So Skype wanted to update and I clicked SURE, BECAUSE WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
The log-in window changed to a mini bluescreen of death with an endlessly swirling white cursor symbolizing the virtual hole my account had fallen into, with no actual log-in actually occurring.
I followed various magickal incantations per instructions, including attempting to go back to previous version, changing my skype password, 're-setting' IE, assorted yoga postures, intoning obscure passages from the Thunder Perfect Mind, and waiting for the stars to realign for about an hour.
:hitPC: :voodoo:
For no discernible reason, skype has suddenly reanimated and allowed me to log in. One suspects they've been seeking innovative functional suggestions from the Google+/YouTube team...
Indeed. What could possibly go wrong? ..go wrong... ..go wrong... ..go wrong... ..go wrong... ... ...
I've noticed recent updates to Skype want to mate with other stuff like IE. I think I've prevented it, but the updates certainly take longer than they used to, while nothing much seems to actually happen. I assume the update program contains tumbleweed without the pictures in order to perplex the punters.
When installing updates and new software, it's always a good idea to create a restore point first. That way if it all goes pear shaped you can simply restore your system to the way it was before you started.