I'm using windows vista but when i click to download Skype, it just won't run, it only ever downloads 45% every time.

To install Skype, download the latest version from the Skype website. Do not download Skype from anywhere else.
The Skype install file is about 1MB in size. When you run the install file, the installer will download the Skype application (about 20MB) in the background. If your internet connection drops while this is happening, the installer will resume the download as soon as connectivity is restored.
If you do not wish to use the light installer, download the full installer (around 22MB).

The system requirements for running Skype on different operating systems are described below. Please ensure that your system meets these requirements, and that you have the equipment you need, before downloading the latest version of Skype.
Version : Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7
(32-bit and 64-bit versions supported)
Processor : At least 1GHz
RAM : At least 256 MB
Additional software DirectX v9.0 or above

Hope this helps (remember to rating this answer and leave us a testimonial commetn).

Hello Rich,

Download the Skype 5.3 from http://skype.en.softonic.com/download. Download the Skype for windows. Install it in the desktop computer.

http://download.cnet.com/Acer-Crystal-Eye-webcam/3000-2108_4-188685.html see if that link works, if not or if your using windows 7 you HAVE TO download the driver for vista, and install it as a vista program by right clicking the file you downloaded and clicking RUN AS then choose vista. Install it, the actual webcam software may not work but the drivers will allow you to use programs like yahoo messenger video chat, and skype.

Download the installer if you don't have one yet at skype site. Enjoy

Uninstall the skype program completely then download and reinstall.

If issue still persist perform the system restore. You can choose the date of the restore point. Think when was the last time you were able to use the skype normally.

System restore procedure for win vista and 7
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-system-restore/

Open Internet Explorer. Click on Tools/Internet Options/Security. You will see a button near the bottom that says "Reset all zones to default level" . Click on this button. Above it to the left, you will see a message that says Appropriate for most websites and under it Prompt prior to downloading potentially unsafe content. Click on Apply and close out the browser. Now when you attempt to download Skype or Messenger (btw Messenger can be run from the web now) you should see a yellow bar appear just under the address bar with a warning. You should be given the option to download the file. Click on download file and you should be all set.

have you tried downloading the app during a diff time, or try to check if there is a firewall or any security software which is not allowing you to download that type of software, check if this happens to all your downloads, try to download in safe mode with networking.

Is yopur inetrenet giving any troubles? Try saving the download file and then run it.

Hi,

To help resolve some common connection issues on Windows Vista, please
follow these steps:

1) Please make sure, that you are running the latest version of Skype
that you can download from http://skype.com/go/download

2) If Skype is running, please close it by right-clicking on the Skype
icon in the system tray (next to the clock) and selecting Quit Skype or
via File > Close.

3) If you are behind proxy server, make sure you have set all proxy
settings in Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Connections >
LAN settings and in Skype under Tools > Options > Connection.

4) If you are using Windows Firewall,
Go to Start menu > Control Panel > Windows firewall > Change settings
and select the Exceptions tab. Find Skype from the list, select it by
clicking on it once and press Delete. Click on Add Program and select
Skype from the list. If Skype is not on the list, click Browse and go to
C:\Program Files\Skype\ Phone\ and select skype.exe. Close the windows
by pressing OK button.

5) If you are using any other firewalls or anti-virus software, please
make sure, that Skype is in the exceptions list. We have firewall
guides at http://www.skype.com/help/guides/firewall.html .
If your firewall or anti-virus software is not listed there, please
follow the guide supplied with your software or contact the software
manufacturer for step by step instructions.

6) If you are using a router, please configure port forwarding for
Skype. You can find guides for an extensive list of routers on
http://www.portforward.com/english/applica.../Skypeindex.htm
Please note that we are not responsible for this page and contents
might change unexpectedly.

7) Start Skype

Make sure your status is set to online via "File" > "Change Online
Status" > select "Online".


If the above did not help, please try the following:
Go to Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools and start 'Windows
Firewall with advanced security'. If you don't see "Administrative
tools" in the Control Panel, please make sure, that the Classic Mode is
selected from the left side of the Control Panel window.

Click 'Inbound Rules' > 'New Rule'. Make sure 'Program' is selected.
Click 'Next'. Select 'This program path' and click Browse. Browse to
C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe. Click 'Open'. You are taken back
to the rules creation window, click 'Next'.

Check 'Allow the connection' and click 'Next'.

Make sure that all three options are ticked: 'Domain', 'Private',
'Public' and click 'Next'.
In the Name box type 'Rules for Skype' or whatever you like.
Description may be left empty. Click Finish.

Now select 'Outbound Rules'.

Click 'New Rule'. In the window that pops up make sure 'Program' is
selected.
Click 'Next'. Select 'This program path' and click Browse. Browse to
C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe. Click 'Open'. You are taken back
to the rules creation window, there click 'Next'.

Check 'Allow the connection' and click 'Next'.

Make sure that all three options are ticked: 'Domain', 'Private',
'Public' and click 'Next'.
In the Name box type 'Rules for Skype' or whatever you like.
Description may be left empty. Click Finish.

Please restart your computer after doing this and try launching Skype
thereafter.

Finally you could try below:
This is a regular Vista idiocy, occurring from time to time to random applications and has nothing to do with Skype. Thanks, Mr. Gates.

How to fix it:

1. Go to your Skype program directory, then navigate to the subdirectory Phone.
2. Right-click the Skype executable, select Properties.
3. Go to Compatibility tab.
4. Select compatibility mode, and choose Run this program in compatibility mode - Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Double click on the site for I-rocks Camera driver, go downto Multimedia and download the driver. http://www.i-rocks.com/Download.aspx

After you download the driver, then do this:
Disconnectthe Camera from the USB port and reinstall the CD or Downloaded softwareprogram. When the program asks you to connect the camera to theUSB port, do so and it should work.
Then to use it on the Web, do this.
Web Camera’s have to besetup on the program they are to be used with. Just installing the cameraon your computer does not set it up to broadcast on messengers or Skype.
Each program has Options that have to be setup in order forthe Audio and Video to function properly.
A. Skype Setup:
After downloading and installing Skype (http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/download/skype/windows/beta/downloading/) set it up as follows:

1. Go to Tools, then Options, and click on Audio Settings and set the Microphone and Speakers to the computer Audio Card.
2. Then click on the Video Settings.
3. The camera if Installed Properly will come up and show a video picture.
4. Then, on the bottom of the page click on Save.

The camera and audio should function properly. Yourfriends and Family will now be able to see and her to you.

B. Yahoo Setup:
After downloading and installing Yahoo Messenger (http://www.soft32.com/download_30.html) set it up as follows:

1. Go to Messenger at the top left and click on it.
2. Next go down to Preferences and click on it.
3. Next Calling and Devices on the right and set the Microphone and Speakers to the computer Audio Card.
4. Next go to the Test Audio section and (in blue writing) click on “Open the call setup assistant” and follow the instructions on the left window.

Hopethis helps. Bud