Error message: Skype EAccess Violation in module Skype.exe at 0002E0F6

Help. I recently installed latest version of Skype (version 4.2) and program will not launch. I get the following error message

Exception EAccess Violation in module Skype.exe at 0002E0F6. Access violation at address 0042E0F6 in module 'skype.exe'. Read of address 00000000.

Uninstalled Skype using Revo Uninstaller and used their Advanced mode to clean out any leftover files in registry and folders. Then used Error Fix registry cleaner to clean out system. Have Avast! Internet Security version 5.0 (not using its firewall function) and Zonealarm Pro firewall. Have Windows XP.

Re-installed Skype and still get above error. Program will not launch nor install properly. How can I fix this?

 

Hi Halo
Thanks for your reply. I have Windows XP Service Pack 3. The older versions of Skype worked. I am going to try all of your suggestions and promise to report back. The only thing I may not be able to do is update Java because some of my other applications don't work well with the latest Java. I have Java 6 Update 20. I believe latest version is Update 21 which does not work with a major applicable I use.

 

Halo, I did everything you suggested. Problem persists both with older version of Skype and the new Beta version. With new version, the error now says Exception EAccessviolation in module skype.exe at 0002E353. Access violation at address 0042E35E in module 'skype.exe'. Read of address 00000000. Any other suggestions?
i ran antivirus scans and antimalware scans. No problems found. Wonder if I should do a boot scan with my antivirus program? Appreciate any help you or anyone could give.