Is there a problem with version 4.10.9?
 

The previous version of Limewire worked without any problem for me, opening in seconds and responding immediately.

But the latest version 4.10.9 that I have downloaded takes about 3 minutes to open, has a long lag on pressing its controls, and consumes 100% of my computer's CPU usage power.

Is there a problem with the latest version?

Try uninstalling Java by going to Start/Add and Remove Programs remove all versions of Java then click on the link in my Sig and choose the manual install choose the offline installer and save it to your desktop. With that done re boot your computer then click on the installer and install Java.

I have done what you suggested, but it doesn't help.

With only the Limewire program running and no downloads or uploads, is it normal for the CPU usage on a Pentium IV to be 100%? When I close Limewire, it drops to 10%. A scan showed no viruses.

NO it is not normal. And it is usually a java problem. When you are running LimeWire open the Task Manager by pressing and holding Ctrl+Alt then press Delete. This will open the task manager then click on Processes then click on CPU 2 times this will arrange processes by CPU usage from most to least. What does it say. And what is your set up.

CPU Intel P4 X.XGhz
How much ram

I am a little concerned that you are using 10% CPU when Idle it should be 0% to 2% the task manager should say System Idle 99% most of the time when you don't have limewire running. Unless you have something else running.

It reads:

processes:
limewire.exe 97%
system idle 3%

performance:
CPU usage 100%

2.4 Ghz
RAM 512 mb

Java 5.0 update 6

With the latest Limewire running, the computer can barely function. With the previous version, no problem.

What could be the cause of this? Has anyone else reported problems with the latest version?

People have reported it with every version of LimeWire and it is a bad install of Java that has always been the cause of it. You can try Java 6 it is a Beta and see if that helps or not. You can get it at the link below.

http://java.sun.com/javase/6/

I tried Java beta version 6 as you suggested, but Limewire would not open with it saying "Java not detected by Limewire". I am back to version 5, but the 100% cpu usage problem persists.

Why should this have started when before there was no problem at all?

I have checked the other forum links, but they are of no avail.

Any other suggestions before I send my money to Kazaa?

I though I'd try the latest 4.12.3 and the latest Java Beta: still 100% cpu usage! As we can see from the forum, this is a widespread problem. What could it possibly be?!

The only thing I can suggest is to try a complete reinstall of Limewire and Java. Delete .limewire folder (it's the preferences folder) your incomplete folder. Uninstall using the uninstall file in your Limewire programfolder (do not use add/remove programs as it may mess up your Limewire). Then do a search for Limewire and delete everything it finds (unless offcourse you have a saved folder for music etc. that you called LImewire...). then press start and run regedit, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software and delete the limewire folder from there if there is one. Delete Java using add/remove programs. I would recommend that you do a malware sweep of your PC. 10% CPU usage isn't normal when not running any programs.

Then reinstall Java using the link Grandpa posted and then download the latest offline installer for Limewire. Install that and pray.

BTW I have had this problem once myself and I got rid of it somehow through something of the above. Now it's running great. Using 4.10.9Pro (haven't tried to update yet)

Just curious have you go to NorbiesWorld and posted a hijack this log if you haven't I would recommend you do so just in case it is a virus your AV is missing that is causing the high CPU usage by limewire.