Skype will not load at all (i.e hangs on flash screen)
This error can be caused by a conflict with DEP (Data Execution Prevention).
To solve this problem you need to disable data execution prevention for Skype.exe.

- Go to Control panel -> System (double-click) -> Advanced -> click "Settings" under the "Performance" part and select the Data Execution Prevention tab.
- Select the second radio button "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:". Click the button labeled "Add".
- Select the box labeled "Open".
- Find Skype.exe on your computer and add it. (It's usually in the C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone folder)

You should now see that it is added to the DEP window as an exception. Click Apply on the bottom of the Performance Options box. Close all the System Properties Windows.

- Reboot your computer..