I recently had to re-download limewire 5 because when i tried to open it it told me it had a bug and the only way to correct would be to re-install limewire. i downloaded it again and when i start limewire it stays stuck on the limewire 5 screen and says scouring nyc for limes. i uninstalled limewire and installed it again and it still does the same thing. any suggestions?

First of all, try upd@ting/reinstalling Java.

Go here (click on link) Java SE Downloads & download the current JRE offline installer.
Next, remove any other Java versions already installed on your computer via Add/Remove Programs or Vista's equivalent.
After that, install the Java that you just downloaded. Restart your computer.

If that doesn't fix things, go through steps 2 - 8 in this thread (click on link): http://www.gnutellaforums.com/333278-post2.html

but i already have the latest version of java thats compatible with limewire 5...should i still uninstall and install it again?

Try this method: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/333278-post2.html, And also use steps 3 & if still problems then, steps 5 & 6 here: Fixes for Limewire (click on blue link)

You might even prefer using the LW beta 5.2.4 instead of the version mentioned in the first link: LimeWire 5.2.4 (Beta) - Lime Wire The Beta version loads much much faster than previous versions & has some other improvements which will eventually be officially released as version 5.3