Windows 7 Update uninstalled Skype

[BurkeKnight]

On September 18, 2014, windows did an update, and I had not rebooted since then, until 2 hours ago. When I did, I found that Skype was uninstalled.

When checked system restore, it showed Skype set to be restored, if went and did the restore point created by that update.

What I'd like to know, is where the heck does Microsoft get the idea that they can dictate what software we run on our computers?

This is NOT the first time that a windows update has uninstalled another program, but it is the last straw that makes me write this.

Skype is my MAIN link to family members, some of which are in bad health, so to have MS go and have their update uninstall it, in my opinion, is down right intrusive. MS needs to stop trying to run a computer dictatorship, and let people have whatever programs they want on their computers.

I am unsure if I want to let the update go next time, as I have no idea what will get removed.

 

[matts6887]

Well; Im not so sure that windows update necessairily uninstalled skype. It could be something else that did that. Have you checked the list of programs installed on your system to see if there still is any signs of it?

 

[NoelDP]

'Windows' did not - and almost could not - uninstall Skype without intervention from the user.
Skyp is after all a Microsoft product now - so what would be the motivation?

Simply recovering Skype using System Restore is unlikely to have completely reinstalled it, and you should properly install it by using the latest available download at Download Skype for Windows

 

[PatConley]

@NoelDP: 'Windows' did not - and almost could not - uninstall Skype without intervention from the user.

That couldn't be really true. I have the same problem like BurkeKnight. My skype dissapeared without my intervention, just as. Now I try to install the latest version of skype, but the error 1603 appears with a message like "wrong key" or so.
I don't know what to do, maybe I give Google+ hangouts a try.

 

[NoelDP]

I suspect file corruption more than anything else.
Have you tried looking in Programs & Features? - is Skype still listed there? If so, try repairing the install if it gives the option - or uninstalling it if not.

Otherwise...

Please follow the Windows Update Posting Instructions and post the requested data
If the file is too large (8MB compressed), remove the older CBSPersist cab files until the final file is below the limit - you can always post them separately after zipping them. (the forum doesn't allow the upload of bare CAB files, for a number of reasons)

 

[PatConley]

@NoelDP: Thank you for your reply.
The first thing I've tried , was to repair or uninstall skype, but it was not listed any more.
Next, I deleted all traces of skype from the registry (and there are lots of), before I tried to install the newest version.
Unfortunately without success. In the next days I'll give your second advice a try.

 

[NoelDP]

Did you follow these instructions for a manual uninstall?
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA...-and-then-reinstall-skype-for-windows-desktop

 

[PatConley]

@NoelDP: Yes, but I could not uninstall Skype, because it was not in the list and not even as a folder in C:\program files.
But I deleted some skype-folders in ProgramData and User\... but again with no effect except error 1603.

 

[NoelDP]

Please post the Windows Update data I requested in post#5

Also - see this article on the 1603 error http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923100

 

[PatConley]

Ok, I've got it! It's not a Skype problem, because I've got the same errors when I installed an alternative video communications program. (there's something wrong with MSI)
I've uninstalled the Windows update KB2918614 and .. tadaaa ... the new installed Skype works like ever.
Maybe not the best solution, but the first who did it. An article about this error is found here:

Microsoft patch KB 2918614 triggers 'key not valid for use,' more errors | AfterDawn Discussion Forums

Thank you again, NoelDP, you brought me on the right path.

 

[Slartybart]

See this also
You receive an "error 1603: A fatal error occurred during installation"
error message when you try to install a Windows Installer package

AND

What is error 1603, and how can I fix it? Skype page

 

[PatConley]

Related to my previous posting, here's a good explanation of what was happened and why, with a solution from Microsoft:

KB2918614 ? Windows Installer triggers UAC - CCMEXEC.COM ? System Center blog