Connection problems? Check here first!
 

Connection problems? Check out the following steps to be sure you are set up properly.


Have a look here If LimeWire Will NOT Connect (click blue link) & try these things & if they don't work, then return here. Same applies to FrostWire users, since LimeWire 4 and FrostWire are so similar.


1. Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: A very quick way to check if the port is open or not is via Open Port Check Tool and type in the port number your LimeWire is using. Probably best if LimeWire is open when you do this test. If the test says it is closed it means that port or port 6346 is blocked (often by your ISP). Don’t worry, most Gnutella clients will use a random port if 6346 or 6348 is blocked. However, your ISP might filter Gnutella traffic.
sample port checks GiF. Or alternatively your modem-router's NAT firewalling is blocking the program's port. If this is the case, port forwarding is the answer https://portforward.com/router.htm (find brand and then model of router, then choose the program LimeWire.)

2. Did you configure your firewall so it allows LW full access? (advisable not to have 2 active firewalls b/c they can interfere with each other); Firewall configuration instructions (click on link). Mac OSX 10.4 Tiger users see firewall instructions HERE!, OSX 10.5-6 Leopard & Snow Leopard Firewall instructions

3. Some adsl/dsl/broadband/satellite or cable modems use NAT firewalls. The answer to it is see if it has UPnP support (Universal Plug & Play) which allows the internet program to communicate directly with the device to open whichever ports are required. If your device has UPnP support, the option should be be accessible via browsing the device web page. Then look for the UPnP setting & make sure it's been checked/enabled. eg: Linksys UPnP setting (click on link) (Most devices with UPnP support have it enabled by default.)

This link will list commonly used devices, whether they support UPnP or not, & their log addresses: DSL Modem/Router Guide Also check the lists 1-3 below directly under the UPnP heading.


4. Specific software firewall issues & configurations: Why you shouldn't have 2 active firewalls running on your computer, _ Connection Problem- Zonealarm, _ Zonealarm, _ Configuring Norton Internet Security, _ Need for Reconfiguring Norton Firewall after installing new version of p2p program
5. To double-check whether a firewall or NAT or similar router is affecting the download performance, open LimeWire & after about 15+ mins of being connected to Gnutella, do this test: check if the globe in the status bar (lower left) has a wall of bricks (if yes, you are firewalled). Either your firewall setting isn't correct or hasn't been configured, or your modem/router may require manual port forwarding. (Sometimes devices that have UPnP capability don't utilise it reliably.) (Sample image of status bar in post #2 under point 13 below)

6. If you are running more than one LimeWire or FrostWire on your home computer or local network, make sure they are all connecting & listening via different ports. Two cannot use the same port because routers tend to reserve one per program per computer / user account, & will block the other attempts at using same port. Check via option settings.


Setting up UPnP (Universal Plug & Play) on your modem/router


Known UPnP devices: 1. UPnP capable List A, 2. UPnP certified, 3. UPnP capable List C

Be aware that some devices claim as being UPnP capable might not work reliably as there's more than one standard. More about the UPnP conventions But if yours is by one of those companies listed here then it should be fine. (XP users may want to double-check their UPnP on their system is enabled, though for XP it normally is by default: UPnP settings for XP)

Some models require firmware upgrades to obtain UPnP capabilities.

Sample instructions for some models: Steps to Enable UPnP for :-

Apple Airport Extreme/Express for Mac users * (NAT-PMP)

DI-Link: ** D-Link DI-614+, ** D-Link DI-604
List of D-Link UPnP supported routers, / Setting up UPnP for DI-Link, / Steps to Enable UPnP for D-Link routers

Linksys: ** Linksys BEFSR41 ver. 2, ** Linksys BEFW11s4, ** Linksys BEFSR81, ** Linksys wrt54g UPnP setting in Step 1 & 2 only (best to update firmware! wrt54g is not always reliable to use in UPnP mode.) This model is reknown for issues. See Linksys WRT54G - Fixed my problem, Followed these steps and it works! for a solution! __ dd-wrt open source 3rd party firmware alternative

http://192.168.1.1
A password request screen appears. Type the User Name and Password and click [OK] to login.

*The default settings are
User Name: (not required)
Password : admin
If you have changed the router's User Name and Password, please input the proper one.
Click [Administration]" on the menu

Netgear: Some NetGear devices have UPnP enabled by default. WGU624 WGT634U WGT624 WGR614 MR814 have UPnP enabled by default. ** Netgear MR814

SMC Barricade: ** SMC Barricade Plus SMC7004FW, ** SMC Barricade Plus SMC7004VBR, ** SMC Barricade SMC7004VWBR, ** SMC Barricade Plus SMC7008ABR

USRobotics: * UPnP setting
telnet address: http://192.168.123.254
1. Open Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
2. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
3. In the Components list, select the Networking Services check box, and click Details.
4. Make sure the Universal Plug and Play check box is selected.



