Skype is the world's most widely used Internet calling program. It can also be used for webinars, sending text messages, files and in many other situations. In spite of a large number of analogues of the application, in the business environment and among the largest mass of users of computers, smartphones, tablets, Skype is widespread. The program is one of the first to be installed on a computer after the debut Windows startup. However, when downloading Skype and trying to install the program, the user may encounter the "Windows Installer could not be found" problem. In this article, we will look at what it is connected with and what to do if an error occurs.
"Windows Installer could not be found" error when installing Skype
In January 2015, Microsoft ended general support for the operating system. Windows systems 7, for which the problem "Windows Installer could not be found" is relevant when installing Skype. At the same time, this version of the operating system remains one of the most popular, and most of users are not eager to switch to Windows 10. At the same time, applications continue to evolve, including from the Microsoft, and Skype among them.
New Skype versions when trying to install them, they may give an error "Windows Installer could not be found." This is related to the fact that operating system uses outdated components that are incompatible with those used in Skype.
What to do if "Windows Installer could not be found" Skype
If the user does not want to upgrade to Windows 10, but needs Skype program, it can be installed. On the forums on the Internet, you can find recommendations that if you encounter an error “Windows Installer could not be found”, you need to download Skype version, for example, from torrent trackers or third-party sites, which was released before January 2015 or some time after that. We strongly do not recommend doing this, because with each update, Microsoft fixes vulnerabilities in Skype that can be exploited by attackers. The latest version of the messenger, which can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website, is the most secure. There are 3 options for how to install it if the error “Windows Installer could not be found” occurs, and we will consider them below.
Installing Skype in compatibility mode
Most reliable way The solution to the problem "Windows Installer could not be found" is to run the application installer in compatibility mode. On the official website of Skype, you can find a version of the program that is installed offline, that is, a full setup file is downloaded from the site immediately on a PC, and a version that loads data during the installation process. In this situation, you need to download the offline version of the Skype application, this can be done from the official website of the application using this link. When the program is loaded, do the following:
If the "Windows Installer could not be found" error no longer manifests itself, install the program in standard mode.
Internet Explorer update
This may seem like a strange way, but many users write that it helps to solve the problem with the "Windows Installer could not be found" error when launching the Skype installation file. All the user has to do is go to the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of the application. Internet Explorer 11. Most often in Windows 7, the default is Internet browser Explorer, and the downloaded file from the Microsoft website will allow you to update it to latest version. After the program is updated, you can run the Skype installation file.
It should be noted that there is nothing unusual in this method There is no fix for the problem with Windows Installer. The fact is that the browser built into the system contains a number of components that are accessed when installing the application.
On the official page of the Skype program, as a rule, they download the online version of the installer. This is not very convenient in the sense that the installation cannot proceed without a network in this case.
To install the full version of the program on a PC offline, you need to download the Skype Offline Installer distribution kit.
Installer: full and network
The network installer called SkypeSetup.exe weighs about 1 MB. It is usually downloaded from the link http://www.skype.com/go/getskype. After downloading it instantly, you will run the file, and it will start downloading the program installer first, placing it in the Temp folder. Further, after the installation is completed, the file is transferred to RAM and is removed.
To install the program on several devices, you need to download the full installer more than once via the network. The main disadvantage is that installation is impossible without a network.
Imagine that you have just installed Windows and intend to install all necessary software, but are not yet going to solve the problem with access to the Internet. You need the SkypeSetupFull.exe file. It weighs about 45 MW. This is a standalone package that contains all the necessary data and files for installation.
Another drawback: loading problem
When opening a network installer file, an error is displayed: "Unable to find or load Microsoft Installer."
The reason is that Internet Explorer is outdated. Although often no one uses this browser, it does not sit idle, participating in the installation processes. It needs to be updated to match the parameters. The problem is also solved by downloading the Full Installer.
Where can I download?
The official site of the utility has become a branch of Microsoft. It's hard to find anything on it now. got lost there and full version installer. However, she is there.
The installer is available at http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-full. This is the official resource of the messenger manufacturer, so security is guaranteed here, unlike third-party sites and torrents. Plus it's free.
