i'm running windows vista
windows firewall, nothing else (school computer)
2 gig ram
12.8 gigs free on C: and 75.1 on D:
LAC through school network
connecting at school
frostwire 4.17.0 and java 6 update 7.
I have used limewire before at my house but frostwire/limewire and other p2p software has failed to work and yes there is a brick wall. Ive tried establishing a static ip address and have dicked around with the firewall. Nothings worked so far.
Thanks in advance.

You could try changing ports. In FW go tools > options > advanced > firewall. Change FW's listening port to 65000 (or a port in the range of 49152 - 65535) > apply > ok.

Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say 'Your test worked!'. What happens when you go there?

Check out this link for info about configuring Windows firewall. It's referring to LW but it's the same deal for FW. firewall:User Cant Connect - LimeWire

Your school might be stopping you from connecting. Lots do. Can other people at school use p2p apps?
You might need to check with the school - to see whether they'll let you use p2p

Changing ports didn't work and i tried the test earlier and it didn't work. And even if i turn the firewall off or add fw as an exception i still can't connect and i still see the firewall symbol in fw. I can use bearshare just fine but i can't get some stuff i can on fw. I'm just confused why bearshare can connect but not fw or really any other p2p program i've tried.

Check which port BS's using & then try that one for FW (just don't have the 2 open at the same time!)

If BS works best, you could try the version mentioned here & see if there's any difference in search results (needs the BearStart utility): BearShare has been sabotaged.

Only the new bearshare works for me and i can't find which port it uses. The link in the link you gave me didn't work so i dl'ed bearshare lite and that isn't connecting either.

I've only used the version of BS in that thread, so I don't know about the later versions.

If I go Setup > Options > Connection, I can see the listening port. Mine's 6348, I think that's the default port.

If anybody else at school can use LW or FW, ask them how they've set things up. If the port test doesn't work, it means that something's blocking LW's default port...and so probably blocking FW as well.

You really should check with the school...if you get caught using p2p when it's not allowed, you could be in deep poo.