Skype is a popular communication tool that allows voice calls and video chats to be made between computer, tablets, smartphones, and even gaming devices. This software is currently owned by Microsoft and is bundled with every Windows 10 installation. Although this is a solid application there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Skype unable to load directory results error.
How To Fix Skype Unable To Load Directory Results Error
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from connectivity issues to a corrupt application. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Make sure Skype is not blocked by the Firewall
Sometimes the problem can be caused by the firewall blocking Skype from accessing the internet. You need to make sure that Skype is not blocked.
- Press Windows key + R to open up the Run box.
- Type “ms-settings:privacy-calendar” and hit Enter to open Click on the Start Menu and open the “Setting” icon.
- Click on “Update & Security” option.
- Select the “Windows Security” option from the left pane.
- Click on “Allow an app through Firewall“.
- Click on “Change Settings” to provide the administrative privileges.
- Scroll down and make sure that Skype is allowed in both “Private” and “Public” networks.
- Click on “OK”
Check if the Skype unable to load directory results error still occurs.
Delete the Shared.xml file
The shared.xml file contains data that can sometimes get corrupted and can cause this problem. You should try to refresh this file by deleting it.
- Close all instances of the Skype application.
- In the search bar type “Run” and press “Enter“.
- Type “%appdata%\skype” in the Run prompt and press “Enter“.
- This will open up the Skype application data folder, delete the “Shared.xml” file if it is present inside that folder.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Skype unable to load directory results error still occurs.
Try signing in again
Sometimes this problem can be fixed by signing in to Skype.
- Click on the Menu option of the top right side of the left pane.
- Select “Sign out” from the dropdown
- Sign back in with your details.
Check if the Skype unable to load directory results error still occurs.
Delete the cache
If the cached data of the application has corrupt data then this problem can occur. To check if this is what’s causing the problem you should try deleting the cache.
- Close all instances of the Skype application.
- In the Windows search bar, type “Run“
- In the Run prompt, enter “%appdata%” and press Enter.
- Delete the “Skype” folder inside the application data folder that opens up.
- Now similarly open the “Run prompt” again.
- Type in “%temp%” inside the Run prompt
- This will open up the temporary files folder, inside that delete any folder that has “Skype” in its name.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Skype unable to load directory results error still occurs.
Reinstall Skype
In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should try reinstalling Skype.
- Open the Start Menu and click on the settings icon.
- Inside the settings, select the “Apps” option
- On the right pane select “Apps & Features“.
- Find the “Skype” app from the list of apps and click on it.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button that appears below the name of the application.
- Click on “Uninstall” again.
- Click “Next” on the setup and it will automatically uninstall Skype and all of its components from the computer.
- Download Skype from the Microsoft Store and install it.
- Run the application and check to see if the problem persists.