error: couldn't connect to server

I also had to manually copy the bitcoind executable to the correct folder, as it does not appear there normally.

How can I find them?

I thought that setting the "Pay Transaction Fee" number would be enough. Is there something else that I need to do? I set it to .02 coins per transaction, figured I'd be generous. Never again.

How long does this usually take? I have tried several transfers over the past few days (1-2 coins each, not huge), and they are stuck at 0/unconfirmed. I have tried redownloading the entire block chain twice to no avail.

Are my coins lost? Will this continue forever? If so, bitcoins are essentially useless to me. Why even bother with transactions which might not arrive for a week?