What would I search for? I have definately removed the entire LimeWire directory from program files with each and every uninstall (prior to reinstall) But your theory does make sense that something doesnt get uninstalled. WHAT could it be???

I thought that perhaps something in a hidden directory or the registry might be left (and corrupted). If I knew what else i could delete, id try it. Thanks for the idea. Wish we knew what else to delete.

As for 2.3.3... its wonderful. It gets about only 1/3 the search results that my 2.8.6 was getting (so id never go back once getting 2.8.6 to work, but since Limewire is clearly broken, 2.3.3 is better than nothing... and now i am forced to use Kaaza and other methods instead too. Its a shame. I quit encouring friends to buy limewire since this happened a few months ago. But im not sure that other people would even be affected by the problem im having (above). Perhaps it broke limewire when my computer crashed one day, however nothing else on the computer seems to be broken (oh except simcity 3000 unlimited, that no longer runs at all.. it gives an exe error when started - but i didnt think it was related). There are no errors with 2.3.3 except that random login/password boxes show up... however clicking OK or Cancel seems to remove them find. Its a mere annoyance but at least I have something to download with.

Thanks for your response. Hope to have others soon.