when i start limewire it says that i am disconnected. i am behind a firewall but still connect easily to things like realplayer radio stations. i checked my ip address and it doesn't match the one i've got in my TCP/IP settings. is this what's not allowing me to perform the search function and if so do i go ahead and change the settings even though i still recieve my mail and use the internet with the other (incorrect) IP settings?

Hi bruce

could you post your specs? Looks like you are behind a firewall and a router. The router needs to forward at least port 6346. The firewall settings will depend on your OS and version, but checking force IP in the prefs should help.

Checking the force IP option won't help until you forward port 6346 and map it to your computer.

i've read both replies to my initial request for help and would like to say thanks to both. i must stress that you're talking to a beginner here so a term like 'map it to your computer' is a little daunting. 6346 is the current port number. i've checked the force IP box but have as yet not changed my system TCP/IP numbers as i'm not sure that the network will pick me up so as to recieve mail and internet access. any ideas for an amateur? what specs exactly are you talking about?

Understandable confusion. You can help by telling your specs. Look at Blackbird's post for a sample. We are both using Macs--suggestions for Windows could well be different.

Alright, it sound as if you're on a network.

Ok, if you are the administrator or owner of the network, or can get access to one, this is what you can do.

Find the utility or program or interface used to access your hardware firewall or router. Go into that utility. There should be a setting, called something like "Firewall Passthrough" or "Firewall exceptions". What you're looking for is a way to open the port 6346. Because all your ports, or at least most of them, are closed, to prevent unauthorized traffic through them. What you need to do is tell the router that when it gets a message on port 6346, to "forward" or open the port to your computer. It's important that you "map" or tell the router to open 6346 and send the traffic (messages and files) to YOUR computer, or else it won't work if you send the 6346 traffic to someone else on the network.

I hope this helps.

ok guys. many thanks. it looks like its time to sweettalk the network administrator. i assume that a lot of IT folk get a bit uppity when dealing with software traffic through their network. screw it - i paid, they can either get with it or lose it. appreciate the help. i too am on a mac, a great deal less impressive than blackbird's. no idea about the router numbers, however.
i'll let you know how it went.
this forum is probably the first where i've actually recieved help quickly and effectively!
by the way, i'm in durban - south africa

Ok then. Sweet. If you're dealing with IT folk, they'll be able to understand your request easily. It can be easily done, assuming they're willing to do it.