Difficult connection problem...I've tried everything!
 

I have LimeWire 4.2.3, and I can't connect. When I open LimeWire, I get this error message:

"Your machine does not appear to have an active Internet Connection or a firewall is blocking LimeWire from accessing the internet. Please check your connection of firewall settings and then select "Connect" from the File menu to connect LimeWire to the network."

I'm 100% sure I'm connected to the internet, as I often try to connect while using AOL. My OS is Windows XP, and the only firewalls I have are Norton and the Windows firewall. I tried manually allowing the Gnutella Network in both firewalls, and when that didn't work, I simply shut all the firewalls down, and it still wouldn't connect. I've uninstalled and even re-downloaded and reinstalled LimeWire, and I can't get it to connect. Help!!!

This should be of help, I think: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=23895

Thanks, but I actually am still using AOL 8.0...is there a firewall included with that and is there a way to disable it?

I have no idea. I've never used AOL myself. (I don't even know what it looks like)
Go to Tools, Options and then Bug Report and click for an example. Scroll down to where it says: "Recieved incoming this session". If it says false, then a firewall is indeed blocking your access.
Do you have a router (very often these have their own firewalls)?

Double-check your firewalls, particularly your Norton. See 1st post here: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=30505

Also as Murasame said, please provide us with your modem & router brand name & model no.'s so we can check to see whether it uses NAT which can block a lot of port. If yes, we can show you how to allow LW thru.

YOu have wind XP, do you have SP2? We don't advise installing it. It has absolutely no benefit to individual home users & can cause many connection issues.

At times I've been able to connect and download a few files, but this has been completely random. Every other time I just get the same error.

I'm relatively sure I don't have SP2, although I'm not positive...I'm assuming I'd know if I did.

I checked the bug report and it said false, so apparently there is a firewall I'm unaware of. What exactly was the information you needed and how can I access it?

Thanks a lot for your help!

Edit: I just checked again and now it says true under "received incoming this session." However, I'm still unable to connect and I have no idea what this means...

Well one of my questions has been ansered yes & no & the other not answered so it's up to you Murasame. We have a lot of faith in you to delve out the hidden mysteries & problems

But you can try this: First update your Java: Java 1.4.2 (click on link)
& then update to LW 4.2.4 : LIMEWIRE BASIC v. 4.2.4 (choose english installer only) But install Java update 1st!!!.

It appears as though updating Java and getting LW 4.2.4 ended my connection problem. However, every file that I try to download is labelled to be corrupted by LW and when I try to play them (they're mp3's I would assume to be about 4 minutes long) the media player says the file is like 30 minutes long and the entire track plays completely silent. Is it just a case of extremely bad luck (as in just happening to download corrupted files), or is there something else wrong?

gnutella fallout
 

I've been struggling with these seemingly random fallouts and that same message, as well as getting 'waiting for stable connections' in the download file window. Been driving me batty, one minute it's downloading multiple files at good speeds and the rest of the time it won't connect to a single host, but will likewise, occationally connect to a previous download in progress. I even got the you appear not to be connected etc while it was downloading files!
A tech friend of mine has reported something that may or may not be related, but he's had trouble recently with machines in networks NOT being able to resolve DNS addresses for no apparent reason. Some machines in the network will and others won't, and he cannot seem to find out why.

All this makes me wonder if there is something going on with the net itself lately.

BTW. my connection is 2 mb and has tested out ok, when my firewall is on, it's configured correctly, java updated...will upgrade to 4.2.4 (have just installed 4.2.3 a few days ago) and the randomness of t his seems to indicate the problem is not on my machine, but external.

Otherwise, limewire often crashes suddenly, and it seems like it may be when the network 'drys up' suddenly.

Natergratr: Everybody has had issues with dwnlding music from T3 sources. Be wary of them. If possible try to choose an alternative sources such as cable/modem. 30 min songs is typical of a corrupted song from a T3 source. They generally don't have any sound & might not even be able to be opened. Oh & when & if you do a Bug Report it's best to wait until LW settles down.

JMRM: If you're going thru a network then you'll probably find there's firewalls & possibly a nat router between you & the net. These can affect LW's performance. Force ip for a start: Force IP instructions & sample image If possible, can you get access to your router? If you have a firewall on your comp. configure it here: http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml