To reduce your simultaneous downloads tools > options > downloads. Just reduce the number & apply. How high do you have it set now? Mine's on 4. Just try setting it quite low & see if you still have probs with the freeze.

If so, delete your preferences folder (make sure LW's fully closed first). Instructions here
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=36420

If the prob persists, uninstall your Java & then reinstall using the offline installer (see above thread).