When you forward a port on a router, the very first thing you must do is set up a static ip address. Did you do that first? If you did it after doing the port forward rule in the router, you'd need to go back & remove the port rule & do it again after setting up a static ip. Just checking to be sure. Instructions for Vista are: Vista Static ip instructions Also best to do a port forward for 'both' tcp & udp.

And in LW you need to do this: Manual port forward instructions & sample image using the port you forwarded.

Are you using avg or vista firewall? Best to only use one only. Turn the other off.

Why did you install LW 4.9 & not a later 4.x version? You may need to replace your gnutella.net file, see If LW 4 Will Not Connect (click on the blue link)

Thanks for your reply/help....

Only using vista fire wall.....i had already set up static ip address and actually used the links you provided for both ip add and manual port forward...

I read through them again and was sure everthing was ok so decided to have a look at the gnutella file you advised me of.. Was about to to atempt to remove it and thought " hold on, he mentioned the newer version, 5 " ??.....uninstalled the old found and installed the new version and guess what.... yep all workin!! cheers... I spent hours trying to sought this out,, avoiding forums to try and work it out myself to no evail, one post and it's soughted... I knew it would be something simple, it always is....
thanks arron