i think ive got it. it seems like a heat problem with my pc. limewire runs perfect until i really load it up severely, eg. by starting heaps of downloads, or resuming heaps at once. on the weekend i'll pull it apart and check it out. seems like thats the problem though. maybe the fan died or is full of dust or something. just thought i'd let u know its sorted out.

thanks for all the help guys,
kyle