Click the search bar cross, else right-click on tab & choose Close search are only two options I know of.

Right-click on search heading bar & choose show options. This should remain after changing. Resizing any of those columns should also be retained, if not then perhaps it's something in the newest version LW that's different. I'm still using LW 4.16 personally.

As for the search filters on the far left ... I cannot recall if that is a permanent setting or not. http://www.gnutellaforums.com/limewi...filtering.html

A quick search & this was the best sample image I could find (image part B) ... I know I've posted others but anyway I'm sure you get the idea ... http://www.gnutellaforums.com/open-d...tml#post110151