Recent R&D>>> Updated my Operating System & Java

Previous Enironment: WinXP Pro updated only with SP2 - No further Windows XP updates since SP2. Windows auto update service turned off. So no updates since SP2. Java version was J2RE v1.4.2. Windows XP Firewall never ever enabled. Firewall was turned off. Ports were untouched/unaltered. No other firewall/antivirus installed on the PC.

LimeWire worked great - until one day, it suddenly stopped connecting. The only factor that changed was my ISP 'repaired' his poor speeds and constant disconnection problem. Now I have a connection that disconnects just once or twice in 24 hours. Speeds are 45-48kbps and amazingly constant. But LimeWire stopped connecting about the time the internet line was 'repaired".

Cannot say the the ISP is blocking Port 6xxx -whatever because Shareazaa is using that same port and is able to download/upload files.

Just Updated Environment: WinXP Pro + Sp2 has been updated with all updates till June2005 (using AutoPatcher XP). J2SE 1.5 is currently installed instead of the older v1.4.2. Prior to updating, LimeWire was fully uninstalled - including deleting the Settings folder. Java was completely uninstalled and PC rebooted - so that the new Java has no conflicts with the older version.

LimeWire still does not connect easily - Still thinks it's behind a firewall - Still says Need more sources!!! Even with a brand new environment and even with the latest Java change, LimeWire is not working. Windows firewall is turned on (by default after the update). After a while, LimeWire may manage to establish a connection - the offer you results for what you search - but will not download anything you select to download.

Now I turn off the Windows firewall. Quit LW and restart it. I find that LW connects though not very well. Not much of a difference. If any, I am getting 4/5 bars. Still cannot download files that get queued.

Any ideas what's going on?

Those with problems may try the same thing I did.
Uninstall Java completely - and then uninstall Limewire completely.
Make sure you remove the settings folder too.
Then reboot - Be sure to reboot the PC.
Now get yourself all the Windows updates. Make sure you are upto date. Update your antivirus/firewalls too.
Get a brand new version of LimeWire. Try a new version. Maybe it'll work for you!
Reinstall Java 1.5 first - then install LimeWire.
Before you begin the program, turn off your firewall - or configure it correctly so as to allow LW full access.

Let us know if that worked for you. If you post back, perhaps others may benefit.

Regards, AG