Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes. Using the most recent version of LimeWire allows users to enjoy the best program functionality. Bugs reported in older versions have been fixed for our latest version. Any users with LimeWire 2.5 or earlier MUST update. To download LimeWire, please visit www.limewire.com. The LimeWire program will automatically notify you if there is a new version available.

A: To update means to install the latest version of LimeWire. To upgrade is to purchase LimeWire PRO. If you are already a LimeWire PRO customer and you purchased PRO within the past 6 months, you do not need an upgrade, but you may need to update. You can update for free [here].

A: LimeWire BASIC is completely free to download and use. An enhanced version of LimeWire, LimeWire PRO, is also available for a one time charge. LimeWire PRO can be purchased as an electronic download only.

LimeWire is a software application. The one-time payment for LimeWire PRO is a payment to purchase a copy of the program. PRO purchasers also receive Technical Support via email and up to 6 (or 12) months of free updates.

You will not be charged again by Lime Wire after your initial purchase. After 6 (or 12) months, PRO users have the option to purchase an additional 6 (or 12) months of technical support and free updates for a reduced price.

A: There may have been an error in the transmission of the installer causing it to become corrupt while it was being downloaded. Delete the installer that you have already downloaded and clear your browser's cache, then try downloading it again. Also make sure that you are not using any download managers or download accelerators as they have been known to produce these errors.

A: The Recommended, or "Stub," Installer saves bandwidth on our servers by downloading the installer from other LimeWire users rather than from our servers. If for some reason you are having problems using the Recommended Installer, try using the Offline Installer. The Recommended Installer is only available for LimeWire BASIC.

A: The Java installer can occasionally freeze on some systems. If this happens, uninstall all versions of LimeWire and Java Runtime Environment from Add/Remove Programs located in the Control Panel ("Uninstall a program" on Windows Vista), then install Java here, then install LimeWire.

A: Many AOL users have had problems successfully downloading and installing LimeWire when using the AOL browser. Downloading the installer with a different browser, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer, should allow you to download and install without any problems.

A: First, make sure that you have enough space on your hard drive. For further help, please see the following link: [http://www.limewire.com/forum.htm]

A: It takes a while to initialize the LimeWire GUI. In general, startup times for Java applications are slower than for native applications. However, Java programs will work much faster after initialization.

A: First check to make sure that LimeWire is not already running in your system tray (next to the time). If you see it, click the lime icon to restore LimeWire (you may need to click the left arrow "<" button to expand the system tray).

If LimeWire is not running, you may have uninstalled it, or a spyware removal program may have miscategorized LimeWire as spyware and removed it from your computer (such as AOL's anti-spyware software), yet the shortcut still appears on your Windows desktop or taskbar. Please update to the latest version of LimeWire by downloading the installer (existing PRO customers can download here).

If LimeWire is not running and is installed on your Windows system yet you still cannot launch it, Java may be corrupted. To correct the problem, uninstall the Java Runtime Environment from Add/Remove Programs (go to: Start > Control Panel) and then redownload and install it here.

A: YES. The Gnutella network is a system of computers connected only through the internet. In order for LimeWire to connect to the Gnutella network, an internet connection must be present. LimeWire will not establish an internet connection for you.

A: Some security programs block loopback connections for all programs on your computer unless an exception has been created within the security program. If you are running Norton Antivirus, look for the Internet Worm Protection feature, and add LimeWire to the list of exceptions in that section.

A: A loopback connection is a connection where your computer talks to itself. An application will often utilize loopback connections in order to send messages to itself (for example, to see if a previous instance of the application is already running).

A: The longer you run LimeWire, the better its connection to the network becomes. Running the application for an extended period of time will generally result in a better user experience.

