Im new to Mac and Limewire. Ive been reading the forums for about 2 weeks trying to sort the problem as I didn't want to post yet another thread...and I didn't know where to put it w/ so many already! So here's all the info I know to post. If anyones got some answers well, God bless ya. And thank you.
Uploads seem from me appear fine. Dld not so good. I usually pick files w/ high #'s. Songs take a few-15 min. Avi files (350MB) take from 3-8 hrs. made changes in limewire preferences and done all the thing suggested on the forum (to my knowledge) I have tried firewalls on and off...w/ "open" port 6346. Further, I did the picture test I found posted by LOTR and it went at abot 46kb/s. I've done speed tests with good results. **Portprobe results show my puter to be in full stealth mode. Port 6346 status CLOSED. Bug report: recieved this session: false. I'm now checking out Portforward.com but really I don't know much about all this and im not sure I shoud go there just yet. This is why Im asking for help. If the answers are already out there Im sorry for the new thread and please just direct my to faster happier file sharing.

OS X 10.2.8 memory 256 processor 800 G4 Imac
SBCYahoo DSL upload 384-512kbps/dld 1.5-3Mbps
I dont believe SBC yahoo blocks p2p sharing?

Thanks for all the groovy tunes and flix so far...

A False incoming response means something is blocking. If you're going to use your OSX firewall then make sure it's properly configured to allow LW full access: http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml

By the way a Stealth port response means you can't do the port test properly due to a firewall. Better to use this one: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say 'Your test worked!'. What happens when you go there?

What Modem & router brand name & model numbers do you use?

Wow thanks for getting back to me! and fast! i get "your test worked" for http://www3.limewire.com:6346/
I hav sett he firewall configuration. However, I have the firewall tured off right now and I still get a 'false' and port closed. I don't undetrstand.

2wire. not sure of the rest...

2Wire 1800HG Gateway
P/n: 1000-401000-000

You should wait until LW's been open for at least 25 mins before doing the Bug Test.

Remember downld speeds can be as a result of your sources. Not all sources are very fast. Try to choose those with many sources under the # column & 3 or 4 stars from the search results. If still not improve things then try ideas below.

Make a note of all your LW settings under LW preferences & then delete the LW preferences BUT ONLY whilst LW is closed. They are found here: /Users/your_username/Library/Preferences/LimeWire

Then try opening again. Leave it to settle for 25 mins or more. If still not working too well then see below.

Dare I suggest it but perhaps your modem/router does not utilise UPnP technology. In that case you may need to forward a port on your device. See http://www.portforward.com/2wire/1800hg.htm

You must have a static ip for this to work. The steps are 1. Set up a Static ip. 2. Forward port 6346. 3. Manual port forward instructions & sample image & 2 posts after that.

You may even have a manual which describes how to do this.

Some other tips:
* After opening LW wait 10 to 20 mins before using. Let it settle down 1st.

* Set both uplds & downlds to autoclear.

* Don't use the Resume button on all incomplete files. This can have side-fx such as affect LW's connection quality. May queue your files for much much longer. This will also stress LW & your comp. If you use Resume/Find sources then just apply it to a couple or so at one time.

* A well set-up LW can start to automatically continue its dwnlding after it's settled down perhaps 2 out of 3 times you open LW. Optimising LW & Maximising Uplds & Dwnlds A (1st post only) & also Part B which is even better & last & least are search & dwnld hints. The latter one I've been thinking about re-writing for some time. That's just for playing it safe. eg- I show all speeds & qualities.

eg: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...028#post116028

Right on. I will revisit the threads listed, check out the Portforwarding, let Limewire settle, etc. i'll post back in a few days as to how it goes. Thanks so much for the imput! I will optimise and Maximise this baby! I maybe a newbie...if my brother is a PC genius i've got to have some puter know-how in this brain!

Indeed, i needed to forward a port on me device. Im quite the happy downnloader now and figuring out the rest as i go!
Thanks for the link, it helped.
LOTR and others who are so fab in all the support you give: THANK YOU!

As I continue to optimise & maximise Im not sure what a good number of slots is for uploads. I've seen the posts about bandwidth...so if thats set right does matter? is less slots more or what? When my machine gets quite slow I turn off ultrapeer. If it's still draggin its bum I figure this may be why.... hmmm