I've redownloaded and installed/uninstalled Limewire and Java several times, but every time when I go to atart up LimeWire for the first time after installing it, it tells me to set it up and I do, going through the dialog box until it tells me to disable my firewall if it comes up.

Then, nothing happens. There are no more buttons to press, and the program does not load. Any advice? I'm confused... I've tried shutting down all my firewall programs.

Are you using Norton's firewall? Try goingup's fix in the thread below
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...ll+preparation

Otherwise, try reinstalling Java & make sure to use the offline installer (there's a link in the thread above).

No, I'm using ZoneAlarm. And I did use the offline installer-- the fact I'm on Dialup makes it kinda necessary.

If it helps, this computer's a P4 with Windows XP on it... I don't know the RAM, and the ISP is ISPWest.

Configure your ZA first & make sure the XP firewall's disabled.
Firewall setup

Otherwise, use the forum search & look for freezes firewall setup or freezes firewall preparation or something similar. It might help to look through some older threads

I've already tried configuring ZoneAlarm to allow LimeWire access... that was one of the first things I tried. And I don't think the version of XP I'm using has a firewall. Also, I tried looking through old threads, but it seems nobody else has gotten a satisfactory solution on this problem either...

yes all xp's have firewalls.

i have zone alarm and i have no problems