Is there a way to run multiple instances of Skype ? I would interested in having this under both Windows and Linux for different reasons. The former to have one Skype instance connected to my wireless Skype phone, while anothe instance uses the headset/speakers (since there is no way to make Skype ring multiple audio devices afaik).

Under Linux it would just be to have 2 different Skype accounts open.

I currently do it by running skype on a virtual machine, but that is complete overkill and not very convenient.

Does anyone know a better way ?

This is for windows and Mac, I guess it will work on Linux.

On a Windows OS you can run another Skype instance at the same time if you start the second with another Windows user account. Example 1. Make sure you have another user account (login) for your Windows.
2. Right click the Skype icon and select "Run as..."
3. On the next screen click "The following user:" and select one different from the one you are currently logged in as on your computer.
4. Voila - another Skype opening which can be used independently from your first Skype instance. You can even make calls between them on the same computer

Additional tip from JP White.
To help automate the 'run as' trick you can create a second desktop icon for Skype and modify its properties. Click the advanced button and check the box 'run with different credentials'. After clicking on the modified icon it will ask you to sign in as another user. Changing the icon graphic also helps ensures you click on the correct icon.

If you have multiple USB headsets or USB Phones you should be able to setup both instances of Skype to use a different sound device

Using Ubuntu (gusty) I have no problem running two skypes - I just log in to different skype accounts and they work completely independently. Obviously, you can't access the same audio/video hardware from both skypes at the same time.

I'll be damned, you're right lol. It gives a warning that another instance of skype might be running, but indeed you can run multiple copies of it under Linux. sheesh, so easy And actually, it does let you use the same audio hardware simultaneously. I had no problems doing 2 test calls at once with one soundcard/headset. Great

As for under windows, looks like a good solution, but the "run with different credentials" option is greyed out, I'll figure that one out though;

Thanks for the help!

Try below:
(ultimate) machine i have found that if you are logged into an admin account there does not appear to be the option to run skype as another user. however, from a guest account (and i believe restricted/normal user accounts) if you right click on the skype icon (you may need to hold down on shift key as you do it) you should get a "run as" option... possibly "run as administrator". and hence running 2 accounts should be possible. however, if like me your main account is the admin account then this is not very practical as whenever you need to run two accounts you have to do it via one of the other windows user accounts. for some reason microsoft have removed the "run as" option in admin accounts and replaced it with a "run as administrator" option.

Actually, the problem was just that I had disabled the secondary login service (or whatever it is called) to reduce the memory footprint, since this laptop which is only used for my skypephone and sykype only has 128Mb RAM.

Hi, does this work for Skype 4.0 and later? I am running Skype 4.0.0.226 and it just brings up the original Window after trying the tips below. I see all the things you describe below, it's just that I don't get an extra window like others.

I am also running this on Windows Server 2003 but like I said, I get all that is described below so doesn't seem to be any different. Thanks.

I got NO idea for server
But it works (different ways) for moth XP and Vista.

Above is for XP if you want/run Vista its different , drop me a pm for tthat solution

Hi Gladiator,

I just wanted to confirm that this trick still works with Skype v4.x and later. The rest I will figure out based on your helpful suggestions.

Thanks.