Up until about 1 week ago I had no problem connecting to Limewire...now it just won't.

I took the 'test' you suggest and it worked. I've made sure ZoneAlarm firewall (which I've had for ages) allows LM. I'm on AOL 9.0 but have been for ages and it always worked. I have the latest Java. I don't have 'bricks' around the globe and I have the LM in the system tray at bottom.

What now?

I use Windows XP and don't share my computer. I have Broadband, not WiFi.

Nothing has changed since the last time LM worked.

(any help would be great)

Hello Rose
You don't say whether you can connect to the internet or just that limewire will not connect.

If it is the the internet then use the AOl dialler "one click fixes"
I would suggest you repair your ACS ( it's on the list )
if that doesn't work then use the RE-BUILD ADAPTER/ACS

I note your using Zone Alarm.... whilst this is a excellent product , it has been known to cause issues with connectivity and AOL 9.0. If you are an AOL consumer you can get a free copy of mcafee's firewall which to date i have had no issues with.

The other possibility is that anti-P2P companies are flooding your computer with connection attempts. The only defense I have used and know of is PEERGUARDIAN which you run and update before using LW. I will let you do your own research on that one.... there are others more knowledgable than me about such things.

Best of luck to you..... hope i have at least put you in the right direction.

Thanks for your quick reply.

I have no problems connecting to the internet and am always connected before trying to connect LM.

Don't know what P2-Ps are but have downloaded and installed PeerGuardian as you suggested - I hope it runs itself as I have no idea if I am meant to do anything with it.

After 30 mins LM still not connected. Connection Status = Leaf

When I put in a search message reads: LM trying to connect.

It recognises that I am looking for something as it registers the request at top of page - it just won't connect to network.

Has anyone any advice please? (and also if I close the PeerGuardian programme will it run in the background?)

Thanks

Hi Rose
peerguardian prevents snooping on your PC by blocking known hackers and anti p2p companies.
read the instructions with peerguardian, let it update, especially the P2P list
once the program is running it will only block "bad" IP's known to cause problems for music/ file sharing programs. The default for the program is that when you close the main screen of peerguardian it will minimise to your system tray..... you should be able to see it there (running in background)
you may also want to consider re-installing LW as that process may fix your connection issue if your problem is related to open ports etc.