Block Skype Ads 2016 - updated 13/01/16

Add to hosts file: (ex: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts)
127.0.0.1 rad.msn.com
127.0.0.1 live.rads.msn.com
127.0.0.1 ads1.msn.com
127.0.0.1 static.2mdn.net
127.0.0.1 g.msn.com
127.0.0.1 a.ads2.msads.net
127.0.0.1 b.ads2.msads.net
127.0.0.1 ac3.msn.com

Remove placeholder:
ex:	 C:\users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Skype\USER\config.xml
change 	<AdvertPlaceholder>1</AdvertPlaceholder>
to 	<AdvertPlaceholder>0</AdvertPlaceholder>

mark config.xml as read-only.



If the placeholder still appears:

1) Go to the Control Panel
2) Open the Control Panel\Network and Internet\Internet Options.
3) Security tab.
4) Click on 'Restricted sites' icon and click the Sites button - The 'Restricted sites' dialog will appear on the screen.
5) Type "https://apps.skype.com/" without the " and click add
6) Close Internet Options and restart Skype.