In Chapter 2 Vivaldi is arrested and I bailed him out. Then went to his house to get the 2 books I need. He gave me the books. Then, according to the guide, I am to talk to him about the Salamandra, a conversation that is supposed to exonerate him. There is no conversation leading to his innocence. He's still a suspect!! I have no idea what I missed.

Does this mean I'm dead in the water? Can the game continue even though Vivaldi is still a suspect?

Or do I just give up on playing Witcher? (This is my second time thru Chapter 2, got stuck before.)

Thank you very much. Problem solved!!!

Now I have the same problem with Ramsmeat. I'm supposed to talk to him asking about Salamandra eventually talking about Berengar. Then talking to him again to "proclaim him innocent". That conversation doesn't come up so I missed something again. What did I miss this time?

I am soooo close to quitting this game. Even with the FAQ it gets messed up.

All of these suspect quests have multiple solutions, which change depending on the order you do then and what you found out, or believed you found out.
The easiest way to find Ramsmeat "innocent" is to botch the autopsy and find Kalkstein guilty. (you'll clear him later)
Going into the crypt in the cemetery will also find Ramsmeat innocent.
If "Raymond" tells you to kill Ramsmeat, and you medallion is shaking, just leave and then go back to Raymond and let him believe you killed Ramsmeat.
Failing all that, you can just kill Ramsmeat, he may not be working with salamanda, but he's hardly innocent.
If you can't get into the cemetery because you accused Vincent and he's pissed with you, go to Shani's and you'll find out Thaler is innocent and he will clear the gravediggers dept.