Limewire won't connect to the internet on XP!? What should you do?
by rollingcaker On March 30, 2009 | MAC | Hits: 188
Software you need: limewire
When a LimeWire connection problem happens to you, what should you do? Don't be worried! In this guide, you will find a proper solution to your Limewire problem.
LimeWire finds files by connecting to the Gnutella network. If a search returns no results, then you probably can't connect. Within LimeWire, go to View > Show/Hide > Connections to see if you have any of the symptoms in the picture below.
If LimeWire does not start at all, and you receive the following error message
LimeWire was unable to initialize and start. This is usually due to a firewall program blocking LimeWire's access to the internet or loopback connections on the local machine. Please allow LimeWire access to the internet and restart LimeWire.
then a security program is likely blocking LimeWire. Check any security programs installed on your computer to make sure that LimeWire is listed as an exception. Norton's Internet Worm Protection feature can cause this error. Please check the documentation that came with your security software for instructions on how to allow LimeWire to connect.
Third-Party Security Programs
Many third-party security programs block LimeWire from launching or connecting either by restricting access to the port that LimeWire uses to connect to the Gnutella network (i.e. - a firewall), the program itself, or a combination of the two. These programs may have been installed on your computer before you purchased it.
Adding An Exception For The LimeWire Program
Sample right-click menu from the system tray icon
1. Check the Windows system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, next to the time), and locate the icon associated with your security program. Right-click the icon to enter the settings.
2. Locate a section for adding exceptions for specific programs.
3. Add LimeWire as an exception (C:\Program Files\LimeWire\LimeWire.exe by default on Windows systems)
Full Uninstall & Reinstall
If modifying the settings in your security program does not fix the connection problem, try doing a full uninstall & reinstall of the LimeWire software. This will often resolve connection issues related to security programs blocking LimeWire or unreliable connections to the Gnutella network. Please make sure to follow these instructions COMPLETELY to ensure a full uninstall/reinstall.
1. Completely shut down LimeWire by right-clicking the system tray icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. (You may need to expand the system tray by clicking the left arrow button).
2. Uninstall all previous installations of LimeWire from Add/Remove programs by going to: Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
3. Delete all LimeWire icons and installers from your computer (you may find some on your desktop).
4. Right-click the Start menu, then select Explore. Using the folder tree on the left side, navigate to the following directories, and delete them (you can right-click the folder and select Delete):
Before deleting these folders, go to Tools > Folder Options >Advanced, then select Show Hidden Files.
* C:\Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\LimeWire (where username is the name you use to log on to Windows)
* C:\Documents and Settings\(username)\.limewire
* C:\Program Files\LimeWire
5. Restart your computer.
6. Redownload LimeWire (or LimeWire PRO if you previously purchased it) and run the installer.
When a LimeWire connection problem happens to you, what should you do? Don't be worried! In this guide, you will find a proper solution to your Limewire problem.
How Do I Know If I Can't Connect?
LimeWire finds files by connecting to the Gnutella network. If a search returns no results, then you probably can't connect. Within LimeWire, go to View > Show/Hide > Connections to see if you have any of the symptoms in the picture below.
If LimeWire does not start at all, and you receive the following error message
LimeWire was unable to initialize and start. This is usually due to a firewall program blocking LimeWire's access to the internet or loopback connections on the local machine. Please allow LimeWire access to the internet and restart LimeWire.
then a security program is likely blocking LimeWire. Check any security programs installed on your computer to make sure that LimeWire is listed as an exception. Norton's Internet Worm Protection feature can cause this error. Please check the documentation that came with your security software for instructions on how to allow LimeWire to connect.
How to reconnect LimeWire to Internet on Windows XP?
Third-Party Security Programs
Many third-party security programs block LimeWire from launching or connecting either by restricting access to the port that LimeWire uses to connect to the Gnutella network (i.e. - a firewall), the program itself, or a combination of the two. These programs may have been installed on your computer before you purchased it.
Adding An Exception For The LimeWire Program
Sample right-click menu from the system tray icon
1. Check the Windows system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, next to the time), and locate the icon associated with your security program. Right-click the icon to enter the settings.
2. Locate a section for adding exceptions for specific programs.
3. Add LimeWire as an exception (C:\Program Files\LimeWire\LimeWire.exe by default on Windows systems)
Full Uninstall & Reinstall
If modifying the settings in your security program does not fix the connection problem, try doing a full uninstall & reinstall of the LimeWire software. This will often resolve connection issues related to security programs blocking LimeWire or unreliable connections to the Gnutella network. Please make sure to follow these instructions COMPLETELY to ensure a full uninstall/reinstall.
1. Completely shut down LimeWire by right-clicking the system tray icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. (You may need to expand the system tray by clicking the left arrow button).
2. Uninstall all previous installations of LimeWire from Add/Remove programs by going to: Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
3. Delete all LimeWire icons and installers from your computer (you may find some on your desktop).
4. Right-click the Start menu, then select Explore. Using the folder tree on the left side, navigate to the following directories, and delete them (you can right-click the folder and select Delete):
Before deleting these folders, go to Tools > Folder Options >Advanced, then select Show Hidden Files.
* C:\Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\LimeWire (where username is the name you use to log on to Windows)
* C:\Documents and Settings\(username)\.limewire
* C:\Program Files\LimeWire
5. Restart your computer.
6. Redownload LimeWire (or LimeWire PRO if you previously purchased it) and run the installer.
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