I just downloaded Limewire today and I am not behind any firewalls (that I am aware of). I connect through wireless internet on a Linksys Wireless-B device that plugs into my USB port. I am connected to the network, but when I go to search for files (even those that are quite popular) I get ZERO results! What's going on??

Chances are it will be your wireless. Remember that win XP has its own firewall. See Firewall configuration instructions (click on link)

1. 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?

Whilst Linksys devices utilitise UPnP which LW can also utilitise, some models (particularly the older ones) might not have this ability. Thus, forwarding a port might be the best answer. (Ethernet would be preferable to USB!)

2. Modem & router brand name & model numbers?
3. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version.
4. Who is your isp provider?

my firewall is disabled. i know for sure.

1. i did the test and it worked.
2. i'm not sure what the modem is. (i just moved in last week and the person i live with isn't sure either) but the wireless device i bought is called Linksys Wireless-B USB Network Adapter and the model number is: WUSB11.
3. i'm using Limewire version 4.8.1 and Java 1.5.0_01
4. i don't know the isp provider or what that means.

ISP = Internet Service Provider. ie: the people you or your family/etc. pay money to so you can connect to the internet.

The reason I asked that question is some isp's are known for blocking or filtering p2p share programs or specifically LW. Zero search results is sometimes the 1st sign this is happening!

Your Linksys WUSB11 seems to use UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) & being USB suggests port forwarding should not be necessary.

Using your browser go here & choose any video file to downld: http://www.magnetmix.com/video.shtml & let's see if you can downld it via LW. As soon as you click downld, the magnet link will link with LW & downld thru LW.

i'm actually not too sure on what internet provider i have. like i said, i just moved in and the person i live with went away for the week.

i tried downloading the video and it worked. so that's not a problem.

i will try to find out what my isp is. any other advice? =/

That's great news about the magnet link!

Now to see if we can get you searching properly. Try searching something really common like beatles or let it be. If you come up with zero results then it will sound suspicious.

Go to Tools>Options>Searching & make sure you have multiple searches allowed. Also allow all speeds & qualities for searching.

Go to Tools>Options>Advanced>Firewalls & make sure UPnP is selected.

Do this test: Bug Report instructions & sample image Is the result True/False?

i did everything you said and under incoming sessions it says false.