I've been struggling with this same type of problem. I have carefully followed all the advice here and still can only get the Limewire flash screen.

I have gone to C:/Documents and Settings/my name/ and tried to create a new folder named .limewire it will not let me. It says "you must type a file name." It will not allow a folder name to begin with a period. Limewire cannot create the folder either.

I have Limewire PRO installed on two other computers on this same network. They work perfectly. Is this a problem with XP Media Center Edition?