Copy skype chat history to text files?

skype

I'd like to convert my Skype chat history to a collection of text files for archival purposes. Ideally, I'd like to have a command (e.g. script or app) so that I could do this on a regular basis.

Any one have any idea on how to go about doing this?

Solution 1:

Your Skype chat history is stored inside a file named main.db located by default at:

~/.Skype/SKYPEUSERNAME/

Open the File

These files are binary files and can be viewed using:

a Hex editor like ghex;
or a regular editor like GVim;
BUT for an efficient analysis, you should use a SQLite editor like Sqliteman:

Performing a query to select the intended data, you can export the results to CSV, HTML, XLS, SQL and other formats.

Backup the File

You can use a simple cp command to copy the folder to somewhere else you want it to.
You can put this command in a cron.daily if you want it to run daily.

Solution 2:

Try the software called "Skyperious" which can be clones/ downloaded from HERE. They have installable software for Linux, Windows as well as for Mac.

Solution 3:

http://www.kudosknowledge.com/how-do-i-export-skype-chat-history/ describes how to do it, but I believe it assumes a Windows install of Skype. Basically, everything is in your ~/.Skype folder, and you'll need to read the sqlite database corresponding to your account. It shouldn't be too hard to make a script to do it, but I'm not aware of any that currently exist.

EDIT:

Archive.org has a working version of the link: https://web.archive.org/web/20130406134219/http://www.kudosknowledge.com/how-do-i-export-skype-chat-history/