Skype, recently acquired by Microsoft and suffering some login issues, is finding when it rains, it pours as a problem with an update this weekend had a domino effect into other problems for Windows users.
The update problem was disclosed by Skype on Sunday:
It has come to our attention that concerns have been expressed from Skype users over the update delivered to Skype Extras for Windows by Easybits software.
The software is provided by our partner EasyBits, and is part of the Skype Extras Manager. The Extras Manager has been included in Windows releases of our software since 2006. This latest update from EasyBits included elements of their desktop games organizer in error, but it neither installs nor un-installs correctly. This update has been disabled while we work with them to correct the problems and user experience.
Skype works closely with its partners to ensure that our users receive the best possible Skype experience and is working with EasyBits to ensure this issue does not happen again.
The EasyBits game channel “neither installs nor un-installs correctly“. When performing the update, users may have EasyBits Go installed even though they selected not to have it installed. Then, if you try to uninstall it with the Control Panel – Add/Remove Programs, the program will no longer be listed but the files/folder will remain. A special uninstaller can be downloaded and run to truly uninstall EasyBits Go.
A release from EasyBits explains the problem:
EasyBits GO is NOT a malware, it is a legitimate application distributed by EasyBits Media as part of our scheduled update.
Unfortunately the user interface in the update installer has defects causing confusing user experience that leads to unintentional installations. EasyBits Media has confirmed this problem and currently has stopped the update process and implementing a fix. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused to Skype users.
Skype has disabled the update since confirming this problem, so those that didn’t update right away should be saved from the glitch. Those that don’t want the software can use the uninstaller to get rid of it.