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29.12.2014 - New pet packages from Greengeek and last modification here.
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20.09.2014 - Patched versions blocked from today.
The workaround setting up the account with 4.3.0.37 for autologin still works.
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Next workaround needs running Skype 4.3.0.37 first to setup the account to autologin with older skype version:
In my experiments I use DebianDog and Skype 2.2.0.35 and 4.2.0.13. Anyone interested can adapt it for Puppy and add information in this thread. More or less it will be similar.
This morning (08.08.2014) we lost the previous workaround posted here and I think it is time to open dedicated thread with new methods for users with old hardware and who prefer to keep the old versions.
I don't know how long I will continue searching a way to run old Skype but to the moment I use Skype 2.2.0.35 without much troubles.
In this new workaround I will use latest Skype 4.3.0.37 to give successful login for the old versions.
In case someone sees no reason to use older versions since Skype 4.3.0.37 is needed anyway to setup the auto-login, please, just do not use this workaround. There is a way to skip Skype 4.3.0.37 use but it is involved with much more editing configuration files. This method is easier and maybe the loophole will be more difficult to be fixed.
Lets get started:
1. Install latest Skype 4.3.0.37 and start it (do not install pulseaudio - we do not need it).
2. Create account or login to existing one and set it up to autologin when Skype starts and no update control in Advanced Options (Thanks Watchdog). Test to make sure autologin works and quit Skype 4.3.0.37.
3. Extract and find the binary file from Skype 4.2.0.13 /usr/bin/skype or /usr/lib/skype/skype (may be in different location depending from what distro package is extracted - the file is around 28Mb). Do not mistake it with /usr/bin/skype which is only script in some packages).
Move the binary in /usr/bin and rename it from skype to skype42
For example extract this deb and move /usr/bin/skype (from the extracted deb) to /usr/bin/skype42 (in your running system).
Or extract this tar.xz and move /usr/lib/skype/skype (from the extracted tar) to /usr/bin/skype42 (in your running system).
4. Extract and find the binary file from Skype 2.2.0.35 /usr/bin/skype or /usr/local/bin/skype (may be in different location depending from what package is extracted - the file is around 20Mb). Do not mistake it with /usr/bin/skype which is only script in some packages).
Move the binary in /usr/bin and rename it from skype to skype22
For example extract this deb and move /usr/bin/skype (from the extracted deb) to /usr/bin/skype22 (in your running system).
Or extract this skype-2.2.0.35-new.pet and move /usr/share/skype/skype (from the extracted pet) to /usr/bin/skype22 (in your running system).
5. (Adding this line is needed for Skype 2.2 to work - Skype 4.2 will work without this step.) Open with text editor /root/.Skype/shared.xml and add one SavePassword line (after </Pos> and before </UI>) near at the end like this:
Code: Select all
</Pos>
<SavePassword>1</SavePassword>
</UI>
</config>
6. Start from terminal Skype 2.2.0.35 by typing skype22 or Skype 4.2.0.13 by typing skype42. As long as you Quit skype from tray icon and start old skype versions you will autologin without problems.
If you logout by mistake run again Skype 4.3.0.37 to setup the account to autologin.
Important note: In 30 days the <Credentials3> signed public key in /root/.Skype/user-name/config.xml may not be valid. If it expires in 30 days, login again with Skype 4.3.0.37 and new one will be created. It is recommended not to wait till creditentals key expire but after 25-26 days setup again your account with Skype-4.3.0.37 and replace /root/.Skype folder with the new one.
Skype versions could be in separate sfs files to load and unload when needed instead installing Skype 4.3.0.37.
Any other working solutions or suggestions are welcome!
Toni