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