Everything worked fine until about 2 weeks ago. i've done everything it's suggested but the bars are constantly red and it won't let me do anything. I've tried deleting java and re-installing it. i even downloaded a new version of limewire in case the old one was buggered. I've messed around with all the security settings for the firewall and done everything it's said but still nothing. ay suggestions?

System details - help us to help you Please.

Recently there's been a problem with people not providing enough details about their setup - despite being asked again & again.
So let's make it easy for everyone...the details that we need if we're going to be able to help with complex problems are:

Cut n paste Just these Questions,put your answers in bold text Thank You.

1. what OS version? (eg: Windows 98, XP,OSX, Vista)
2. What firewalls you have ?
3. How much ram ?
4. Hard Disk space available ?
5. Connection type (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.) ?
6.Modem what brand name & model numbers ?
7.Router brand name & model numbers ?
8. Where are you trying to connect from (house, apartment complex, school, student accommodation, work, etc.) ?
9. What version,LimeWire & Java, are you using. Go to L/W's Help/About L/W, THIS show both LW & Java version.?
10. Who is your ISP provider (Internet Service Provider) ?
11. Do this test click here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ should say 'Your test worked!. What happens ?
12. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up.
13. Is this your 1st try at LW, or is this a new problem with an experienced user.?
14. Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface ?
15. Have you given full permissions for LimeWire to pass through your Firewall ?
16. XP users, Please state XP firewall on or off.?
17. In Start & remove Programs, Is this update Installed, "Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)" ?
If Windows Updates are not seen Tick the box at top of page, (show updates)
18. Are you using Manual Port faward OR UPnP ?

These are all contained within the sticky Connection problems? Check here first!
but possibly some people are getting a bit confused or lost when we direct them to this sticky & ask them to provide their details.

This information can be vital
For instance, some ISPs are known for blocking p2p/throttling bandwidth,
some connection devices are known for being unreliable in certain situations.

So please, help us to help you & provide as much info as you can.
If you're new to LW or new to computers & aren't sure how to answer some questions,
or don't know what an ISP or router is - just say so. Nobody's going to yell at you:wink:
Even if you can't answer all the questions in one go...don't worry. Do the best you can & we'll take it from there.
__________________
Peace.

__________________
mickjapa108

1. what OS version? (eg: Windows 98, XP,OSX, Vista)
2. What firewalls you have ? Just standard Windows Firewall
3. How much ram ? how much what?
4. Hard Disk space available ? how can i tell
5. Connection type (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.) ? broadband
6.Modem what brand name & model numbers ? bt voyager 105
7.Router brand name & model numbers ? n/a
8. Where are you trying to connect from (house, apartment complex, school, student accommodation, work, etc.) ? house
9. What version,LimeWire & Java, are you using. Go to L/W's Help/About L/W, THIS show both LW & Java version.? Limewire 4.13.4 pro, Java 1.6.0_01
10. Who is your ISP provider (Internet Service Provider) ? bt
11. Do this test click here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ should say 'Your test worked!. What happens ? It said 'your test worked'
12. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up. nope
13. Is this your 1st try at LW, or is this a new problem with an experienced user.? Limewire worked fine until around 2 weeks ago
14. Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface ? yes
15. Have you given full permissions for LimeWire to pass through your Firewall ? yes i've made it an exception and made sure exceptions are enabled
16. XP users, Please state XP firewall on or off.? on
17. In Start & remove Programs, Is this update Installed, "Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)" ? yes
If Windows Updates are not seen Tick the box at top of page, (show updates)
18. Are you using Manual Port faward OR UPnP ? what?

Looks like it is to do with firewall because of little icon but as far as i can see it should still let it through. i even deleted the exception andre-added it as suggestedbut still nothing.

Hi Helena
Try this first, You may also need to Configure BT hub
How to use Manual Port faward

Universal Plug and Play may not be working properly Due to this update. "Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)"
Removing this update is not Recomended & could make your computer vonarable to attack.

If this update is installed on your computer & UPnP is in use in Limewire,
Try switching to Manual Port faward, using port numbers between 45000 To 65000
Both Manual Port faward No, & Listerning port should be set at the same number
In LimeWire, GO to Tools/Options/Advanced/Firewall Config & use Manual Port faward.

If you are using a router to connect, that will also need configuring.
Find your router listed here, Use this blue link. & dont forget to create a static IP first, & click apply after changing each setting.
PortForward.com - Free Help Setting up Your Router or Firewall
Your Servant,
Peace.

__________________
mickjapa108

hiya

not sure i understand some of yr reply. i did manage to switch to Manual Port Forward and the number '6346' appeared in the box. is this right?

oh and i'm not using a router to connect. since my last post i've changed the Manual Port Fawad no and Listerning Port to the same number. I just picked the number 45555 because you said they need to be between 45000 To 65000 and neither of them were. I've also made new exceptions on the firewall settings with this new number for both TCP and UDP. Have i missed anything?

omg omg it's worked and i'm fully connected. thank you so much. i owe you a pint.

I am a Hari Krishna devote & Tea total, But I will lift a glass of Orange In celebration that you can now Use the best Open file sharing program on the planet
Peace.

__________________
mickjapa108

party on!

hey this did not work for me please help
same questions same window xp stuff
did test said it was okay
my bars are still red
can u help me a little more