ok it was 5 years ago not 3

blogs.skype.com/en/2006/04/comments_about_skype_chat_text.html

Skype filtering and monitoring private conversation is a daily practice.

@tigertiger
You'll have to use either a paid proxy for free proxy (caveat emptor) to get past the GFW. Technically, VoIP is only legal on approved carriers and tom.com is approved for skype.cn. Another somewhat unenforceable law. tom.com is pretty powerful - they've locked down EVERYTHING in china that tries to go to skype.com.

The reason you can UPGRADE is you're probably piping over a different port than html (80). FTP for example, pipes over ports 21 and something else(two ports - I forgot the other one).

If you use a freeproxy (or any proxy) - beware of the usr/pwd sifting - aka don't use it for things which can access your bank account or other things which can cause financial damage or identity theft.

I'm not too thrilled with skype's security - as when I was downloading the upgrade through their website, they asked for my usr/pwd and they were NOT using https or secure forms - so my usr/pwd was transmitted clear text (easy to snoop/sniff).

1. Assume you mean the FREE version of skype 5.3 for Win7, not the USD 4.95 PREMIUM version.
2. Assume you also mean the personal version, not the BUSINESS version.

FREE VERSION
It's called skypesetup.exe and is only 1.0 MB. That will connect you to the skype server and HOPEFULLY (no promises) download the US-EN version - bypassing that annoyingly irritating tom.com skype blackhole.

HOTFILE LINK
I usually use hotfile.com - but one can also share file via qq.com. Do you have qq? (there's an international english version) - quite convenient for sharing stuff INSIDE China. Most college students and teachers use QQ - how's that for market share eh?

Hm...I'll post this as soon as it uploads...seems the family is watching youku or tudou (or both).

LINK
hotfile.com/dl/122783759/ffab38f/SkypeSetup.exe.html

Let me know if this works - if not - the file is small enough that I can just email it to you as an attachment (PM with your email required)...

Enjoy...

I used the link in @Heinz posting, and I accessed a skype 4.x version. No problems accessing. No problems using.

www.oldversion.com/Skype.html

I usually get my skype from cnet (download.cnet.com) or softpedia.com. They always host the newest version and most of the time their mirrors are reasonably fast.