Everytime I install or update Skype, I notice that a Skype extension has been automagically installed to my Firefox. I don't recall Skype ever asking me if I wanted to install this (who doesn't hate pesky toolbars and other "addons" being installed without their permission?). I really like Skype, I always choose/recommend it over the other myriad of messengers out there, but having it install this without my permission is a bit unnerving, makes me think...what else can it be installing without me knowing?

Basically, I would like to see an option in the install/update process that gives the user a choice in whether or not they would like this "feature" installed. If there is an option, then disregard my blonde moment as I do not remember seeing one. I normally uninstall the extension once I see in in there, and when I updated the other night to 3.6.0.248 I noticed the extension was once again installed.

(I've been using Skype since version 3.2something [I think] and it's always installed that, if there was an option to not install it I would have done so.)

I tried searching for another post already stating this and only found stuff about the extension freezing the browser, etc. Also wasn't sure if it should be posted here or in Suggestions.

Hi BebiBulma
Thank you for bringing this up - evidently this needs a bit of clarification!

* There is in fact an option to install a web add-on to your favorite browser - it is in the first installer screen (lower left corner)
* The default choice is to install the web add-on if you don't opt out
* If you un-install the Firefox extension from the little Skype button on the Firefox toolbar that choice will be remembered so that it will not default to installing again
* The last installation screen actually informs you that you have been given a web add-on and also the first time you start your browser after Skype installation you are taken to a web page with more information about the functionality

I hope that brings some clarity! Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Really? Hum...must have missed it then. Is that only for the initial install or upgrades as well? Because when I go to upgrade (through Help > Check for Updates) it just downloads the new stuff and restarts itself, I don't recall getting any prompts for options.

Is the Skype Extension for Firefox that I'm seeing the same as this button on the Firefox toolbar that you mention? Because I never see the button, I just notice that the extension is installed when I see a phone number on a page somewhere that looks ready to be dialed through Skype.

Hi BebiBulma,
You are right - during upgrades you don't get to choose any options. You need to download the full installer to get those.
I don't understand how you can get the phone numbers highlighted without a Skype button in the toolbar. It is supposed to be in the far right corner, to the right or the search box.

Probably because I've totally customized my Firefox.

It really should be an option to not install the extension through updates like that, I don't see the reasoning behind only having it in the full installer. Would be a nuisance to have to always check to see if there's any updates (if I even knew if such a method besides the check through Skype itself) and have to download and install each time just to have that option. Seems to defeat the purpose of having easy updates if I have to go through all that rigmarole just to have any decision as to whether the extension gets installed or not.

Hi BebiBulma,
If you un-install it from the toolbar button the extension will not be installed again even if you do an upgrade.

I was wondering where I could get the skype button for firefox. I used to have it and loved it but now it has gone and I am not sure where to get it. I tried reinstalling but no luck.

Thanks

This post has been edited by Steve Anderson: Wed May 7 2008, 23:55

Hi Steve,
I am delighted that you love the Skype extension!
To get the Skype extension for Firefox you will need to re-install Skype. In the first screen of the installer there is an Options button. If you click that you can select to Install or Upgrade the Skype Extension for Firefox.

Please let me know if that doesn't help!

Hello! I'm a web developer and there is some site in current development in witch I don´t want that in any case the phone number display as buttons.
I am wondering is any way to do it.

Hi Bjazdiseno
If you simply insert this meta tag into your html pages the phone numbers on the page will NOT be highlighted:
<meta name="SKYPE_TOOLBAR" content="SKYPE_TOOLBAR_PARSER_COMPATIBLE" />

Hello,

I removed the SKype extensions from Firefox, but I decided that I really liked them and want them back. I've tried reinstalling both Skype and Firefox, but either one or the other application "remembers" that I didn't want those extensions and doesn't ask me to reinstall. How can I get back to having the Skype extensions in Firefox?

Thank you,
Tony Klein

Hi Tommy,
I am delighted that you like the Firefox extension. I apologize for making it hard for you to get it back.
There are 2 ways to get it:

• Download Skype from www.skype.com and run the installer. The first installer screen has a button with the caption Options on it. Click that and make sure the checkbox for "Install the Skype extension for Firefox" is checked.
• Download the latest beta version from https://developer.skype.com/SkypeToolbars/ - there you will find a stand-alone installer for the Firefox extension

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Hi,
I'm a Mac user and I used to have the firefox extension in windows and I missing it , there are any extension available for Mac firefox or Safari? Thanks in advance

Carlos

Hi. First of all I do not see the skype button you are talking about. The extension is installed and working though.

Second I can not edit the options or uninstall the extension (these options are not active). I can only disable it.

Third, the extension conflicts with my FireFox 3.0.5 Basically Customize toolbars is not working correctly.

How can I remove the extensioj completely?

Thanks

Hi. I actually have no idea why the plugin is there or what it does. So I've removed it. Anyone want to convince me otherwise?

I have a reason NOT to install the Skype add-on to Firefox. It's BUGGY. Whenever I have the add-on enabled, I can't open new windows. New tabs are OK, but no new windows. Also, it prevents my Twitterfox add-on from loading.

PLEASE FIX YOUR BUG.

-- Josh

I have a reason NOT to install the Skype add-on to Firefox. It's BUGGY. Whenever I have the add-on enabled, I can't open new windows. New tabs are OK, but no new windows. Also, it prevents my Twitterfox add-on from loading.

PLEASE FIX YOUR BUG.

-- Josh

I have to agree with Josh: Skype extension breaks Firefox, as many Firefox users report on Firefox forums. Once the extension is installed, Firefox will no longer open new windows; furthermore, if you've tried to open a new Firefox window, then Firefox process will not end when you close the browser (you need to end the process via task manager). It's been really annoying for me. So, I've got two suggestions:

• for Firefox users: do not install Skype extension;
• for Skype developers: please fix this very annoying bug as soon as possible (and add an option tho chose whether install the extension or not to the upgrade process)... next time, please, carefully test your software before releasing it.

Best regards,
nArEiT

Hi there... I'm wondering if there is an available Linux version of the Skype browser extension. It works great in Windows, despite the brain-dead post before this one.

(Seriously, file a bug report; don't whine about fixing a bug unless you've got some information to contribute!)

If not, no worries; I've not been able to find a suitable version for my OS, but that's kinda typical.

Thanks in advance! Skype is excellent software!

-tnarb

Hi tnarb,
Thanks for your input! Regretfully we do not have a Linux version just yet but I hope to be announcing that soon.

I found the Firefox Addon(that I didn't not know was getting installed) directly responsible for hanging my Gmail. In fact it slowed or made unusable my entire Google Apps. Disabling the SKYPE Firefox Addon fixed it. I did test again by rebooting, reenabling and the problem returned. New to SKYPE so don't know what this thing does beneficially but it won't work for me. I've de-installed.