It’s a wide array of digital tools that comprise our office toolbox, and Skype, a boon to estranged co-workers, is at the top of the pile. But if you’ve noticed a bug with Skype’s auto-fill function, rest easy; you’re not alone. This one’s a simple fix.

The Problem

A client, let’s call him Bob, is creating an email list. When he gets to his customer’s contact information, he wants to enter a telephone number. But as he types the number, the box automatically inserts a Skype contact option. This might not be so bad, except the number does not translate through his test emails. In fact, it just repeats the Skype multiple times, highlighted, with random characters appearing next to the phone numbers like some sort of hieroglyphic train wreck.

Obviously, Bob (and the rest of us) would like to enter contact numbers without this hassle.

The Fix

I have good news and bad news. The good news is, this isn’t a Benchmark malfunction. The bad news: you need to reinstall Skype.

Originally, there was a check box choice when Skype was downloaded that could prevent this issue. But the problem can easily be solved by following the instructions below.

Step 1

Uninstall Skype. Once you’ve gone through that process, reinstall it, and uncheck the Google boxes.

Step 2

Continue the download.

Step 3

Once you’ve downloaded Skype, go to your Skype Options and click on the Advanced Settings tab.

There is now an option to remove Skype highlighting for phone numbers. Just uncheck the box that says “Use Skype to call callto: links on the web.” Skype should no longer automatically insert the numbers and you, and Bob, are back in action.
Tags:
Author Bio:

by Pierce Nahigyan

Pierce Nahigyan was the Content Manager, editor and head copywriter for Benchmark Email from November 2010 - March 2013. He writes weekly short fiction at Aleph to Zydeco and film editorials for Primitive Screwheads.