Oct 8, 2008

Problem With Skype & My USB Headphones

I recently got Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000 headphones w/microphone so I can make calls from my laptop with Skype. (Phonecalls within the USA are unlimited for $2.95/month). I make a lot of calls for work, so I figured I can increase my productivity (and save gas by skipping the drive to the office) without having to add a long distance service to my home phone. It sounded like a lovely plan until I ran into a road block.

For some strange reason, every time my call connects, the volume (wave) automatically mutes, and the master volume will gradually go down to zero. I can manually undo it, but it's a major pain. Thank goodness for the internet, It took me a couple of hours (and a ton of searches and troubleshooting) to figure out it was all linked to this one process: Communications_Helper.exe

Here's how to stop it from messing with your Skype calls:

In Skype, go to:
Tools > Options > Advanced
Under "Other things you can do", click Manage other programs' access to Skype
Click REMOVE Communications_Helper.exe


For those of you who have no clue as to what I'm talking about...just go on about your merry day. I posted this to save some the trouble I went through in having to research and troubleshoot. Happy Skype-ing!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

We've considered getting Skype. Haven't got it yet, but if we do and if we run into a similar problem, I'll be sure to look back at this post!

Technology is fun, but when it goes wrong and you have to try and figure out what went wrong, then it's a real pain.

Marie said...

Skype is cool. They don't charge anything for using webcams - it's pretty awesome. I never had any problems using the webcam, only with the headset. But that's fixed now. I only pay $2.95 to call phones within the USA. Skype calls are free. I used Skype a lot when Anthony was in London, it was great...

Catherine said...

Oh my goodness! I opened up your blog today, and lo and behold...MAKEOVER! Very nice.

Anonymous said...

I like the new format!!! Pretty :)