has anyone ver experienced this mess...and how do you fix it....

Are you behing a router?  Have the Home directory set? ( / ) Set up a test account and will try to help you get it working

I doubt this is  aproblem related to GuildFTPd in specific.

HotRod have a few tips, others mught be to check your settings for what ports you allow (for PASV mode), in GuildFTPd and your firewall, and also check that you redirect the correct ports in your router.

Make an temporary account and post details here.

Also Guild has a decent support page
_http://www.guildftpd.com/html/frm-support.htm