I used to use Skype all the time--no problem. Then I didn't use it for several months and I downloaded the new Skype. Then when I went to use it the person on the other end couldn't see me, and I could only see her through a purple flashing screen.

Now I can't even log in.

So I removed the Skype I had. Then I installed Skype from the Ubuntu software center. When I go to log in it just tells me "Skype can't connect."

When I ran that down it takes me to a Skype website https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA3...t-what-do-i-do

And from there it sends you to a download page to download this really old stuff.

Any ideas? Thanks.

What version of skype are you using? Do you still have your ~/.Skype folder on your system? Have you opened the Skype Options menu and made sure all your settings are correct?
I know these are basic questions but sometimes we forget the obvious.
jdk

Go away from skype.. http://alternativeto.net/software/skype/?platform=linux
its a continuious pain.

Thanks LZM. I've only used Skype on my work computer and I'm at home. I know I have Skype in the Application Finder on the work computer. Anyway, I tried to find Skype on this computer and it wasn't in the Ubuntu Software Center. So maybe you can help me with this computer (installing it from scratch) and then when I get back to the work computer on Monday I'll answer your questions.

I ran a partial file search (it was taking forever so I didn't complete it) and there was some Skype stuff on this home computer. I'll attach it.

Thanks.

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I can believe it. Thanks. (I didn't know there were alternatives.)

Oh yes. I used jitsi for a long time. The problem is not you, floppy_stuttgart or me. The problem is convincing everyone on your skype list (I mean the ones you communicate with) to switch also. Good luck with that. Now if there were a free alternative to skype that allowed you to connect to the skype network.... If this is not a problem for you (getting your group to all switch) then by all means, go for it.
jdk

Okay. This is on the computer starting from scratch. I installed Skype from Ubuntu Software Center (and for some reason Skype is not in my Ubuntu Software Center on my other identical computer). Made sure PulseAudio Volume Control is installed. On the "test call" I can hear the woman but I do not hear my message that should've been recorded. I've checked the audio level. It's at 100%. I switched from microphone #1 to #2 to Analog. I checked the input and output tabs. Absolutely nothing.

Video is good. On "video devices" it shows a live video of me.

What am I missing?

At some point I believe I had a similar problem with skype and pulseaudio. I did some checking and found this command:
I put that in as the command for my skype desktop shortcut and ....voilà! it worked. Eventually, after a few upgrades of pulseaudio, I tested skype with a simple "skype" command and it worked again. You might give the above command a try and see if it helps. Good luck.
jdk

Thanks LZM. I'll give it a shot when I get to the work computer in the morning. Meanwhile, any idea why Skype is nowhere to be found in the Ubuntu Software Center on this computer?

I don't know but I suspect it has something to do with M$ licensing conflicting with Ubuntu's packaging policy. There may be an Ubuntu repository out there somewhere in the firmament that is not included in Ubuntu's standard sources.list file. For example in Debian, you have to use the non-free repo to get skype. As you know you can download an Ubuntu skype package on the Skype website.
jdk

I tried it. As soon as I entered it in the command line the Skype sign-in window popped up. I entered my info but still wasn't able to record on the sound test.

I'm weakening, LZM. All this rigmarole with Linux is getting old. Seems like everything I want has some convoluted work-around to get it. Thinking of getting a cheap refurbished box with Windows 7 on it. It's been great learning all this stuff but at times (like now) it just seems endless (and a great time waster). Hey, Happy Christmas!

Faint heart never won fair lady. Remember that M$ will never try to make their products available let alone easy to install for linux. Giving up is what they're after. So far you've managed to sort out most of your problems. You've invested too much time and effort to give up now. Believe me, in a couple of months you will think it was all worth it and you will smile.

OK end of sermon and back to work. When you open the skype menu and look at Sound devices what do you see? I see PulseAudio server (local) for Microphone, Speakers and Ringing. Do you see the same?
Edit: Stop Press!!!
Have a look at this thread starting with post #4. If this doesn't help we can find plenty of other suggestions.
jdk

Hey LZM. Thanks for the pep talk. I looked at that fix in the forum. LOL It sounded insane! But I'll try it tomorrow on my work computer. (The computer I'm on now doesn't have Skype in the Ubuntu Software Center.)

I upgraded both my computers to 14.10 (from 14.04) today. Ironically one of the last things I saw being downloaded was 'PulseAudio.' I took it as a good omen.

It's still Christmas over there. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Ok, good luck. If it's working then problem solved. If not (arrrggghhh) then don't forget to post the contents of the skype options->sound devices window. Mine (which works) looks like the image below.
jdk

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