This time last week, I was happily using LW to search and download -- as I have been for years. Now I cannot even find a Beatles track (not that I want one) let alone the more obscure tracks I prefer. I can understand an obscure track not being found but not one Beatles track?
Now, I haven't done anything to LW's options nor have I done anything to my PC in that time but the damned thing cannot find anything anymore. What gives?
PS: About the same time LW stopped working, it told me I didn't have Java on my PC -- even though I was using latest the latest version in Firefox.
Thanks for any ideas.

Searching with no results all of a sudden generally points to an ISP problem. However I notice you're using iprimus. AFAIK no Australian isp's shape or block p2p use. They all do however, give limited monthly bandwidth & if you go over the monthly downld limit you get shaped. Perhaps you've been shaped without realising it.

Anyway, make a note of all your LW settings & try deleting your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Point #2 & 3 in Fixes for Limewire (sample image included at bottom of page.) See if this makes any difference. Remember after deleting prefs folder you will need to reset all your options next time you open LW. Including the days to keep incomplete files.

Another option is ... using the Add/Remove control panel, remove all versions of Java. Reboot. Reinstall Java using the "Offline" java found here http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Thanks, Lord. This is really embarrassing but within an hour of my post I was able to successfully search (and download). Why I haven't been able to do so for about five days remains a mystery. I uninstalled and reinstalled LW at least twice, I uninstalled all versions of Java and reinstalled the latest JRE, and I was even pretty ruthless with my registry. My ISP usually shapes me near the end of the month, so I don't think it was that. Anyway, I'm happy now and I thank you again.

Good to hear. Perhaps your registry efforts paid dividends.

Lord, no happiness I'm afraid. Can't find anything again a day later. Beatles test failed to find anything. I'm connected, my ISP hasn't "shaped" me and my firewall remains unaltered. In fact, all I did since last night was turn on my PC an hour or so ago.

Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface? Sample image: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/attach...1&d=1162908502

Can you answer these questions for us please: System details - help us to help you (click on link)

Also, what happens if you downld a magnet link from this site: http://www.magnetmix.com/video.shtml

A. Yes, I can see the firewall symbol. It's always been there when I've used LW.
B. 1. OS version? = WinXP (SP2)
2. What firewalls you have? = WinXP (active); ZA (inactive)
3. How much ram? = 1GB
4. Hard Disk space available? = about 100GB
5. Connection type? = Fraudband (516KB)
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers? = iConnectAccess 621 (V38.54.3)
7. Where are you trying to connect from? = home
8. What version of LimeWire (LW) & Java do you have? = LW4.12.6 and JRE2 (V1.5.0_10-b03)
9. Who is your ISP provider? = iprimus
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? = it worked!
11. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up. = No
12. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user. = experienced user
13. Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface? = yes
C. LW started (after answering prompt), file began downloading.
NB: LW now returning search results. It seems this event comes and goes without reason. For hours or days it doesn't work, then it does!