thanks guys.. i've read somewhere about installing java 1.5 or 1.4 (somebody recommended choosing this because it's a bit user-friendly?) and delete lw preferences folder..

birdy, the package i bought less than 2 yrs ago was the $39 for 2 yr subscription (not the lw pro).. so i can't use the link u gave me.. is there any other way to trace this?

garbagefan2, i did my best to get these set up info: :-)
- Windows XP
- using Norton and Windows firewall; plus maybe that from Firefox?
- not sure bout ram and space available but sure is ample
- cable internet
- Intel(R) 537EP V9x DF PCI modem located at PCI Slot 6 (PCI bus 5, device 5, function 0)
- connecting from home thru Cox in US
- http://www3.limewire.com:6346 "your test worked' ok
- no sharing of lw subscription
- brick wall on blue world icon on lefthand corner

for the meantime, i'll download the java... will await your replies.. thanks much.

Hi Jomari,

Unfortunately you were scammed. LW basic is absolutely free & you can download a clean version from the official site here.
Lime Wire » Download LimeWire
There's not much you can do after nearly 2 years...just put it down to experience & in future, only use the official site

After you've installed the Java JRE, then install LW. Use the offline installer...when you go to the LW download page & click to download, a box will pop up asking you if you want to save the file. Click cancel & then you'll see an option to download with the offline installer...do that

I'm a bit confused, do you have any version of LW installed now?

Don't use Norton firewall & Windows firewall together. Configure Norton to allow LW & disable the Windows firewall. Firefox doesn't have a firewall.

That modem sounds like an internal one! Do you have an external modem or router?

i was scammed?.. geez i've been downloading from lw since july 2005 and there was no such $39 per 2 yr subscription?.. this was the version i had before i uninstalled it - LimeWire 4.9.4..

i don't know where to check if i have an external modem.. sorry!..

ok i still have some lw files left in my system that i guess i have to delete completely before i install the 'real' lw lol.. i'll see how it works then maybe upgrade to pro.. see what happens from there..

will also configure my firewall settings.. thanks birdy.