Laptop connection worked, now it doesn't!
 

I have a Dell laptop and was using Limewire and Bearshare with no problem wireless. Just recently I've gotten messages from both saying I'm not connected to the internet or it can't connect to the gnutella network. It's not a firewall issue. I dropped my firewall and it's to no avail. When I just plug the DSL cable into the laptop, everything is fine. Like I said, everything was running fine until just now. I don't understand what the problem is. I'd really appreciate some help. Please, something more constructive than "Laptops SuX0rZ! Get wired!" I'm not super computer adept, so too much techno speak will make my head explode. I was hoping for a simple solution in small words. I've already tried deleting the preference file like one of the threads said. I'm using a public wi fi connection, so I can't do anything to it as far as settings go. It has to be something I can do from my laptop. So...any suggestions?
Thanks,
CP

You're aware aren't you that wireless connection devices have their own firewalls (NAT.) You need to find if yours supports UPnP (Universal Plug & Play.) See that section here Connection problems? Check here first! (click on link)

Do a port test: Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say 'Your test worked!'. What happens when you go there?

Who is your ISP by the way? If you suddenly can't connect, they might be responsible for it.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I had already tried the test. It worked.
I tried to do the universal plug and play thing, but like I said, i'm not too techno savvy when it comes to this kind of thing. If you can direct me to a thread where it's easy to follow and understand, I'll give it a try. I was just overwhelmed by all the technobabble.
I don't really have an ISP when I'm wireless. At home, I hardwire through bellsouth and everything is peachy. I'm hardwired now at full signal.
When I'm wirless, I'm typically at an Atlanta Bread Company. That's the only place I've been wireless lately and where I was having problems. Is it possible they changed something on their router? I haven't tried to use Limewire anywhere else. I really appreciate all the help and the prompt response.
Thanks,
CP

If the problem is ONLY happening when you're using wireless, then that's your problem. And the question is whether UPnP or manual port forwarding is required.

You'll need to give me details of your set up then.

1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98)
2. What firewalls you have?
3. How much 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.
9. Who is your isp provider (Internet Service Provider)?
10. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up.

1. OS version? Windows XP
2. What firewalls you have? McAfee
3. How much ram? 128 MB
4. Hard Disk space available? 13 gigs
5. Connection type? broadband
6. * Modem & router brand name & model numbers? I can't get any of those because Atlanta Bread Company kind of frowns on me just walking behind the counter looking for their router
7. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)? trying to connect from ABC
8. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? Limewire 4.10.5, Java 1.4.2_03
9. Who is your isp provider (Internet Service Provider)? At home it's bellsouth, I have no idea who supplies the ABC wireless
10. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? There are other computers sharing the connection, but that's never had an effect before.

Sorry about the long time before my reply, but I thought the problem was solved. I connected here fine the other day. Now it's the same mess all over again

Issue may be a no. of things. The modem/router, if wireless will have an internal NAT firewall. Also, your boss might be blocking or the isp is blocking p2p. Try updating your Java to Java 1.5 (take the JRE). This might make a difference. If you've connected ok before but it's inconsistent, then Java might do the trick.

BTW if you're using McAffee firewall, then disable XP's firewall! This often makes the difference also. You shouldn't run 2 firewalls. Also make sure McAffee is configured for LW; Firewall configuration instructions (click on link)