Thanks for help. I have tried everything you mentioned, but it still will not connect. XP firewall is turned off and panda is set to allow all. Any other suggestions?

Are you sure that you deleted the preferences folder correctly? Were all of your settings within options changed after deleting that folder?

You could try the latest LW version (4.14.0) & see if that behaves any differently! If you don't have the 4.12 3 Pro installer saved, you will lose that version completely if you install another version of LW.

Is there any chance that your apartment complex has added a firewall or changed it's internet connection in some way?

Just did it again, brought me back to the setup dialog steps (country, connection type, etc) The complex does not provide internet. I have cable internet through comcast using a motorola surfboard modem. Thanks for continuing to help. Any more suggestions?

Try changing LW's listening port. Tools > options > advanced > firewall config. change LW's listening port to 64049 (or try others in the range of 49152 - 65535) > Apply > ok.

Also try File > disconnect. Leave it for 5 minutes. Then File > connect.

Do you have the installer for your Pro saved, so that you can try another LW version?

thanks again for the suggestions. Changing the port did not do it. I will let it sit disconnected for 5-10 mins and let you know. Ever used Shareaza?

oh I almost forgot. I do have the pro installer saved. So I could try another version. Is the pro version even worth it?

I tried Shareaza years ago & didn't like it. But some people love it. If you want to try it, go for it.

Download the latest basic LW & just see how it goes, every version behaves differently for different users. When you get to the download page, click to download & then once the dialogue box pops up...cancel that. Now choose the option to downoad the offline installer. There's less chance of installation problems (eg corrupt installation)

Personally, I think Pro's worth the payment. It does connect you to a couple of extra ultrapeers (that's handy if you're searching for rarer files) & connects you to a couple of extra hosts for download. Plus it's a donation to LW's development. But it's up to everyone whether they want to buy Pro. If you're happy with basic then there's no need to buy Pro