Skype error on startup cannot find d3d9.dll

I'm a huge fan of Skype. It is one of the tool that the whole team uses.

Recently a team member encountered a problem while trying to start Skype. The error returned read "Failed to Get Proc Address for D3DPERF_Setoptions(d3d9.dll) In Skype". The operating system was Windows XP and the desktop was at least 18 months old

Solution to the missing d3d9.dll file in Skype

There are two solutions offered for the error and the are

Solution 1

This solution works if you have an old computer (meaning more than a year old)

• Uninstall Skype. 
• Download an old version of Skype ( if possible Version 4). You can download Skype version 4 from here. 
• Install from the downloaded file. 

This solution works for those who have old computers as the new versions of Skype needs resources that are not there on old computers.

Solution 2

If the above solution does not work then it is advised to download d3d9.dll file and extract it to the system32 folder in windows.
The solution seems pretty easy but the fact of the matter is that most of the websites which offer dll (dynamic-link library) are not reliable and you would be taking a huge risk by downloading the file and putting it in the system32 folder of Windows.

To ensure that you will install a clean d3d9.dll follow the steps below

1. Restart your computer if you have not done that.
2. Uninstall the direct version installed from add or remove programs. (important)
3. Download DirectX from the Microsoft website (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/179113) and install it.
4. Restart your computer and start Skype. Everything should work smoothly.

If by any chance you still face problems then you can get more help here. If needed you can contact me as well and I will try and help to the best of my abilities.