Solved How to open one program multiple times independent of each other

[Vexxum]

i know i am not able to express myself so here it is
I want to open Skype 2-3 windows separately and they should be independent so i may make 2-3 calls simultaneously..
not only for skype but other softwares too..

 

[whs]

It depends on the program. E.g for Word you can have multiple instances but for PowerPoint that is not possible. For Skype I don't know - matter of trying.

 

[strollin]

You can open multiple instances of programs. Once you open the first instance, right-click on the program's icon on the Task Bar and then select the program from that popup menu.

You may be able to open multiple instances of Skype but you won't be able to make multiple calls simultaneously.

 

[UsernameIssues]

I wonder what you can do with multiple Skype windows?

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA171/can-i-run-skype-for-windows-desktop-from-the-command-line

/secondary   Allows you to start an additional skype.exe instance.

 

[LMiller7]

Having multiple instances of an application open at the same time can cause problems for some kinds of applications. Often the application developer will choose not to deal with these issues and not allow multiple instances. When the application starts it will check if an instance is already running. If this is detected the application may activate the window of the running instance, terminate itself, or anything else the developer may choose. Sometimes the applications preferences will have an option to permit multiple instances but often not. If an application does not permit multiple instances you cannot override this. If you were somehow able to manage this the results are unpredictable.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Having multiple instances of an application open at the same time can cause problems for some kinds of applications. Often the application developer will choose not to deal with these issues and not allow multiple instances. When the application starts it will check if an instance is already running. If this is detected the application may activate the window of the running instance, terminate itself, or anything else the developer may choose. Sometimes the applications preferences will have an option to permit multiple instances but often not. If an application does not permit multiple instances you cannot override this. If you were somehow able to manage this the results are unpredictable.

Yep - but Skype claims to support multiple instances. I just cannot fathom why. I'm hoping that the OP will return, test this out and let us know if multiple calls really can be made at the same time.


I went hunting for Skype CLI info because of this thread:
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/316983-hotkey-disable-audio-device-choice.html

When I found the CL that allowed multiple instances, that brought this old thread to mind

 

[PeaB4YouGo]

If all this doesn't work, use VMs. You'll have multiple instances of different VMs running, each running it's own skype client. Now, ask me if I know for sure that Oracle VM VirtualBox or something similar have the capability of running multiple MVs.....that's another story, and a question for someone who's tried it.

Another suggestion. Try running your skype clients through your browser. You set it up so that each different browser plugin runs a different skype username/pwd combination. Run USER1 in Firefox, using their plugin. You run USER2 in Chrome, USER3 in IE,...etc.

 

[Kari]

I wonder what you can do with multiple Skype windows?

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA171/can-i-run-skype-for-windows-desktop-from-the-command-line

/secondary   Allows you to start an additional skype.exe instance.

That is exactly how it's done, it is sometimes useful if you have two different Skype usernames with different contacts.

The command on x64 systems:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /secondary

And on x86 systems:

"C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /secondary

Notice the quotation marks around the path; as the path contains spaces it must be within quotation marks.

​

However this is useless if the user only has one Skype account as you cannot sign in on the secondary session using the same username than the primary session is using:

​

Kari

 

[UsernameIssues]

Ahhh, two accounts... makes sense now. Thanks.

Any help/thoughts for this chap:
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/316983-hotkey-disable-audio-device-choice.html

 

[Kari]

Yeah. Windows 8 / 8.1 makes this even easier: I have the Windows 8 Skype app always logged in using my Microsoft account for my private contacts, and the Skype desktop app open when needed with another Skype account for work related contacts.

 

[dukethedj]

Depends. In a program like IE, Open up one instance and create a new tab. Pull that new tab down a bit and you have a new instance. In another program, like word. Open up one instance and middle click the icon. (If using a laptop you might be able to setup something like having right and left click pressed at the same time be middle click.)

 

[UsernameIssues]

Depends. In a program like IE, Open up one instance and create a new tab. Pull that new tab down a bit and you have a new instance....

Dragging an IE tab into a new window should not create a new instance. An instance = a separate process. What version of IE are you referring to?

 

[dukethedj]

Depends. In a program like IE, Open up one instance and create a new tab. Pull that new tab down a bit and you have a new instance....

Dragging an IE tab into a new window should not create a new instance. An instance = a separate process. What version of IE are you referring to?

IE 9 and up (Sorry for the wrong info. I cant think straight )