Cant access limewire

Downloaded and installed limewire but cant access it. Told port already in use...or I havent got an active internet connection (I HAVE) or firewall is blocking (CONFIGURED THIS AS PER INSTRUCTION) and finally that another programme has locked a file that was necessary for Limewire. I am new to this and my kids are getting mad at me!!! I can open the programme but it goes straight back to the desktop.What do i do.SusyBlue

Can you tell us your operating system version (windows 98, etc.), & types of firewalls you have, & also your connection devices brand names & model numbers (eg- D-Link 604G)

For now, may I recommend you update your version of Java to Java 1.4.2 (click on link) LW only asks for the minimum of Java 1.3 when it's installed but it needs later versions on some comp's to run properly. LW is designed using the latest Java & runs on Java so it's very important.

Thanks for your response. We are on windows xp. The firewalls are windows firewall which i have disabled and zone alarm which i have configured to accept limewire/gnutella. It wont allow mw to enter the port number thou, saying this number is already used. I am afraid i dont understand the connection devicequestion.
SusyBlue

Between your computer & the internet is a connection device. Generally it's a modem box. Is it a dial-up service where you connect via the telephone line & the modem dials up when you connect (dial up means you can't use your telephone at the same time on the phone line)? Or is it Broadband where it also connects via the telephone & is permanently connected & frees up your telephone. Or is it a cable service. Some cable services will run with their tv service. Some are just for net use & will have a cable modem box.
What I'd like you to do is answer those questions & have a close look at your modem box to find out the brand & model. It might be blocking your service for p2p sharing use. We can unblock it but I need to know what model it is 1st.

Sorry for the delay,but theres a whole family of us queuing to use the pc. We are on broadband with btinternet (BTYAHOO).The modem is a Thomson 330 speedtouch modem.....but somehow we have managed to access it.Could be after downloading the recent Java. Thank you so much for your help. SusyBlue