first time with Limewire, can't connect

[Nicoler]

ATTN: Computer-geeks: (And I mean that in the most affectionate way!)

Please bear with me, as I don't know much about computers, but would like to use Limewire...
I just bought a new Dell computer, and installed limewire, and am receiving an error message, something about "unable to open a port to listen for incoming...." or something like that. I've searched this forum, and noticed that other people have had the same problem...HOWEVER, the solutions offered are WAY over my head. I am computer-stupid, and trying to solve this is giving me a headache. Here is what I can tell you:
I am using Windows XP, I've already followed the instructions about opening a port with 6346 or whatever that means...I just installed Norton a few days ago, Mcaffee is on my computer (I don't know how it got there, it was on there when I first turned the computer on, and I don't know anything about it). There isn't really anything else on the computer, so there should be enough space...And that's about all I know to tell you

I don't know...Please help me if you can... (and remember that I need DETAILED instructions, with SIMPLE LANGUAGE...ie. no computer lingo please!!!)
Thanks, Nic

[fabion]

Hi Nicoler

This link has easy to follow instructions for setting up your firewalls.

http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml

Also what type of connection do yoy have (Dialup,ADSL,DSL,Cable)

Modem type and model no. along with router type and model no.
would be helpful if you use these to connect to the internet.

Might think about disabling/turning off a couple of those firewalls they might conflict with each other. I use Norton Internet Security for mine.

Oh and we are volunteers here. No computer geeks really.

[Nicoler]

Ok, I went to that link, and followed the WindowsXP instructions...still doesn't work. I have no idea if I have that ZoneAlarm thing...and I don't understand the McAffee instructions.

I have no idea what type of connection I have??? There are two little boxes that sit on top of the computer with lots of lights on...(I think one them is the modem?) Sorry, I'm so stupid at this...

And I've never heard of router type?

And what do you mean "disable those firewalls"? How do I do that?

Thanks

[fabion]

In XP start>control panel>security center>firewall --- this will show the firewalls that are currently enabled/on

Also in XP start>control panel>windows firewall --- this will show if windows firewall is enabled or disabled.

Those boxes with all the pretty flashing lights. Those are probably your modem and router. They probably have a name=type writtem on them. If you gently turn them over and look on the bottom, you will see a model no.

Many modems and routers have what is called a NAT firewall built into them.

Hope this helps explain things a little better.

[Lord of the Rings]

Can you give us a total desciption of your set up:
1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98)
2. What firewalls you have?
3. ram?
4. Hard Disk space available?
5. Connection type? (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.)
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers?
7. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)?
8. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version.
These details are vital if you want us to find out what your connection problem is.
9. Who is your isp provider?
10. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user.
These details are vital if you want us to find out what your connection problem is.

Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say ‘Test Page was a Success’. What happens when you go there? Is it True/False?

[Nicoler]

Windows firewall is on.

1. XP
2. Does that mean Norton, Mcaffee
3. no idea
4. 28.8 GB
5.cable
6. SMC 105DT and Westell B90-200013-04
7. home
8. LW 4.8.1 and Java 1.5.0_02
9. internet explorer
10. first time

Test page was a success

Ok i'm on windows xp home, 15 gigs of space, 256 MB of RAM, no firewalls, ISP doesn't block any ports, latest version of limewire and java. I'm connecting from my home, I'm on dialup, and I've never used limewire before on this computer. Limewire won't connect for me it just sits at connecting. That page won't load for me either it says Cannot Find Server. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Nicoler]

Can't anybody help me???

[Lord of the Rings]

Sounds like you have 3 firewalls. One is sufficient & is not recommened to run more than one at the same time (can cause problems.) For Norton see: Configuring Norton Internet Security

Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say ‘Test Page was a Success’. What happens when you go there?

Your modem/router might not recognise UPnP technology in which case you should forward a port (open a port) for LW's access. Your device has an internal firewall. For instructions on how to do this see below. You must set up a static ip 1st for this to work so do these in the following order:

1. Setting up a Static IP instructions for Windows XP

2. Port Forwarding instructions for Westell B90-220030-04 & use Port 6346

3. Manual port forward instructions & sample image & 2 posts after that.