Tip 1061: Skype 6 and new mail alerts (Fixed)

Skype is replacing Windows Messenger. Microsoft is pushing everyone to upgrade Messenger to Skype before they pull the plug on Messenger, but Outlook users may want to avoid Skype 6.1… users are reporting that new mail alerts are not working when it's installed.

Fixed in Skype 6.2

Microsoft is aware of the problem and are investigating.

As a workaround, you can create a rule to display Desktop Alerts and play a sound if you don't want to uninstall it and revert to an older version of Skype.

Or, you can edit the registry so that Outlook won't try to load the Skype add-in.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\IM Providers
DWORD: DefaultIMApp
Value: change Skype to something (SkypeOld etc).

Speaking of Skype, note that it adds "presence" features to Outlook. When you receive email from someone on your Skype list, the icon beside their name will display their presence.

You can turn the presence indicator off in Outlook's Contacts options by deselecting the option to Display online status. In Outlook 2013 and 2010, it's in File, Options, Contacts (People). In Outlook 2007 and older, look for it on the Tools, Options, Other tab.

Published February 4, 2013. Last updated on February 13, 2013.