[EDIT -- NEW INFORMATION]
3.6.14, the last attempt of the 3.6 series in working around the Java problems Apple has introduced in Panther, is now released. This will hopefully once and for all work.
[END EDIT]

Many users have reported problems with running LimeWire after
upgrading to Panther (10.3).

Unfortunately, these problems are beyond our control. Apple is investigating what caused the problems and will hopefully release a fix soon.

Meanwhile, users can use this thread to post information about what they have done to resolve or learn more about the situation.

Sincerely,
The LimeWire Team

Some users have suggested the following workaround. As always, use caution while following the below advice. These steps are not tested and not supported by LimeWire.

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If you're a user having problems due to java (type "java -version" at a terminal prompt and it will say something about "HotSpot not at correct virtual address. Sharing disabled" on the first line), follow the instructions to fix java at topic "Discussions > Mac OS X > Mac OS X v10.3 Panther > Installation and Setup > Java 1.41 does not run after 10.3 upgrade" on the apple.com discussion boards. Specifically, go to a terminal prompt and type "sudo mv /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVMOld.framework" (BE CAREFUL! the only spaces in this command are after "sudo", "mv", and "...JavaVM.framework") and enter the root user password when prompted. Now reinstall Panther (only required base files and the BSD subsystem necessary) and Limewire (and the rest of your Java 1.4.1 apps) should work perfectly.

You're Welcome.

If someone who is having these problems with Panther could please email me at sberlin@limepeer.com , I have some solutions I would like to test. We (fortunately?) do not have any corrupted Panther boxes in our office, so we cannot test it here.

Thanks,
Sam

One of the Apple engineers has written the following about the problems.

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All,

We are aware of the QTJ + Panther Upgrade issue as it concerns Java, and will be providing steps to alleviate and prevent the problem shortly. We are still in the process of identifying every install configuration that is a problem, as well as possible solutions. Once that is done, we will make all the relevant information available, via the http://developer.apple.com/java/ site.

Please keep an eye on http://developer.apple.com/java/ for a statement on the problem described, who is affected, and what they will need to do.


md
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Matt Drance
Java Engineer
Apple Worldwide Developer Technical Support
dts@apple.com

I spoke with Apple last night and they were empahtic about the fact that they ARE NOT working on a fix for the Panther 10.3 problem. They regaurd LimeWire as an illegal operation and as such didn't want me to mention its name while I was talking with them. They are, of course, overreacting, but nonetheless, they are not working on a fix. This would also compete with their iTunes platform, so their reluctance to offer any sort of fix seems to make sense.

Moreover, LimeWire double charged me for my Pro account and now they are telling me that my account has been cancelled. I would still like to run Pro and would like to try version 3.6.11. Will someone get back to me and let me know what is going on with my account?

plolipop, as another loyal Mac (and .Mac) user, I think those "Apple" comments are misleading. LW is legitimate. Please direct your "Apple" source to the letter posted, or have the person direct users like myself who have no affiliation with LimeWire to official Apple policy about LimeWire.

The lack of fix from Apple is rather strange. It is not just LimeWire that they broke, but EVERY SINGLE java application. LimeWire is but one (although the most used) Java application for OSX.

LimeWire 3.6.12 has been released. The installer for this version includes a workaround for the bug with Panther. We believe this will solve the problems people have been experiencing.

PLEASE let us know whether this fix works or does not work. You are welcome to post here or email me directly at sberlin@limepeer.com .

Thank you,
Sam

FYI, we have found the following TechNote that Apple has released with regards to their faulty Java upgrade. You can view it at: http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn2002/tn2099.html

We are still investigating a workaround, check back here shortly for news of a new LimeWire version that should contain a working workaround.

Thanks,
Sam