You can download the latest version of Skype from the link provided. If you want to install old version and know its number, you can go to a special address: http://download.skype.com/msi/SkypeSetup_(version number).msi.
How to use?
Before you install the program on your PC, in the window you will be asked to select a language and specify the path for installation. You can also create a desktop shortcut.
After that, click "I agree". The installation process will start. It may take several minutes. Progress will be reflected on the bar as it fills with a green indicator.
After completing the procedure, you can immediately log in to account if it exists. If it doesn't exist, you can create it right away. If you are not going to use the program yet, click on "Close" (the cross in the upper right corner).
In this way, standalone option helps to install the messenger on any PC without having to re-download it in each case. The installation will complete successfully without access to the Internet.
On the official page of the Skype program, as a rule, they download the online version of the installer. This is not very convenient in the sense that the installation cannot proceed without a network in this case.
To install the full version of the program on a PC offline, you need to download the Skype Offline Installer distribution kit.
The network installer called SkypeSetup.exe weighs about 1 MB. It is usually downloaded from the link http://www.skype.com/go/getskype. After downloading it instantly, you will run the file, and it will start downloading the program installer first, placing it in the Temp folder. Further, after the installation is completed, the file is transferred to RAM and deleted.
To install the program on several devices, you need to download the full installer more than once via the network. The main disadvantage is that installation is impossible without a network.
Imagine that you have just installed Windows and intend to install all the necessary software on your computer, but are not yet going to solve the problem with Internet access. You need the SkypeSetupFull.exe file. It weighs about 45 MW. This is a standalone package that contains all the necessary data and files for installation.
Another drawback: loading problem
When opening a network installer file, an error is displayed: "Unable to find or load Microsoft Installer."
The reason is that Internet Explorer is outdated. Although often no one uses this browser, it does not sit idle, participating in the installation processes. It needs to be updated to match the parameters. The problem is also solved by downloading the Full Installer.
Where can I download?
The official site of the utility has become a branch of Microsoft. It's hard to find anything on it now. Lost there and the full version of the installer. However, she is there.
The installer is available at http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-full. This is the official resource of the messenger manufacturer, so security is guaranteed here, unlike third-party sites and torrents. Plus it's free.
You can download the latest version of Skype from the link provided. If you want to install an older version and know its number, you can go to a special address: http://download.skype.com/msi/SkypeSetup_(version number).msi.
How to use?
Before you install the program on your PC, in the window you will be asked to select a language and specify the path for installation. You can also create a desktop shortcut.
After that, click "I agree". The installation process will start. It may take several minutes. Progress will be reflected on the bar as it fills with a green indicator.
After completing the procedure, you can immediately log in to your account, if you have one. If it doesn't exist, you can create it right away. If you are not going to use the program yet, click on "Close" (the cross in the upper right corner).
Thus, the standalone option helps to install the messenger on any PC without having to re-download it in each case. The installation will complete successfully without access to the Internet.
Installer , also known as a setup file - is a special executable file that installs certain software on the computer. As a rule, its tasks include checking the system compatibility and minimum requirements, unpacking and copying files, downloading additional components, modifying the registry, running the necessary services and much more.
Light Installer
link: www.skype.com/go/getskype-lightfilename: SkypeSetup.exe
file size:~1.5MB
"Light Installer" always downloads and installs on the computer the latest version, even if it is still not considered to be stable. Given that a non-recommended version of Skype may not work properly, in a sense, you need to use this installer at your own risk. As well as "Web Installer" to use this installer you need an internet connection.
MSI Installer
link: www.skype.com/go/getskype-msifilename: SkypeSetup.msi
file size:~45MB
"MSI Installer" as well as "Full Installer", is able to install an older version of Skype for Windows in the offline mode. The only the difference is that it can be used to automate the process of installing Skype. In most cases, "MSI Installer" will be useful for system administrators who need to install and update Skype on multiple computers. However, the other users should also try the "MSI installer" depending on the computer settings when errors occur depending on using "Full Installer".
