Help - longtime LW user, now it won't start up on my computer

I've been using LimeWire for several years now, sporadically - every few weeks. Last time I fired it up was probably 2 or 3 weeks ago.

Well, I tried tonight and it just didn't start up. Tried again and saw that it the icon would appear for a second or two, then disappear.

My first attempt to solve this was to upgrade to the latest basic version (5.5.8; I had been at 5.3). Same result.

I then did a google search and read an entry (I believe it was link to somewhere on the limewire.com site) that said it might be a problem with java - so, as instructed there, I uninstalled my java runtime software and then downloaded and re-installed it.

Same result.

I am on XP 2002 Media Center Addition with SP3. I use the free (basic) AVG security software, and it updates automatically a couple of times a week. I know that I did nothing to address anything about LimeWire, so it must have been an update that did so (??).

Anyone have any ideas about how to diagnose and fix this problem?

Thanks in advance.

1. Try this first: Try deleting your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Point #3 in Fixes for Limewire (sample image included 2nd last post of page.)

If still same problem see (2) below.

2. Reinstallation Technique but if using Pro, use that installer instead.

I'm having the same issue and on two separate computers with 2 separate internet sources. Computer 1 has dial up with limewire pro version 4.8.0 and a java 6 update 20. Computer 2 has broadband with most current java and also limewire pro 4.8.0. Panda Cloud Antivirus is in use on both computers, but when the program is stopped still nothing happens.