Question Problem adding Skype custom button to Outlook 07 signature - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

My sister wants to add a Skype chat button to her Outlook signature. When the user clicks on the button, even if they don't have a Skype account, if they're online, it will open a Skype window & initiate a chat session with my sister.

I got it to work but it didn't work for her. Turns out she has Outlook 07 & I have 03. So I got an Office 07 upgrade. The signature feature has really changed - there is no longer an option to base signatures on an HTML file, so the HTML stuff shows up as text.

However, when I upgraded, Outlook 07 took the signatures I had in 03 & converted them. The signature I created in 03 doesn't work perfectly, but at least you can see the button & click on it. But, when I click on it, I get a warning about opening hyperlinks & when I click "Yes" to go ahead & open the link, I get an 'Access Denied' message. So basically it doesn't work either, although it may just be some security settings. Argh!

Any suggestions would be appreciated! When I get my biz going, my sister will be a great networking resource for me. It would be great if I could help her solve this. And I will give credit where it is due! It will be a good way to break the ice, to tell her about my new VA biz.

Here's the Skype custom button page, but you'll have to have an account to get a button or you can PM me & I can email you the snippet she created with her account.

http://www.skype.com/share/buttons/wizard.html

Thanks,
Lezly

#2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

Okay this is complicated but I did it and it worked for me in Outlook 2007.
1. Go to "Tools", "Option", "Mail Format". On the tab "Message Format" choose to compose the message in HTML.
2. Go into "Start", "All Programs", "Accessories", "Notepad".
3. Copy and paste your Skype code into the Notepad.
4. Save file as "Skype.html".
5. Go into your web browser and open file "Skype.html".
6. Hit the key sequence "Ctrl A", "Ctrl C" and copy to clipboard.
7. Go back into Outlook and open the signature you want to put the button on.
8. Hit the key sequence "Ctrl V" and paste the button where needed.
9. Of course save and test.
Hope this helps!

#3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009

Wow, Lisa, thank you so much!

I was able to create a new signature, with the button link, in 07 with your instructions. However, I am still getting the hyperlink warning & when I override that, I get the 'Access Denied' message. I think it's some Outlook security setting, but I don't know that much about Outlook. Perhaps I will send a question to that Ask Leo guy.

I am going to send your instructions to my sister. Maybe it will work for her. And if I do post at Leo's site & hear back, I'll update this thread.

I really appreciate your effort!

on edit: It would never have occured to me to open the file in the browser, copy it & use that as the source!

#4 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009

I get the security warning but you are you trying to access your own skype? Maybe send it to someone else and have them test it. I can't test my own skype number.