I downloaded this new version of Limewire, and I DO NOT like it, for the following reasons:

1) There's a video/advertisement in my face, and I can't make it go away.
2) I can't preview a file (so I can hear the song; see if I like it)
3) can't cancel a download (if I don't like the song, I'm cancelling
4) my drive seems to be working a lot more with this thing; I don't want it turning all the time. I don't like that..... (I solved most of that when I figured out this new sharing thing, as it was initially trying to share a jillion files, but it still works too much)
5) I don't like the look. The old version was simpler.
6) People can't leave an excellent, well designed program alone. You can only improve so much, and rest is superfluous at best, and usually just detrimental.

How do I get the old version back? I genuinely dont like this "improved" version. And by "downgrading," so to speak, will it destroy my existing library?

Same!!! I hate the new limewire....let me know if you find out how to get the old version back, i've already tried uninstalling and downloading the old version and you still get the new one

Try here http://www.gnutellaforums.com/window...lw-4-18-a.html

I'd recommend LW 4.18, though I left a link for other versions.

It wasn't any problem for me. I just went to the limewire site, and downloaded the older/better version (4.18). I extracted the files, and just installed over my "improved " version.

It was easy. I am surprised to hear someone couldn't get the old version back, using the same method.

Now that poses a new question or two: If I upgrade to Pro version (which I might do one day), do I get a pro 4.18 or would I be forced to accept this new version?

Another question: Is there any way to eliminate the thing asking me to upgrade to the the new version? I tried it, didn't like it, and I'm back.

I think they could have made the original look nicer..

At the moment, people who buy Pro can still download a 4.18.8 Pro from their download page. I wouldn't have a clue how long LW are going to offer 4.18.8 Pro as an alternative to LW 5. So far the response to LW 5 hasn't been too good & so hopefully LW would keep 4.18.8 as a Pro option for a while yet. But I don't work for LW & so I can't tell you for sure.
You could try asking at this other forum: LimeWire Forums

Sorry, the update nag's something that you just have to live with if you want to use LW 4

No matter what version you use - if there's a newer one available then you'll see an update nag.
This goes for Pro users as well.

I got rid of Limewire Pro 5.12, and reinstalled 4.18.8 Basic using the links provided here. However, I cannot get back to 4.18.8 Extended Pro (which I have paid for). Any ideas?

Of course, go to your personal Pro download page, the one you bookmarked. If didn't bookmark it you should in future. Either go to your email customer support sent you with the pro download link, else go to the support page: Lime Wire » Support On your Pro page, you will see a link on the 'left' side of page (opposite side to the basic LW download page), & choose Classic.

Example image: http://www.gnutellaforums.com/attach...e-old-inst.gif

on 4.18 does it let u preview the whole song? (im new 2 limewire)

Whatever version of LW you're using, you can only preview as much of the file as you've downloaded. LW connects you to other users for downloading - there's no central server. So you have to download at least part of a file from another user to be able to preview it

If you're new to LW, check out the user guide & FAQ here: LimeWire FAQ and User Guide

And also have a look at the sticky threads (in red) at the top of different forum sections here