How to Troubleshoot Skype VoIP

Skype works without hardware devices such as a phone adapter, and therefore there is a possibility of problems that are usually due to a network error or PC configuration. All Skype users have access to the official Web site of Skype: www.skype.com and the online documentation for troubleshooting. Here are some ways to troubleshoot Skype problems.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Perform the following tasks if you are unable to connect to the P2P network through Skype (Error # 1101, 1102 or 1103). Alter internet settings. If you are connecting the internet via your office, school or corporate network, you could be behind a firewall. Learn more on how to install a firewall and how to configure it. To configure the firewall, first exit from the Skype program, then go to Start menu and click on Settings, Control Panel. Proceed to choose Windows firewall. Uncheck 'Don't allow exceptions' and go to Exceptions. If Skype is listed in the Exceptions list, delete it. Resume the Skype program when done.

2. Check the voice quality. If you hear a low or poor quality voice from others when on a phone call, open the Skype software and go to 'Tools'- Options -Sound Devices.

3. Examine the box with 'Enable automating sound-device setting adjustment'. Save and Exit.

4. Go to Start Menu in your windows operating system. Click on Programs -Accessories - Entertainment - Volume Control. You can also right click on the loudspeaker icon in the bottom tray. Choose 'Options'- Properties and select 'Microphone'. Press Ok. Find the 'Advanced' button close to the Microphone slider. Click on 'Mic boost'. Click Close. Make sure you set the microphone setting to 50% or higher.

5. Refresh the connection settings if the problem persists or edit configuration settings. Close all programs (including Skype). Find config.xml file by navigating to C:-Documents and settings- Windows Username - Application data - Skype - SkypeUsername - config.xml. Double click the file and run it. You can also open the file using a text editor such as notepad or WordPad.

6. Find one entry in the section and one in section. 1 and 1 . Simultaneously, change the two entries in the config.xml file (change from 1 to 0 or vice versa, if the entries are missing in the file, add them). Also in that file there is an option xxx (xxx represents number between 0 and 255). Increase the number up to 255 (which is the maximum recognized value). It can be increased only when AGC is set to 0.

7. Submit a ticket if this does not solve the problem. You can visit the support page on the Skype Web site and report the problem. Learn more on how to submit an error report.

8. Check the microphone. If it does not work, then Consult the setup guide to make sure the microphone is installed properly.

9. Conduct the sound test. You can also call the echo123 robot service provided by Skype. If the problem persists then go to Skype - Tools - Options - Sound devices. Select microphone as 'Audio In' device. Test using echo123 again.

10. Submit a ticket and report the problem if you are still unable to use your microphone.

11. Examine the voice problems. If you are unable to hear others, make sure the playback device is plugged in. Try calling echo123.

12. Change audio settings. Go to Skype- Tools - Options - Sound devices and select your speaker or headsets as the 'Audio Out' device. Again test by using echo123 robot service.

13. Edit your windows settings. Go to Start menu - Programs - Accessories - Entertainment - Volume Control. Click on 'Properties' in the Options. Select your speakers or headsets as 'Mixer device' and increase speaker volume by 50% or more. Conduct the test on echo123.

14. Submit a ticket and report the error if nothing else works.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the network/Internet speed in check. If you experience variable broadband speed, your call quality is likely to fluctuate when using VoIP service such as Skype.