Manual Port Forwarding for devices without UPnP (or bad UPnP support)

Steps:
1. Most important step is the very first one which is to set up a Static ip (instructions for Windows, Mac OSX, XBox).
2. Forward a port (Gnutella uses port 6346 by default. But we recommend any port between 20000 and 60000 such as 37920 as an example.) Find your model instructions for steps 2 & 3 here: PortForward.com - Free Help Setting up Your Router or Firewall Make sure you save your settings. Some modem devices you also need to reboot the modem-router.

3. Within LimeWire: Manual port forward instructions & sample image.


VPN firewalling

Some VPN services offer a port forwarding service due to their systems incorporating NAT firewalling. You should use this port forwarding service option if you can. Also some routers allow manual configuration for VPN. Although the following web-link refers to torrenting, it can still be helpful: How to set up VPN server with port forwarding? Note: It is a very long read and has a long introduction.

VPN Jurisdiction: Where's best?




Support links & forums for modem/router brands:

ADSL forum: adsltech Forums

2wire: 2Wire.com: Support

3com: 3Com Product Support

Actiontec: Actiontec

Airlink: Support via Sierra Wireless

Alcatel/Thomson SpeedTouch Home/Pro: Speedtouch Support, / Upgrade & other advice

Apple Airport (how to port forward): Search Results, OR Port Forwarding at mac.com

Asante: Asante.com=Support= high-speed networking gigabit ethernet switches

Belkin: Main, / UK Support

Billion: Main Support, / Billion Product Support Forums, / Info & FAQ, etc.

BT: B T Support.com

Cisco Systems: Support - Cisco Systems

Draytek: Product Title

Efficient Speedstream info (Siemens): dsl reports.com, / Siemens Support, / Support & Service

D-Link: FAQ & Port forwarding, / UPnP settings, / Port forwarding

Draytek Vigor 2600, 2600WE: Main support, / UK Support, / Australia, / Germany

Dynalink: Main support page, / http://www.dynalink.com.au/support/bb.htm / dynalink.support@tip.nl

Motorola: Motorola Cable Modems & Gateways Note: Motorola SBG900 does not support UPnP, thus requires port forwarding; SBG900 User Manual; Port forwarding guide: Port Forwarding for the Motorola SBG 900.

NetComm: Main site, / Port Forwarding, / Australia Support

Netgear Support site: NETGEAR Support Home Page, / Port forwarding for netgear devices

Network Everywhere PF: Network Everywhere

Puretek: Main page, / FAQ, / Conexant FAQ

SMC Barricade: SMC Networks - Power to Connect

Trendnet: TRENDnet | Support

USRobotics: Main support page, / Configuring the Wireless Turbo Access Point & Router

Web Excel (PureTek) - http://www.puretek.com.tw/index_en.html

Westell: http://www.westell.com/pages/support/dropdown.jsp

ZyXEL: http://www.zyxel.com/support/index.php


Extras: DSL Modem/Router Guide: Sections included are:
Section One - Introduction : 1.1 What does DSL mean? 1.2 What is ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ ? 1.3 Why ADSL? ... 1.10 Can I still use my 56K modem on the ADSL phone line?

Section Three - Choosing Hardware : 3.1 What is the difference between a modem/router/switch/WAP? 3.2 What hardware types are there? 3.3 PCI-based modems. 3.4 USB-based modems/routers 3.5 Ethernet-based modems/routers. 3.7 Reviews of ADSL modems and routers. 3.8 What is the best ADSL modem/router?

Section Four - Available Hardware : 4.1 ADSL modem/router manufacturers. 4.2 Ethernet based ADSL modems/routers. 4.3 Wireless based ADSL modems/routers. 4.4 USB based ADSL modems/routers. 4.5 PCI based ADSL modems. 4.6 Why is my modem/router not listed? 4.7 Popular ADSL modems/routers. 4.8 Popular modem/router comparison chart.

Section Five - Features : 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Basic requirements. 5.5 Port density. 5.6 Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)...

