Jessica, in this thread, go up to the link that says, "First" and click it. The first post in this thread is by Aaron Walkerhouse. He has a test program, and if you are using Windows XP, he also has a ''starter'' program that comes with it. Download those two things. Then, go back a couple of posts in this thread and read the instructions I gave the last guy about how to use this Bearshare test. Using my tips will help you run bearshare with ease and lightning fast! If you don't understand any of this, just reply and I can help you some more. Hope that helps!

vansnoob...i did what you were talking about also. it says that BearShare has expired. It didn't even change the date that it said it was going to change on my computer.

ok, you downloaded the test program. that's good. yes, it is going to say that it is expired. now, are you running windows XP or windows vista? because if you're running vista, then the starter program isn't going to work. if you're running XP, then use the starter program. it was in the same post by aaron walkerhouse that you got the bearshare test download. i think it's called "startup utility" or something close to that. basically, what the utility program does, is, change the date on your computer for a brief second, which tricks the bearshare test program into thinking that the date is way before now. then it opens up bearshare for you. you will never notice that the date has changed, it just does it long enough to start bearshare.

if you are running vista, then you will need to change the date yourself. it's annoying, yes, but, it will get the program to work. you will need to change the date back to around Jan 2005 or so. Once you change the date, the program works. if you're using vista, the startup utility us useless, because it won't work. you will need to change the date first, then start bearshare.

then, go back a few posts ago and follow those instructions i left the other guy, about changing the settings to maximize your download capability! and you're off!

if you have more questions, feel free to ask!