I have attempted every solution suggested in the various threads I found running a search of these forums. Basically I start Limewire and my CPU slows to a crawl. First I will give my system specs and then I will tell you what steps I have taken to fix this problem:

CPU: Athlon XP @ 2GHz(actual, not plus rating)
Memory: 1 GB PC3200 DDR(CAS 2.5)
Storage: 3x40 GB WD drives, 1x160 GB USB2.0 drive
Video: nVidia GeForce 6600GT, latest drivers

I have done the following to fix the problem:

Purged Limewire install x.x.28

Purged Java Run Time Environment 5, build 2

Scanned all spyware and virus problems, none found. Many programs used for this task, all came up clean.

Checked for overheating problems. None found.

Windows is updated.

Downloaded and installed Java Runtime Environment 5, build 4, which is the newest version.

Downloaded and installed Limewire x.x.30

CPU usage is still immense, and does not improve after time. If anything, it gets worse. Rebooting the system has no effect. I run nothing but essential services and driver control panels in memory. I have a very streamlined bootup. I have no spyware or virii. I have everything updated. This is frustrating because Limewire is an otherwise fantastic program. Even 25% CPU usage would seem absurd on a system like this. Relatively speaking, Windows Media Player rarely exceeds 5-6% CPU usage on heavy process content(hi-res video), and UT 2004, Morrowind, and other high-CPU load games run smooth as silk.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer me.