Installer for Windows XP and Vista
link: www.skype.com/go/getskype-xpfilename: SkypeSetupFullXp.exe
file size:~40MB
A special installer for Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems users. According to the functional and design, this installer does not differ from "Full Installer". The only difference, is that this installer contains a special DLL, which includes support for audio codec NGC (Next Generation Calling) in Skype for Windows XP and Windows Vista. That's why, if you have installed one of these operating systems and have trouble with the sound, it is recommended to use this installer.
MSRU Installer
link: www.skype.com/go/getskype-msrufilename: SkypeSetupFull.exe
file size:~40MB
Not sure what means MSRU (maybe something related to "Skype Release Update"), but this link always allow you to download the latest version, even if developers canceled the release. For example, a few hours after release 7.30.0.103 version, other links again offer for downloading the old version 7.29.0.102, while only MSRU-link allows to download the latest release 7.30.0.103.
Insider Installer
link: www.skype.com/go/getskype-insiderfilename: SkypeSetupFull.exe
file size:~40MB
A special installer designed for testers - users who participate in the Skype Insiders program (formerly known as Skype Pre-Release Program or Skype Test Pilots). If you are not a tester or a member of this program, it is highly recommended not to use the insider installer.
New Skype Installer
link: go.skype.com/windows.desktop.downloadfilename: Skype-8.X.X.X.exe
file size:~60MB
The “New Skype” has a completely different design and, unlike classic versions, is developed on the basis of the Electron framework (on the one hand it allows to develop cross-platform applications for desktop computers, but on the other hand, as a rule, unlike native applications, such applications consume more system resources). By default, the new Skype is not available for Windows 10, and instead it is offered to install Skype for UWP from Microsoft Store. This limitation can be bypassed if you run the installer in Windows 8 compatible mode(). Another workaround is to run the installer with the key /silent
There are several reasons why users are looking for where to download Skype full setup. Among the most important are:
- Ability to transfer the installation file to any machine, not even connected to the Internet;
- No need to wait each time to download the installation file from the Internet;
- Full delivery of all components of Skype on the principle of "All in one";
- Upgradable existing version to a new one through the Application Menu.
How to download and install skype full setup
However, this version does not exist on the official website of the Skype program. It's hard to say why the developers do not provide the ability to download full Skype. Especially since it could have been done before. This is probably due to the fact that it is desirable for the user to download only the latest release version.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to do so. There are many resources on the Web that offer to download the so-called offline version of full skype.
After all, Skype full setup is an installation file that can be downloaded only once and then transferred to any machine without having to download anything from the Internet. As already mentioned, this saves time and effort of the user.
However, you need to remember to be careful. After all, there is always a chance instead of the cherished Skype to download and with my own hands install yourself some kind of malicious application, or even a virus in its purest form.
Installing the program is no different from similar actions for all other applications. You will need to run the installer, specify the installation location on your hard drive and just wait a bit.
When the installation is complete, the corresponding Skype icon will appear on the desktop of your computer. We habitually double-click on it with the left mouse button - and Skype starts.
How to upgrade to the latest version
However, the Skype full installer file may not be the most recent release. Solving the update problem, however, is very simple. And this can be done without even leaving Skype:
- You need to run Skype on your computer;
- Go to the Menu by items: " Help» — « Check for updates»;
- A special built-in Skype utility will launch, which will scan the server and tell you if the latest updates are available;
- If they are available, you will be prompted to download and install them;
- You should agree and wait until the program updates itself, and then restarts.
In a word, everything is quite simple.
A little about Skype itself
Skype messenger has become, without exaggeration, a real legend in the field of IT. In many ways, its name has even become a household name. As soon as this or that application for making video calls appears, it is inevitably compared with Skype.
Although the market today software Since there are so many communication apps available, Skype is still the flagship among them. It is available not only on the computer, but also on mobile systems. Skype is often placed even in devices that, it would seem, are not provided for launching it: TVs, game consoles and even ... refrigerators.
Many scold Skype for its slowness, for its excessive complexity (which, however, is far from being the case), but at the same time they continue to use it.
Developers are not going to rest peacefully on their laurels (which is like suicide in the IT industry) and are constantly working to improve their offspring. More and more updates come out regularly. So it makes sense to check if Skype needs to be updated right now.
