Have you tried purging your incomplete files, & also turning performance options off. If too many incomplete files can affect connection (UPnP fails.) (UPnp communicates with the modem/router to open a port for LW, but if too many incomplete files attempting to connect it can flood the communication with the router & UPnP fails.)

How many accounts do you have on your computer? If you have more than one, try using LW on one of those, else set up a test account. If LW connects, then copy 'that' gnutella.net file across to the other account. (I'd have suggested preferences folder, however the pointing of LW to a location the other account cannot access might cause permission issues.)

I didn't have any incomplete files as I didn't download anything after the uninstall - re-install. But I checked and it was empty.
And I didn't change any performance options when I opened it. I just confirmed it connected and off I went.

I'll look into the other account thing and I'll get back to you.

nicknj6, my personal firewall must have kicked in i'm unable to understand. as easy as the basic was, i'm very sorry lm is not more user friendly w\payed users if someone cares enough to try and lift me up and help the slower tumor boy i'm willing to try again if not well this may be my first and last chat i've loved the exp. as well as the site (third finger)