hey, ive had limewire for ages and then suddenly, without any change of location/settings... my limewire wont get past the "connecting to network" phase... any help would be greatly apprecated

Have you made sure that you're only running 1 software firewall & that it's still configured properly?
Firewall setup

Are you port forwarding through your router or do you have it running with UPnP enabled (or neither)? Just double check your router config.
Do this test & make sure LW's default port's not blocked
http://www3.limewire.com:6346

Has any hardware changed? ISP plan change? Are you using any other p2p apps & if so, do they connect without a problem?

What are your details?

OS(Win XP etc)
LW & Java version (help > about LW & you'll see)
Firewall you're using
Modem/router brand & model
ISP
Connection type (DSL etc)
Where you connect from (home, school etc)
Are you sharing a connection with other computers
Is this your first try with LW

yeah im only running ZA and its on the same settings it has been for years, as for the router.. i wouldnt know, im not very smart with PC's but ill run that program and see what happens, ill get back to you.. thanks

What are your details?

OS Win XP
LW & Java version (help > about LW & you'll see)
Firewall you're using ZA
Modem/router brand & model "motorolla SBG900 wireless surfboard gateway"
Connection type cable
Where you connect from home
Are you sharing a connection with other computers yes.. my stapdad via wireless

Is this your first try with LW - ive had it for ages when it's worked.. but this is my 1st issue

Did the port test work? Who is your ISP?

You could try enabling UPnP within the modem, then choose the 'use UPnP' option within LW's tools > options > firewall config. Apply to save a change.

If that doesn't work, there's always port forwarding. Don't forget to set up a static IP address first (there are instructions at the link below). Once you've set up port forwarding, choose the 'manual port forwarding' option on the same LW options page as for using UPnP. Make sure you enter the same port number as LW's listening port. Instructions for port forwarding are below.
http://www.portforward.com/english/r...0/Limewire.htm

*If your port test did not work, post back before trying these other things.

the test wouldnt load.. so i dont know whats wrongf with my pc... oh well.. i guess ill just get other people to download stuff for me.. thanks anyway

If the port test doesn't work, it means that LW's default port (6346) is blocked.
You could try going to a higher port (in the range of 49152 - 65535). You'll need to change LW's listening port number within tools > options > advanced > firewall config. You'll also need to change the port numbers allowed through your software firewall. Sometimes changing ports helps, but not always if it's an issue with your ISP starting to block p2p.

You could always give your ISP a call & ask why port 6346 is blocked. They might have changed their p2p policy recently?
Have you tried using any other p2p apps?