Where is my Skype chat conversation history stored?
04th December 2011
Does Skype store my Skype chat conversation history?
The default settings of the Skype application are set to store chat conversation history forever.
This setting can be accessed by opening Skype on your machine and selecting ‘Tools’ -> ‘Options’ -> ‘IM & SMS’ -> ‘Show Advanced Options’
Does Skype store my chat conversations online?
No, Skype does not. While Skype does store your contact list online, it does not store your chat messages on its servers.
Where are my Skype chat conversations stored?
These are stored on the machine from which you ‘chatted’ from.
When you ‘chat’ on Skype, the chat conversations are stored on the machine you chat from.
They are not stored on Skype servers.
Where is my Skype chat history located on my machine?
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 a file called main.db 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]
Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2
If you want a product that can take care of all these questions and concerns for you, it is Kudos Chat Search for Skype v2. I recommend it here because it automatically detects the location of your Skype chat conversation history and gives you immediate access to backup, export and restore features. 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.
How do I find my 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.
Related questions/titles:
