Connection Troubleshooting

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 Tools > Advanced Tools... > Connections to see if you have any of the symptoms in the picture below.

Please note that while LimeWire usually connects quickly upon launch, you may need to wait a few minutes based on the speed of your internet connection. However, once your software connects to the Gnutella network you will not have to wait each time you search for a file.
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If LimeWire does not start at all, and you receive the following error message

Network Error: There might be a problem with your internet connection

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. Please check the documentation that came with your security software for instructions on how to allow LimeWire to connect. We have provided some basic information below:

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

Image:Norton_internet_security.png

Sample right-click menu from the system tray icon

  1. Locate the icon associated with your security program in your Windows system tray. This can usually be found on the lower-right corner of your screen. Right-click the icon to open your software.
  2. Look for a menu option or area for adding exceptions for specific programs.
  3. Add LimeWire as an exception (Usually found at C:\Program Files\LimeWire\LimeWire.exe).

Windows XP users

If you are using Windows XP firewall, please see Windows Firewall for a step-by-step guide on adding LimeWire as an exception.

Mac OS X users

  1. Click the HD icon on your desktop
  2. Go to Applications
  3. Open up 'System Preferences'
  4. Look for 'Internet & Network' and open 'Sharing'.
  5. Select the 'Firewall' tab
  6. Select 'New...'
  7. From the 'Port Name' drop down box, select 'Gnutella/LimeWire'
  8. Select 'OK'
  9. Restart your LimeWire application.

Mac Leopard users

  1. Click the HD icon on your desktop
  2. Go to Applications
  3. Open up 'System Preferences'
  4. Click the Security icon located under Personal
  5. Click on Firewall
  6. Select 'Set access for specific services and applications'
  7. Click the '+' sign located on the bottom-left corner
  8. Navigate to the LimeWire icon and click Add (making sure afterwards that 'Allow incoming connections' is selected
  9. Close window and restart your LimeWire application.


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.

Windows XP

1. Completely shut down LimeWire, including in the taskbar and system tray (the system tray is located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, usually next to the time).

2. Uninstall all previous installations of LimeWire and Java Runtime Environment from Add/Remove programs (go 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 where found (you can right-click the folder and select Delete):

C:\Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\LimeWire (where username is the name you use to log on to Windows)

C:\Program Files\LimeWire

NOTE: If you can't find these folders, go to Tools > Folder Options > View (or Advanced), then select Show Hidden Files.

5. Restart your computer.

6. Visit javabuttond to re-download and install the JRE (Free Java Download > all Java downloads > Offline Installation).

7. Go back to the PRO download page, using the download link that was emailed to you on the date of your purchase, and download the Windows installer. Click *Run*. If you have problems when selecting *Run*, save the LimeWire PRO installer to your hard drive, and then run the installer from its saved location.

Windows Vista

1. Completely shut down LimeWire, including in the taskbar and system tray (the system tray is located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, usually next to the time; you may need to expand it by clicking the left arrow button).

2. Uninstall all previous installations of LimeWire and Java Runtime Environment from Add/Remove programs (go to: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall a program).

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 where found (you can right-click the folder and select Delete):

C:\Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\LimeWire (where username is the name you use to log on to Windows)

C:\Users\(username)\Incomplete (this will delete any partial downloads that were in progress)

C:\Program Files\LimeWire

NOTE: If you can't find these folders, go to Organize > Folder and Search Options > View, then select Show Hidden Files.

5. Restart your computer.

6. Visit javabuttond to re-download and install the JRE (Free Java Download > all Java downloads > Offline Installation).

7. Go back to the PRO download page, using the download link that was emailed to you on the date of your purchase, and download the Windows installer. Click *Run*. If you have problems when selecting *Run*, save the LimeWire PRO installer to your hard drive, and then run the installer from its saved location.

Mac OS X

  1. Delete all versions of LimeWire, and delete your preferences directory (/Users/username/Library/Preferences/LimeWire). Delete the "install limewire" receipt from the "Macintosh HD/Library/Receipts" folder.
  2. Delete all LimeWire aliases and installers from your desktop and Dock, and the "install limewire" receipt from the receipts folder.
  3. Reboot your computer.
  4. Download the OS X installer, using the download link that was emailed to you on the date of your purchase.
  5. Go back to the PRO download page, using the download link that was emailed to you on the date of your purchase, and download the Mac OS X installer.

Still Can't Connect?

  • If you have never been able to connect, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP), school or work network administrator to find out if they block peer-to-peer connections. Also ask if you are connecting through a proxy. LimeWire will need to be configured to work with your proxy by going to Advanced > Proxy within the LimeWire options. If your ISP sent you a modem, ask if it is equipped with a firewall.
  • If you connect through a home network (ie - you connect to the internet wirelessly or you have multiple computers that share the same internet connection), then make sure that your router's firewall is properly configured to allow LimeWire to connect to the Gnutella network via the listening port specified in LimeWire's options (accessible from Tools > Options on most systems or LimeWire > Preferences on Mac) under Advanced > Firewall Config
  • If you are still having problems, LimeWire PRO users can send an email to technical support here, or other users can try asking someone on the forums here here.
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