Voidtek,

Try uninstalling your 4.16.3 (start > all programs > LW > uninstall). Now download that version again & make sure to use the offline installer...when you click to download, cancel the dialog box which pops up. Now use the option to download the offline installer.

Install that & see whether a prefs folder shows up in the normal place (containing a 19 KB gnutella.net file).

I've got no idea why my 4.16.3 seemed to have no prefs folder yesterday. I reinstalled, rebooted blah blah blah but I didn't redownload the app (I originally used the offline installer). I downloaded the version (basic) again this morning & the LimeWire folder was within App Data where it should be & the problem with the gnutella.net file seems to have been fixed also.

If you still have the same problem after reinstalling, go & post at this other forum...the developers might see your post there.
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The firewall icon shows because LW's detected a firewall somewhere. Could be a software firewall that you have installed that's not configured to allow LW, could be a firewall associated with your ISP (if your ISP includes a firewall in your package), could be an internal firewall within a modem/router or there could be a firewall associated with where you're connecting from (eg apartment block, school, work).

Even though LW might connect & download fine when it's showing the firewall icon, you might find that other people can't download from you (ie no uploads) & that you can't direct connect to other users. Check the stickies in this section for more info & if you want to try to get rid of the firewall icon, post back with your system details.