I have tried everything that is suggested for connections problems. I downloaded Beta so it would be compatible with vista but no matter what i do i keep getting a message saying "Limewire is currently connecting to the system. your search may not have many results until it is fully connected. what should i do?

These details will help us greatly .. do go to great lengths to find the answers for us please: System details - help us to help you (click on blue link)

2nd thoughts after reading a previous post of yours, try removing all java versions via the add/remove programs control panel & then re-install this version: Archive: Download Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 5.0 Update 11

Also delete your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Point #2 & 3 in Fixes for Limewire (sample image included at bottom of page.) But make a note of all your settings first thru Tools>Options menu, because when you re-open LW you will need to reset all your options from scratch.