Skype doesn't auto-run at startup

Well, I have a solution, but I can't see any way that the problem could have arisen, except for a buggy skype installer .

msconfig was listing the command to run as:-

"C:\Program Files\Skype\\Phone\Skype.exe"  /nosplash /minimized

Note the double slash in there before Phone!

Changing the registry entry for HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Skype to remove the extra slash fixed the problem.

Try putting a shortcut to Skype in your startup folder

C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

I had the same problem with Vista SP2. I used the same trick for when the Microsoft updates got stuck:

I deleted everything regarding Skype from the hosts.

1. Navigate to the following location:

   Windows 95/98/Me:

   %Windir%
   

   Windows NT/2000/XP:

   %Windir%\System32\drivers\etc
   

   Windows Vista:

   c:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
   

2. Double-click the hosts file.

3. If necessary, deselect the “Always use this program to open this program” check box.

4. Scroll through the list of programs and double-click Notepad.

5. When the file opens, delete all the (Skype) entries.

6. Save.

Right click on Skype shortcut which is in desktop (OR) right click on "Skype" which is in Start-->Program menu.. then,

Select Properties -> Compatibility tab. Uncheck the option “Run this program as an administrator”. Save by pressing OK button.

It will fix 2 problems.

1. Auto start up of skype during system starts
2. Drag and Drop (send file) in the conversation window will work.