I just dl'ed limewire pro and now I can't find any of the old files from my previous version of limewire basic

See whether this helps
If you've updated LW and can't find your downloads!

thanks a lot, that worked great...
now that I have all those files back and Im searching using the Pro version, Im finding that all my searches are coming up with SPAM. Im getting all kinds of crap in my searches. and some of the more obscure files I was hoping to get are not coming in...what should I do?[/quote]

There are heaps of spam/junk files on the network. Do you use the junk filter? It's not perfect but it does help with weeding out crap. The thread below's old & very long but has good info & tips.
Junk Filter

Also try using The TechNutopia Fullsize Hostiles List for BearShare and LimeWire

Have a look at the thread below, it has tips for searching (video as well as music) Make sure to check out the bits about adding words to the keyword filter...that will help to exclude some crap from your search results!
How to find music

I've been reading some of the links you have sent me (birdy) and Im much obliged for that...however, I have done a lot of reading and apparently have come up short. I searched a program file and sifted through the results until I found one that I thought looked legit. I looked it up using "bitsi" (I dont trust this site) and everything appeared fine. That is, until I opened the file and was treated to a virus that now has spam littering my desktop.

The funny thing is, I have never had a problem with spam on the basic version of limewire- never. and I have been using it now for almost 5 years. When I downloaded Pro I expected to get a much broader search base and therefore find almost any file I could think of. I was wrong. There is too much spam on this network, and I am considering discontinuing my use of limewire altogether. In LW defence I do know friends who use this program and have had good results...I guess Im just one of the unlucky ones. Great

You're right - there are heaps of spam files on the network now. Also heaps of infected files. LW's just one Gnutella client...if you're not happy with it then you could try some different ones (if you like). The links below are to good, free clients.
BearShare

Phex

FrostWire

If you're going to be downloading program files, you need to be really careful...zip, exe & rar files are the most likely to be infected. My best advice would be to stay away from programs - even if a file is clean, chances are that it won't work properly as you'll need a code/key to use the program.

If you do want to take the chance, make sure that you're using a good AV program. Keep it updated & scan every file that you download...before you open it! Even if the file has a good Bitzi rating, still scan with your AV before opening.

I've been using your advice earlier for the filtering/keyword searches and slowly I am learning how to navigate a little better- my new question is how do I delete corrupt files that tell me "cannot delete, may be in use by another application"? I know they are not in use by any application of mine, but how do I delete them?

If the file is incomplete, go to your LW library, click on 'Incomplete Files' & then click Explore...your incomplete folder will open outside of LW. Keep that folder open, close LW & once LW's closed, delete the file from your incomplete folder.

If the file isn't incomplete, go to LW's library & click on Saved Files, highlight the file & click Explore....same deal when the folder opens; completely close LW & try to delete from the saved folder.

If that doesn't work, try deleting in safe mode or use one of the utilities in this thread below.
Incomplete Download File won't delete at all.