ok thanks, i will try this website and see if it helps.... and so to add a new quirk to the mix..... i am able to download again...... sort of.... as long as i keep lw minimized it works(download speeds stay at about 50 bps per download) however, as soon as i bring lw into the active window, speeds drop to 0 bps..... can anyone explain to me how i have managed to get a "shy" program..... what IS CAUSING THIS?!?

oh and forgive for showing how computer illiterate i am...... but what is a static ip, and how do i "set it up" as you mention above?