My limewire version is 5.2.8 Pro and I'm using window xp on my computer. I've tried many other installer including basic and it shows that it's installed but when I click the icon on my desktop it won't start, any suggestions?

See whether anything here helps: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/331559-post2.html

Nevermind I uninstalled old java and downloaded new java.

how do i get limewire to open

If Birdy's link above did not work for you, try this technique of reinstalling: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/333278-post2.html
Also, check your security software. eg: If you have spyware programs or similar, make sure LW is given as an exception as some spyware programs mistakenly consider any p2p sharing programs as spyware. Add an exception for LW to your firewall.