Long Residence ILR

I arrived in the UK in Sept 96. I was given a 3yr student visa which expired in Oct 99. After my degree, I applied for a new student visa in Nov 99 outside the UK whilst doing a work placement as a requirement for my course. I was a student between then till Nov 04 when I received a work permit.

I'm not sure if my leaving the country to apply for a new student visa would affect applying for ILR after long residence. I hope someone can help.