Section Six - Security Features : 6.1 Software firewalls and your security. 6.2 Test your security at these free sites. 6.3 Router firewalls. 6.4 Intruder alert. 6.5 Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) passthrough. 6.6 Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP) passthrough. 6.7 Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP) passthrough. 6.8 Virtual Private Network (VPN) passthrough. 6.9 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
6.10 WiFi Protected Access (WPA). 6.11 WiFi Protected Access Pre Shared Key (WPA-PSK). 6.12 Encryption

Section Seven - Application Support : 7.1 Why is this important? 7.2 Network Address Translation (NAT). 7.3 Network Address Port Translation (NAPT). 7.4 Application Level Gateways (ALGs). 7.5 Universal Plug 'n' Play (UPnP). 7.6 Virtual Private Networking (VPN) passthrough. 7.7 De-Militarised Zone (DMZ). 7.8 Port forwarding

Section Nine - Management : 9.1 How to control your ADSL modem/router. 9.2 Web access. ... 9.5 Telnet access. 9.6 SNMP access. 9.7 Serial console access

Section Ten - Hardware Issues and Solutions : 10.1 Introduction. 10.2 ADSL modem/router support sites. 10.3 Windows XP and the SpeedStream 4060. 10.4 Panasonic cordless phone problems. 10.5 Other cordless phone problems. 10.6 How do I put the Billion BIPAC-711CE into bridged mode? 10.7 How do I Telnet into my modem/router? 10.8 What is my modem/router's default IP address/password? 10.9 I cannot access my new modem/router. Help! 10.10 Speed Touch Home Status Page: "Warning: no password specified". 10.11 Billion BIPAC-711CE firmware v3.14 issues. 10.12 D-Link DSL-500/DSL-504 firmware issues. 10.15 D-Link DSL-300/300+/302G/500/504/604+ losing sync. 10.16 NETGEAR routers require firmware upgrade to avoid DoS attack. 10.17 Resetting the Netgear DM602 to factory defaults. 10.18 Netgear replacing faulty DG814 with DG834. 10.19 Netcomm recalls NB5580W - January 2005. 10.20 Netcomm NB1300 Firmware Upgrade Solution

Section Eleven - Software Issues and Solutions : 11.1 Introduction. 11.2 Where do I find the ports my application uses? ...


Advanced tips from game spyarcade Only advanced users should apply any of these techniques!

Counter Strike Server - How to Uncap Your Cable Modem - Safely and Successfully is only for the knowledgeable & only those who wish to risk back-lashes from their isp when they realise their bandwidth is dramatically higher than usual. Doing this risks rendering the connection device inoperable not to mention possible cancellation of contract with the isp. This is simply posted here for those who wish to take risks & can accept all the blame. These forums do not recommend such techniques being used & do not accept any responsibility for any after FX/damage as a result of applying these techniques either correctly or incorrectly!!! We do not condone doing this! "You" must accept all risks & responsibilities being your own decision & we are thus in no way related to your decision. We do "not" recommend or condone it!!! (Thanks for the reference foolofthehill)

Thanks et voilà for the corrections & additions! :)

Still can't find a solution?
 

Need More Help?

After viewing the sections in this thread if you still can't find solutions, then create a new thread in the this forum section giving the following details:

1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98) If using Windows Vista, please tell us whether you have an Administrator user account.
2. What firewalls you have?
3. How much 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 (Internet Service Provider)?
10. Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say 'Your test worked!'. What happens when you go there?
11. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up.
12. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user.
13. Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface?

http://www.gnutellaforums.com/attach...ection-lwb.gif

14. For those using a modem/router, how is your modem/router set up...are you port forwarding or is UPnP enabled?
15. What security programs are you using (antivirus etc)? Some people might not be aware that their security suite includes a firewall :)
16. What country are you living in? Sometimes there are ISPs with the same name in more than one country (eg Clearwire in the USA & also in Ireland).

One or less green bars means you are not connected to the Gnutella Network (LW Basic users should see 3 green bars, Pro users should see 5 green or light-blue bars):
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/attach...1&d=1167137148

LimeWire 5 Connection bars (should see 5 green bars, one or zero green bars means not connected to gnutella network. Pro users should ideally see 5 blue bars.):
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/attach...ections-2b.gif


Performance Issues:

17. If your problems are more to do with speeds. Then choose nearest location for a speed test & only have your browser open: Speed Test Internet Speed Test DSL Speed Test Broadband Speed Test Bandwidth Speed Test. Remember some speed tests quote in kbps or bps (bits per second) whereas LimeWire (LW) uses KB/s or B/s (Bytes per second) in its speed showings. So if the speed is in bps or kbps, then quote the original speed given in the test, followed by the figure divided by 8 which will give Bytes per second. Or just give the original test speed & we can calculate for you. ;)

18. Again, if your problems are to do with speeds & not so much connection problems, then try an experiment by downloading any magnet link from this site: + MagnetMix.com +: The Source for Good Content & reporting to us what happens in regards to connecting to the download, speeds, etc.

Edit: the same applies for FrostWire (FW) users! Same rules apply! ;) :) FW users can post here or in the FrostWire forum section. :)