Solved Getting skype to connect to Windows 7

[techlearner]

I have installed skype to my desktop but it won't connect. I just get a circle that keeps going round.

I looked at the set up, i.e. under properties and its compatibility is with Windows XP, i.e. not with windows 7 (which is what I use). There it says 'run this programme in compatibility mode for...' and it has a drop down arrow for programmes other than windows xp but it is greyed out i.e. inaccessible.

How can I get this function to be accessible?

I don't understand why skype worked with my previous (Toshiba) laptop in windows 7 (same browser, firefox, and McAfee anti viral software) and not in this new Lenovo ThinkPad E550.

 

[Hacb]

try re-installing skype first, you may have ticked something by mistake when running the installer

 

[techlearner]

try re-installing skype first, you may have ticked something by mistake when running the installer

I have done this several times now. The only thing that can be unticked is making Bing or IE the home page.

On the first few tries of reinstalling skype, I did get McAfee pop up saying a programme wanted internet access (hinting at security) and giving me 3 options. Initially I blocked it then - on another uninstall and reinstalling skype - tried another option. However, the McAfee pop up no longer occurs when I reinstall skype so I am unable to pursue trying the other option in the McAfee pop up. Could it be this? If so, is there a way of accessing what McAfee is blocking?

 

[Mellon Head]

Being that McAfee is no longer giving you that popup message, it is probably still blocking the internet component of the Skype setup. Meaning that Skype won't set up completely.

I don't use McAfee, but there must be a block list somewhere in the program's options where you can unblock the Skype installer. Also check your firewall to see if McAfee has set the firewall to block Skype. It may be as simple as that.

Hopefully, someone with McAfee knowledge will wander by and help, but in the meantime check those things, please.

 

[Hacb]

I know a bit about McAfee but I have never had to try that, so I thought I would check out the website and I found this for you:
How to add an application to the Firewall Program Permissions list

Environment
Firewall

Microsoft Windows 8, 8.1
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Vista

Summary
This article provides information to assist you in creating an access rule for an application in the Program Permissions list requiring Internet access through your Firewall.

Problem
Typically, the Firewall prompts you to accept or refuse an application's attempt to access the Internet. When you make your selection, the Firewall creates a rule to enforce your choice.

If an application does not have a rule allowing it to access the Internet, your Firewall blocks the application to protect your computer.

You can manually add applications to the Program Permissions list using the following steps.

Solution
Open your security product.
Click Web and Email Protection.
Click Firewall.
Click Internet Connections for Programs drawer.

NOTE: Depending on the version of the McAfee software you have installed, this may be called Program Permissions.

Scroll to the bottom and click Add.
Click Browse and locate the file you want to add.
Select the application and click Open.
Set the access type you want using the options in the Access drop-down menu.
Click Save.

 

[Mellon Head]

Just what I was waiting for! I knew someone with real knowledge would happen by.

 

[techlearner]

I know a bit about McAfee but I have never had to try that, so I thought I would check out the website and I found this for you:
How to add an application to the Firewall Program Permissions list

Environment
Firewall

Microsoft Windows 8, 8.1
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Vista

Summary
This article provides information to assist you in creating an access rule for an application in the Program Permissions list requiring Internet access through your Firewall.

Problem
Typically, the Firewall prompts you to accept or refuse an application's attempt to access the Internet. When you make your selection, the Firewall creates a rule to enforce your choice.

If an application does not have a rule allowing it to access the Internet, your Firewall blocks the application to protect your computer.

You can manually add applications to the Program Permissions list using the following steps.

Solution
Open your security product.
Click Web and Email Protection.
Click Firewall.
Click Internet Connections for Programs drawer.

NOTE: Depending on the version of the McAfee software you have installed, this may be called Program Permissions.

Scroll to the bottom and click Add.
Click Browse and locate the file you want to add.
Select the application and click Open.
Set the access type you want using the options in the Access drop-down menu.
Click Save.

Thanks so much for looking into this. Skype is listed as an allowed programme for windows firewall so maybe it isn't due to this?

As an experiment, I tried declicking the skype programme - it has 2 skype entries and, whilst I can declick both on the box to the left side, can only declick one of the home boxes and the other one won't declick on the public box.

 

[techlearner]

I am pleased to say this problem got solved by me uninstalling McAfee and installing another anti viral software