thanks for your reply lord of the rings,

i'm starting to think that its due to an external firewall because my current location is part of a college campus whereas previously (when LW worked) i was not on campus. However, it is suprising that such a firewall could be in place as i am in ireland and wouldnt expect such a thing!!

tried that test....but the webpage wont appear...guessin this is a bad sign too?

anyhow my details:
1. What firewalls you have? Windows XP only...deleted McAfee firewall in desperation!

2. Modem & router brand name & model numbers? Its a LAN connection...do you need more info? how?

3. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)? school...well technically its not on campus but its part of a network which includes campus locations

4. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version.
had 4.9.4 i think...the latest version...i've deleted everything at this stage because its taken days of my time to no avail! how doi check version of java?

5. Who is your isp provider?
is there an isp provider with LAN networks...how do i check?

sorry bout all the questions...not a comp genius but know enough to get by

thanks again,

Ruairi