Skype went down early this morning because on an unspecified “software problem.” According to Skype’s website, the outage may last from 12 to 24 hours.

The problem stems from an issue with Skype’s login system. The site recommends that Skype users keep their Skype client running and as soon as the issue is resolved, they will be logged in. PC World reports:

Some users have also said it appears the issue is a log-in authentication failure. “Those that are in stay in and those trying to sign in can’t get in,” said Tom Keating, who maintains a VoIP blog here.

Although users’ Skype contact lists show when the client is launched, most people are finding it impossible to dial out or open an instant message session with any of their contacts. A “Connecting” message at the bottom of the Windows client, for instance, does not go away.

Most of Skype’s Web site is accessible, although some sections, particularly the Help and Share areas, are slow to respond and may time out before rendering. Oddly, although the problem acknowledgment message is prominent on the Skype service status page, the indicators claim “All working normally.”

Skype was unavailable for comment.

Skype rarely goes offline. The last reported outage resulted in the service going dark for several hours in October 2005.

Skype Goes Dark, May Be Offline Until Friday [PC World]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.