Stop forcing me to use new Skype

It was interesting to read Issue 532’s ‘Question of the Fortnight’ (‘Is Microsoft Killing off Windows 7 Early?’), and also two of the letters from readers about Windows 7. It is reassuring to read that “around 600 million PCS still run Windows 7”. I am in that category, with two laptops and a desktop PC that work perfectly well on Windows 7. It’s clear that Microsoft is trying to pressurise everyone to upgrade to Windows 10 and/or invest in a new PC. I wowould also like to raise the problem of Skype, which was taken over by Microsoft a few years ago. I get regular reminders that I need to update my version of Skype, which works perfectly on Windows 7. But when I tried to do this a few months ago, the changes were so extreme that I was unable to use Skype or even view my list of contacts. After wasting many hours trying to resolve this and searching online, it became obvious that the Skype update was designed specifically for Windows 10.

I had to reinstall the so-called ‘Classic’ version of Skype (version 7.40.0.104). Every time I open it, I’m asked to update to the latest version – which I decline! However, a message now appears stating that this version will be “discontinued soon”. This appears to be a threat of some kind which presumably would affect all Windows 7 users. I am surprised this has not been publicised more widely. CA SAYS We’ve got good news for Robert and other readers who like the ‘Classic’ Skype (version 7). After listening to feedback from users, Microsoft will keep the program alive - for a few more months at least. We think Skype 8 will be relaunched later this year containing the tools users have grown to love in version 7. Read more on page 9.