I have a similar problem, though not as hard to fix.

I'm using a PowerBook Mac OSX 10.3.3, i connect to the internet through an Airport base station wireless, connected to a Linksys router which is connected to a cable modem.

I just upgraded Limewire about a week ago when i got this new computer. the problem just started yesterday. When i launch Limewire, i get "status: connecting" and "zero files shared/disconnected" on the screen. After a long time, i get a message saying i have no internet connection, and sure enough, my browser and email are not working. I go into the Internet Connect control panel and choose Airport. It says "loading Airport," and then, it shows a normal status indicator. And then, i am again able to surf the web and download mail. Everytime i launch Limewire this happens. otherwise, my internet connection is consistently robust.

Sometimes when i get my connection back, after a long time, Limewire will connect to the internet and then works normally, but it takes a long time to start, if it starts at all.

I would like to go back to the older version. I can't use this version.