Hey- first and foremost thanks for any help that you guys are about to give me. Much appreciated.

So I just downloaded the new limewire (5.1.3) and the new Java (Version 6 Update 13). I use Windows XP.

So after the load-in screen, it goes to the normal screen (where you do searches and whatnot)- it says "loading" on the bottom- about 3 seconds in it just stops and i have to ctr+alt+del end task every time it opens. I've restarded my computer and everything. It doesn't work!

same problem any ideas/

Reduce shares & incomplete files if you upgraded from LW 4. LW 5 does not handle too many of them very well. At least reduce shares initially. Try changing compatibility mode, see points #5 & 6 here: Fixes for Limewire (click on blue link)

You might also want to try point #3 about deleting your LW preferences folder if the problem persists. If still problems, try point #1 about removing Java, reinstalling it. Here is one approach to reinstalling http://www.gnutellaforums.com/333278-post2.html