thanks for the prompt response

answerts to your questions:

1. Not networked or sharing router

2. Only apple firewalls

3. 256mb ram

4. loads (40GB)

5. broadband

6. cayman 3300 netopia

7. trying to connect from home

8. LW 4.8.1 pro ; Java 1.4.2_05

9. Eircom Broadband (Irish network) works with friends all the time

10. First time with Lime Wire on this computer. Had no problems on Windows on other computer.

I've already tried deleting the limewire User preferences in Library which had no effect.

Where next?

Thanks in advance