Just using for the first time went to search under an artist name and nothing happens? Only name of artist appears at top of screen with red x next to it?? Anyone know whats going on?

Red refers to someone whose firewalls or router are not properly configured. It doesn't mean you can't downld from them (unlike some yrs back.) But it may be more difficult to downld from them. And more difficult to browse & direct connect to them.

Now for yourself, have you configured your own firewall to allow LW full access? Instructions: http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml

To find out if you are or not, do this test: Bug Report instructions & sample image Is the result True/False? If False then your LW is being partially blocked.

To downld a file, you select it from the search results & press the downld button.

Choose files to downld from the search results which have 3 or 4 stars & multiple sources under the # column.

More tips here: To continue files downlding (click on link)

Yes says false so it must be blockled ...how do i unblock?

The instructions are in the 1st link. Keep in mind windows XP has its own firewall. It's recommended to only have one active firewall since 2 FW's can interfere with each other.

I have opened both ports in my network connections but still no joy, i have Outpost firewall client installed on my pc if thats any help?