How do I backup my Skype chat history
11th December 2011
To backup your Skype chat history you need to copy the entire contents of your Skype account folder to a backup location of your choice.
Where is my Skype chat history stored?
When you have chat conversations on Skype, these are stored on the computer that you are ‘chatting’ on in a folder that has the same name as your ‘Skype Name’, the location for which varies depending on the operating system being used.
Your Skype chat history is stored in your Skype account folder which resides at the following location:
Windows 7
On a Windows 7 Operating system, the location of a Skype account is: C:\Users\[USER NAME]\AppData\Roaming\Skype\[Skype Name]\
Note: the above example is based on the operating system having been installed on the C drive. This may be different in your case. The “[USER NAME]” needs to be replaced with your OS user name, and the “[Skype Name]” needs to be replaced with your Skype Name. Your Skype Name can be found by opening Skype and selecting ‘Skype’ -> ‘Profile’ -> ‘Edit Your Profile’ and reviewing the display on the right hand side.
Windows Vista
On a Windows Vista Operating System, the location of a Skype account is: C:\Documents and Settings\[USER NAME]\Application Data\Skype\Skype Name]
Note: the above example is based on the operating system having been installed on the C drive. This may be different in your case. The “[USER NAME]” needs to be replaced with your OS user name, and the “[Skype Name]” needs to be replaced with your Skype Name. Your Skype Name can be found by opening Skype and selecting ‘Skype’ -> ‘Profile’ -> ‘Edit Your Profile’ and reviewing the display on the right hand side.
Windows XP
On a Windows XP Operating System, the location of a Skype account is: C:\Documents and Settings\[USER NAME]\Application Data\Skype\Skype Name]
Note: the above example is based on the operating system having been installed on the C drive. This may be different in your case. The “[USER NAME]” needs to be replaced with your OS user name, and the “[Skype Name]” needs to be replaced with your Skype Name. Your Skype Name can be found by opening Skype and selecting ‘Skype’ -> ‘Profile’ -> ‘Edit Your Profile’ and reviewing the display on the right hand side
MAC OS X
On an Apple MAC Operating System, the location of a Skype account is: Library/Application Support/Skype/[Skype Name]
How do I backup my Skype account folder?
Once you have located your Skype account folder, copy and paste it to a backup location of your choice. Backing up your Skype account folder in this way represents a complete backup of your account
Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2
If you want a product that can take care of this backup process for you automatically, you should try Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2. I recommend it here because it automatically detects the location of your Skype chat conversation history and has an on demand backup feature, allowing you to backup any Skype account on your machine to a networked location of your choice.
It is also available from the Skype app store.
Unleash the knowledge trapped in Skype: Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2
Immediate access to any chat conversation you have had on Skype. Who was I talking to, about what and when? Use powerful search to find by term, persons or date. How would you feel about losing your entire chat history? Feel secure with on-demand backup and restore of any of your Skype accounts.
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