1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98) XP
2. What firewalls you have? McAfee
3. How much ram?
4. Hard Disk space available?
5. Connection type? (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.) Cable
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers? Scientific- Atlanta Webstar
7. Where are you trying to connect from (house, appartment complex, school, student accomodation, work, etc.)? House
8. What version of LimeWire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version. 4.12.6 1.5.0._09
9. Who is your ISP provider (Internet Service Provider)? Cox
10. 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?
11. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up. No
12. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user. I have been running it for about one year no problems
13. Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface? Yes

Won't connect. Been okay for about a year. Please help!!!

What happened when you did the test (question 10)?
Have you always seen the firewall icon, even when LW was working?
Is there a model number for your Webstar?

it works now don't ask me how but it does..now there is no brickwall in front of the globe though???

That's good
As long as you haven't turned off your firewall, things are ok. The firewall icon means that there's a firewall causing a problem...it's no indication that your firewall's not working, or that anything's wrong!