title explains it.....will "forcing" my ip help in my connection?

That option is only for the very old LW versions. It has not been an option for LW versions for over 2 years. You would simply click the option. And yes it was supposed to help connecting to the Gnutella network for those with modem/router firewall issues.

If you mean port forwarding, which is what has replaced it, then you need to port forward your device after setting up a static ip; PortForward.com - Free Help Setting up Your Router or Firewall, & then see Manual port forward instructions & sample image

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?