Very erratic download speeds- any ideas?

[Huwdini]

Hey guys.

When I initially (about 10 seconds) start up my old downloads, the average speed per download is around the 15/20kbps mark, which is good enough. However, after this period the sum of all my downloads rarely goes above 40kbps. Every so often there are spikes of activity (150kbps sum) which then slump rapidly. I've been trying to figure out why my download speeds are so much slower than they should be, and I think that this oddity might be the key.

Here's some info you might need:
1. XP
2. McAffe Firewall (Windows is disabled)
3. 512 mb RAM
4. Around 4 gigs of space available.
5. TalkTalk Broadband connection (8mbps- online tests show I get about 4-6mbps)
6. I have use the D-Link DSL-504T (I have also switched to the TalkTalk Modem, but there is no change)
7. Home connection
8. LimeWire 4.12
9. TalkTalk
10. Test- 'Your test worked!'
11. The router also feeds my xbox, but this is almost never switched on.
12. I've been using Limewire on and off for about a year- been trying to fix this problem for months now.
13. Brick wall is present.

Thanks a lot.
-Huw

[Lord of the Rings]

Instantly see your problem. TalkTalk. See TalkTalk listed here ISP's known to BLOCK or Filter p2p or specifically Limewire as there's suggestions about how to work around it. Also search Talk on the forum & you may find other tips.