i have searched and downloaded some files but now my search button in the search menu has gone out, it no longer works. what do i do to get it back functioning??

Three possible solutions for your problem:

1) Try downloading and installing the latest beta, maybe it'll fix it:
http://www.limewire.com/english/content/beta.shtml

2) Disable the option to connect LimeWire automatically when it is started:
Options->Connections
Then shut down LimeWire (completely, - kill it also from your system tray).
Then restart LimeWire and try to connect manually by going to File->Connect

3) search and delete the ".limewire" folder.

Please tell me, if any of it worked ;-)

thanks for your help amigo. i turned off the auto connection and then connected manually and this has now allowed the search to work again. thanks again!!

I have tried the 3 solutions you proposed, in the same order. But none did work!
Though I don't know what you mean by "killing limewire in the tray". I had just switched it off and then relauched it.
Any other suggestion?
Thank, anyway !

Quentin

make sure you have switched to manual connection on limewire (in tools), closed limewire and also the icon in the little menu next to the toolbar ( i think that is the service tray??!!) bottom right of screen, delete the folder from c drive with the settings and relaunch limewire. then connect and you should get the green light, i find i have to repeat this every time i want to connect. let me know how you get on