okay, i can search for files, see files, begin the download, and then it says i'm connecting and goes on forever until i see that i need more sources EVERY TIME!!!

it's MADDENING!

It's maddening & it's called fake files...they're all around now & are a PITA.
Search again, vary your search terms, try the All Types search. Stay away from files with lots of sources, go for a file with 10 sources or less, or those with a modem source.

For movies, always check a file before download with Bitzi. A file with heaps of sources but no Bitzi rating is often a fake.
How to use Bitzi

For music, try the tips in this thread
How to find music

And for some general info about these fakes
Info about fake files

no, but it really is every single file
i tried to search and download something like 20 different files all over the map
EVERY SINGLE FILE IS LIKE THIS!

wow, you were SO right, I feel so stupid Is there any way to block these sorts of files so I don't get so frusterated in the future?

Try deleting LW's preferences folder when LW's properly closed. See points 2 & 3 below for instructions
Fixes for LimeWire

It's a hidden folder, so you'll have to show hidden files & folders to see it. Deleting the folder will kill all of your settings within options, you'll have to go back through & reset things afterwards:wink:

Has LW worked ok before, or have you just started using it?