the size of the gnutella.net file was 306 bytes. yes i did restart it. I also uninstalled the newer java and installed the old version. It didnt seem to do anything, but I'll keep this old version installed for the heck of it.

I setup the static IP with out much issue. but when I try to save my settings with the port forwarding it makes me type in a username and password that i dont seem to have. Linksys says the default is admin-admin, but that doesnt work so i can save my settings. Not sure if this is something you help me with. Ill try and look around on the linksys website a little later. I did port forwarding before and i dont remember having to have a username and password, so im not sure why it all of a sudden needs one.

oh and sorry BigAdam82, i think you are right though we do have similar problems.

Pretty sure i got the port right, the port in the limewire options is the same one i plan to use for the port forwarding.

The gnutella.net file is too small...the file should be around 25 KB (25000 bytes), yours is 0.3 KB.
Try replacing the file again. Just go through it really slowly & make sure that you've deleted the existing tiny file & replaced it with the larger one Double check that LW's properly closed by checking in Task Manager to see whether there's a LW process running, before you replace the gnutella.net file.

I'm not sure about the password problem with your router. I don't have a Linksys, but my router only needs a username & password to log into the router, not to save settings. When you set up port forwarding before, was it on the same Vista computer? Hopefully the Linksys site has some answers for you. Otherwise, try having a look on Google...maybe other people have had the same issue

woot, lol

Yep, the gnutella.net file was the problem. I did exactly what you said and double checked. Limewire loaded just fine and connected just fine, thanks a lot Birdy, kudos for all the support you give people.