Poor/unstable/slow downloads, w/ fast uploads
 

I'm using LimeWire PRO 4.8.1 and I have a problem. Recently my downloads have become horrible. They're erratic, I am kicked off all the time, and when the files are downloading for a few seconds, my download speeds are between 0.4 KB/s and 4 KB/s. I used to get downloads at up to 120-140 KB/s and my broadband connection is still at about 5-8 MB/s. I haven't made any changes to my machine or Limewire config. Uploads are still good, fast even. Am I having these problems because there is a newer LimeWire PRO out? Also, because I have an older version no support folks will talk to me even though I have PRO. I know I'm passed my 6 months, but come on... PLS HELP.

Well hopefully the cause is not your isp (internet service provider) filtering your speeds. Some do it for p2p users. Here's an example of how a p2p bandwidth shaper can work against Gnutella: Bandwidth Shaper Sample - typical of how some ISP's use it (click on link) ie: giving priority to net surfing & low priorities to p2p sharing.

Try downlding a magnet file from here: http://www.magnetmix.com/video.shtml & see what speeds you get. If you get slow speeds then the problem is probably not your sources.

You could try deleting your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Point #2 in Fixes for Limewire (sample at bottom of page.) But whether this will make any difference I don't know. Sometimes it does. Another option is a sacrifice. Tip: Purge the Downloads Queue!

Other tips: See the following link & follow “ALL” the off-shoot links to find hints & extra skills to help: To continue files downlding (click on link)

Remember, normally downld speeds depend upon your sources. How many & how much bandwidth they have free for uploading. Also check your sources. Are they Lime or are they RAZA for example. Some other clients often offer measrely upload speeds because they're busy using other networks also. You can find source type under Vendor/Version column. Right-clicking (control-click for mac osx) the top of the column bar of the downld window will give you column options.