I downloaded limewire and it all went fine ... but when I try to search it tells me that it is connecting (I'm permanently connected) and that until it is fully connected it won'y likely return any results. But it never "fully" connects

Try deleting your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Fixes for Limewire

Can you give us a total desciption of your set up:
1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98)
2. What firewalls you have?
3. ram?
4. Hard Disk space available?
5. Connection type? (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.)
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers?
7. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)?
8. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version.
9. Who is your isp provider?
10. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user.
These details are vital if you want us to find out what your connection problem is.

Keep in mind that LW takes a while to open, load the incompletes & shared files. Thus you should wait 1- to 20 mins before searching.

ok

Running XP
512 megs ram
120 gig hard drive (almost no programs on it yet .. brand new)
approx 95 gigs free
Running Norton Security2004/2005 - virus.. firewall.. privacy etc

dsl ... isp is sympatico

connecting from home

don't know the modem make or the router brand name

the limewire version is 4.8

1st attempt to use limewire

hey, myn does da exact same fing!! i jus downloaded and installed limewire and i've been tryin 2 connect 4 lyk 1hr and everytym i try 2 run a search it says da exact same fing...ur search may not return many searches till ur fully connected but it neva fully connects!