How do I transfer my Skype chat history from one computer to another?
16th December 2011
Related questions:
How do I transfer my Skype account to another computer?
To transfer your Skype chat history from one machine to another, or to a new machine, you need to complete the following steps:
For the purposes of this explanation, let’s say we are moving chat history from machine A to machine B. We will call machine A the source machine and machine B the destination machine.
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.
1. Copy your Skype account folder from machine A (source) to an external location
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]
Once you have located your Skype account folder, take a full copy of it and save it to an external location that you will need to make available to machine B (destination machine).
NB: In Windows OS environments you will probably need to shut Skype to execute the copy.
2. Paste the Skype account folder from machine A to machine B in the correct location based on the Operating System
Windows 7
C:\Users\[USER NAME]\AppData\Roaming\Skype\[Skype Name]\
Windows Vista
C:\Documents and Settings\[USER NAME]\Application Data\Skype\Skype Name]
Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\[USER NAME]\Application Data\Skype\Skype Name]
MAC OS X
Library/Application Support/Skype/[Skype Name]
NB: In Windows OS environments you may need to shut Skype to execute the paste.
Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2
If you want a product that can take care of the transfer of your Skype chat history from one machine to another, 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. After that you can use the on demand restore feature to restore a backup to your other machine.
Instructions for transferring your Skype chat history from one machine to another using Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2
1. Backup your Skype account on the first machine
To backup your Skype chat history install Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2 on the first machine and then:
- Select the account you would like to backup (on the start page),
- In the top right corner, click the “Backup Skype account” button,
- A dialog will be popup window, using this popup select the drive and/or folder you would like to store your backup
, and - Click the “Ok” button.
If Skype is running it will be closed down momentarily to ensure that you have a complete backup.
2. Restore your Skype account to the second machine
Install Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2 on the second machine.
Make the backup folder you took from the first machine available to this machine
Restore your Skype chat history from the backup:
- In the top right corner, click the down arrow, and then select “Restore skype account”,
- A dialog will be popup window, using this popup select the drive and/or folder where your backup is stored
, and - Click the “Ok” button.
If skype is running it will be closed down momentarily to ensure that you have a complete backup.
Warning! Restoring will overwrite your Skype chat history.
Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2 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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