>>>>As to the recent Skype install - you may want to see this http://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-desktop-client/Skype-is-slow-and-freezes/m-p/2373007/highlight/true#M213824
>>>
>>>Thanks. I don't seem to have this problem yet, but I removed Skype from the Startup, so I have it turned off most of the time.
>>
>>I didn't either - just a precaution
>
>I am wondering if my other problem can have a solution as this is more pressing problem.
>
>I used to simply close the lid of the laptop and it would wake up ok with the login screen.
>
>I had the same behavior few times but most of the times now my laptop monitor comes black and only extra monitor functions. Going to Screen Resolution doesn't allow me to remedy the problem and the only way to solve is to re-boot.

First = check which power plan I active
Second - change settings of that power plan - see what happens for Power buttons and lid
(Sleep/do nothing/Hibernate/Shutdown )
Then you'll know what happens when you close the lid