A: Intermittent connectivity can be the sign of a faulty internet connection, limitations imposed by your ISP, or errors caused by any hardware/software applications connected with your internet connection, such as driver incompatibilities, old hardware, a slow/overloaded ISP or many other possibilities. Also, if you get disconnected from the Gnutella network, it will have no impact on your downloads already in progress. There is also a known issue that affects some Windows XP SP2 systems that causes LimeWire to disconnect and remain disconnected. To find out if it affects you, do the following at the moment LimeWire becomes disconnected:

1. Go to: Start > Settings > Control Panel (Make sure you are in "Classic" view)
2. Go to: Administrative Tools > Event Viewer
3. Click System in the list on the left side of the window

If you see an error with an event ID of 4226 that was generated at the moment LimeWire disconnected from the Gnutella network, then the following suggestions should help to reduce the occurrence of that error:

• Disable Ultrapeer capabilities in Tools > Options > Advanced > Super Really Advanced, Performance
• Minimize the number of simultaneous downloads (can also be found in Options > Advanced, Transfers)
• Minimize the number of other internet programs used alongside LimeWire

A: High performance and bandwidth machines on the network are recognized by LimeWire as 'Ultrapeers'. These machines accept connections from many LimeWire clients while also connecting to the rest of the Gnutella network. Moreover, the Ultrapeer shields these 'regular' LimeWire clients from the CPU and bandwidth requirements associated with Gnutella, directing traffic to clients in an efficient manner.

The reason you see only a few connections in your connections tab is because you are a LimeWire client connected to an Ultrapeer. Unfortunately, not all Ultrapeers are as good as others. If you find that you aren't getting many search results with the Ultrapeers you are connected to, simply disconnect and connect. You'll probably connect to different Ultrapeers that are more 'connected'. Also, as time goes on and the network grows, you'll receive more results. Moreover, we are currently working hard to ensure that any Ultrapeer you connect to will be well connected - stay tuned to future versions of LimeWire.

A: If the file can be put on to a computer, you can search for it with LimeWire.

LimeWire can search for virtually any file type, allowing users to share audio, video, and program files, to name just a few. . For more information on sharing, please see the User Guide.

A: The content of the Gnutella network consists solely of files which people running Gnutella software are sharing. If no one is sharing the particular file you're looking for, you won't be able to find it using LimeWire. Furthermore, even if somebody running Gnutella software IS sharing the file you're looking for, it's possible that person doesn't fall within your reachable area. In this case, you won't be able to find the files you're looking for, either.

Since the entire Gnutella network isn't always reached with each search, searching for the same thing a second time may yield more results. The Gnutella network is continuously growing. In general, the more people who use the Gnutella network (and the longer they keep the application running), the more good content will be available to everyone.

A: The speed at which a download takes place is limited by both the bandwidth of the downloader and by the bandwidth of the uploader. A file cannot by transferred faster than the uploader is capable of sending it, nor can it be transferred faster than the downloader is capable of receiving it. If you have a fast Internet connection and you are trying to download a file from a person with a slow connection, your transfer is going to take place rather slowly. Furthermore, some clients limit the speed at which they will upload files for the sake of saving bandwidth.

A: If you exit the LimeWire program, any downloads that were in progress will terminate at this time. These downloads will resume the next time you start the program, but only if the host of that download is connected to the Gnutella network.

A: They are stored in an 'Incomplete' directory.

A: LimeWire does not keep any record of files being shared on the Gnutella network, nor does it scan any files being uploaded or downloaded for viruses. Therefore, if you attempt to download a virus-infected file using LimeWire, you will be vulnerable to any viruses contained in that file. Generally speaking, you should be very careful when downloading files with a .exe or .vbs suffix, since these files are more likely than most to be viruses. LimeWire's Library will also not open these files, so you can only run a file with a virus from outside LimeWire. Scanning the files you download with some sort of virus-protection software is also a good idea.

A: Some servers on the Gnutella network serve advertisements with false filenames to fake popular search results. If you find yourself downloading search results that end up being advertisements, you can stop receiving search results from that host by doing the following:

• On Mac, highlight the search result in question by clicking on it. Hold down the apple key and click the mouse. Check "Block User".
• On Windows, right click the search result and "Block User".

