Unfortunately I have tried version 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 of the Java client. I am updated to Java 8. My firewall allows TCP connections for 7774 and 7776 and I'm still getting a message that I am finished downloading the blockchain using the nodes mentioned all over these Horizon threads... Everytime around 25% of the blocks have downloaded and then done. It won't start again if I restart and exec run.bat. I'm using Windows 10 and would really love to run my own node since I just bought another 5,200+ HZ tokens on STELLAR and sent them to knotwork on keybase to exchange for blockchain coins. Just being responsible. What if LFM.knotwork.com:7776 disappears? I want to support the network

I had the same problem syncing it for the first time. Have you tried adding these to the config file?
nhz.defaultPeers=lfm.knotwork.com; ufbsh.no-ip.org
nhz.wellKnownPeers=lfm.knotwork.com; ufbsh.no-ip.org
nhz.minNumberOfKnownPeers=1
nhz.minNumberOfForkConfirmations=1
Don't know if that's is the best solution but it worked for me the first time. The nodes I set up are currently offline. Will get one up once I can.
First of all, thank you for actively trying to help people get up and running in this topic! Seems a little lonely here

Second, I do have those in my conf. And a few other addresses I found from a Wizard's web UI.
Let's just say this guy might be the first WINDOWS user to successfully download the complete Horizon blockchain as well as actively run a Java server while forging blocks from his own locally hosted UI

I just wish more people understood but its devs and community members like you that help people like me realize the value is as (secretly) strong on this platform as it is in the humanity of these devs/business figureheads who get constantly shit on in the media. Perhaps that protects the chain from self centrists. And maybe I'll never get a USD value out of HZ that one would think worthwhile to put in the effort. But I will run this server forever, so long as I can maintain it. It was the most challenging experience in setting it up - but I learned so much and persistence paid off.

At least in what I find valuable.
Thanks for the kind words! I didn't do much really. Just saw that STELLAR was getting all the attention and HORIZON was left a bit out.
Hoped, maybe, that a guide could introduce new or curious people to the platform.