anti-virus scanner etc.

    [1] Some restrictions apply for modern operating systems like Windows Vista/Windows 7, Linux, Mac OS X that have some built-in security features. Unfortunately, users can usually be tricked into granting apps more rights than actually intended.
    [2] Even when using open source software there isn’t full transparency on what you’re using. E.g. there’s a theoretical (and practical, though very rare) danger of using a malicious compiler that introduces malicious code into clean source code. Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_hack#Reflections_on_Trusting_Trust for more information.

  4. mr ecorepair :
    stefans launcher is better imo , because its automate the launch of the accounts, other way is needed to enter each time user/password. no way for me.
    otherwise is good alternative. tnxs

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