In the meantime, you can make a backup of your settings, just in case it happens again. But can only replace the preferences file whilst LW is closed. LW Preferences folder here:
Point #2 & 3 in Fixes for Limewire (sample image included at bottom of page.) THis shows where it is & how to find it. Of course you won't want to delete it as the article suggests, but can make a copy of it.
If using Vista, see
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/genera...der-vista.html. If it happens again, THEN close LW, delete the folder, replace it with the older backed up one.