If the port test doesn't work, it can mean that something (often ISP) is blocking LW's default port. Which listening port are you currently using? Sometimes the port test can fail due to other things - are you using PeerGuardian2 or Peerblock? In the past, my port test has failed & I didn't realise that PG2 was the culprit

Most often, when someone has sudden connection probs after updating, deleting LW's preferences folder is the fix. After you deleted the prefs folder, did all of LW's options revert to default?

Are you connecting from the same house as before you updated LW?

Which version of LW were you using prior to updating?

Have you tried reinstalling the older version, to see whether things start working again? Different versions of LW behave differently on different computers. If you can install the previous version then give that a try (latest version isn't always best for everyone). And if you don't have the installer saved, let me know the version & I'll see if I have it saved.

Have you tried connecting late at night (I'm not sure what Blink's peak times are) - say after midnight? Any difference?

The latest Java is actually 6 update 18 - but since your port test isn't working, it probably doesn't matter

I guess you're using a USB modem. Is there a brand or model number showing?