I am new to this forum but have been reading several of the postings the past couple of weeks trying to find an answer to my connection problems with the new free version of LimeWire. I think I may have accidentally found a solution to the problem because I can now connect with no problems.

I recently switched to DSL and installed the provider's software and their DSL Modem. The modem is a SpeedStream model. After checking several different things with my XP, SP2 firewall (Including port forwarding) with still no connection I began to check further. I discovered that my SpeedStream Modem installs its own firewall provided by the SpeedStream software. After accessing the SpeedStream options site through my ISP Provider (Alltel) I found I needed to manually change the settings of the modem firewall. After I disabled the firewall there
(Recommended by the modem techs) I was able to immediately connect at blazing speeds. I am now using the XP firewall and my antivirus software with no problems (so far).

I have read several postings about port forwarding and other firewall issues but had not seen anything refering to what I did. This is not through a proxy but dealt specifically with the software that is installed when the DSL modem is installed. I'm not sure if other modem manufacturers include the same thing but it might be another option to check? My DSL provider recommended that this firewall be disabled in all the literature I read at the site I didn't just do it on my own.


Good Luck,
Dave