Additionally, you can mark suspicious search results as junk by selecting them, right clicking and selecting 'Mark as Spam'. If a file has been marked as spam that is a valid search result, it can be 'Unmark as Spam'. LimeWire will learn over time which search results are valid and filter out the spam results accordingly.

A: LimeWire will work when a user is behind certain types of firewalls, but will not work behind certain other types. In general, if you can connect (you will see your connection status in the lower left hand corner of LimeWire) using LimeWire, you should be able to download and upload files.

A: LimeWire does not have built-in CD burning capabilities, however other programs do, and your operating system may have CD-burning capabilities. If you would like to burn CDs, you would need to obtain a program that burns CDs or locate that feature of your operating system.

A: LimeWire can not transfer files directly to your iPod. iTunes integration places a playlist of the files contained in LimeWire's Library in iTunes. If you are trying to transfer downloaded files with LimeWire to the iTune's Library, select the file in LimeWire's Library that you would like to transfer by clicking it. After releasing the mouse button, click and drag the file into iTunes. To select more than one file, use the Ctrl or Shift keys on your keyboard.

A: Yes, AOL version 6.0 will support the LimeWire client. Some people have found that the spyware removal program included with AOL misidentifies LimeWire as spyware and removes it from your computer. If you are having this problem, you should stop using AOL Spyware Protection and use a different spyware removal program.

A: LimeWire is written entirely in Java (using Swing), and we have specialized installers for most platforms.

A: Yes it is. LimeWire is open source, which means that anyone can view or change the source code. Please check http://www.limewire.org. You can sign up and obtain the source code there.

A: As long as you don't share your entire hard drive, you shouldn't encounter any significant security risks using Gnutella. However, make sure you are sharing only files you want to share, and to be completely safe, don't run executable programs that you obtain from the Gnutella network. Please see the User Guide for more information on using LimeWire.

A: LimeWire 4.0 and above does not have any bundled software. None. Zero. LimeWire has no adware and no spyware of any kind.

A: If you purchased LimeWire PRO within the last 6 (or 12) months, you can check for your personal download page by going to our LimeWire PRO support page. If you still find that you need help, you can contact a support representative.

A: Absolutely not! LimeWire PRO is a one-time payment and your credit card will not be billed again. If you see that you have been billed more than once for the same purchase, you may have clicked the "Confirm Purchase" button more than once during the purchasing process. In such cases, you may contact a support representative for a refund on the duplicate purchase. For other billing-related questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Billing Questions page.

A: Lime Wire offers three versions of its software: LimeWire BASIC, a free version, LimeWire PRO, which is available for a one-time charge and includes 6 months of technical support and updates, and LimeWire PRO Extended which includes a full year of technical support and updates. The purchase of LimeWire PRO gives users better search results, turbo-charged download speeds, connections to more sources, a guarantee of no ads or nagware, a special PRO only skin, personalized support via email and free updates for up to 6 months. The purchase of LimeWire PRO also helps to support an open-source movement.

A: The best way to contact our representative is by filling out the online form. We are only able to respond to emails from LimeWire PRO customers.

A: Lime Wire strictly adheres to a no refund policy as we offer users LimeWire BASIC to try for free, as long as they like, before purchasing LimeWire PRO.

Lime Wire offers this freedom to experience the program before purchasing as the software, once downloaded, is not a product that can be "returned".

A: The only official place to purchase LimeWire PRO is through the official LimeWire website, www.limewire.com. There are no other websites or vendors that are authorized to sell LimeWire PRO, and LimeWire BASIC is free. If you purchased LimeWire from any website other than www.limewire.com, then you are not eligible for free updates or technical support. If you are unsure, consult your credit or debit card statement. If the vendor listed next to your transaction is not LIME WIRE LLC, then you did not purchase through Lime Wire, and you should contact the listed vendor with any inquiries.

Category: Support