Can't open downloaded files

[DeCaff2007]

Hey all. I have just recently reinstalled vista 64 on a very old laptop (had xp on it. originally installed with vista 64 from dell). Now that's out of the way. By sheer habit, I use Firefox. Problem is, ANY file I download with Firefox will not open when I double click it. I download the same file with IE7 (can't update IE... different issue) and it opens, runs, and installs perfectly. I even uninstalled my anti-virus. No effect. I've tried Windows Update and guess what... that doesn't even work.

I even downloaded Chrome and even then some files won't open. ONLY IE7 downloaded files open 100% of the time.

I don't have any 3rd party software installed... no antivirus, no antispyware... I'm not sure what else to do here.

 

[Martell1977]

I would start with getting Windows Update working first. What version of Vista did you install, specifically which service pack did you install?
If you are not on SP2 or SP1, I suggest downloading and installing them. SP1 first, then SP2, assuming you need both. If both are needed, don't try to skip ahead to SP2 as SP2 does not include the changes of SP1.

 

[DeCaff2007]

I would start with getting Windows Update working first. What version of Vista did you install, specifically which service pack did you install?
If you are not on SP2 or SP1, I suggest downloading and installing them. SP1 first, then SP2, assuming you need both. If both are needed, don't try to skip ahead to SP2 as SP2 does not include the changes of SP1.

Already have SP1. Just installed SP2 and no change. Just downloaded a proggy to work with .iso's (with IE) and guess what. It opened, but gave me an error message. Something about not being digitally signed, so it closed the installer. I double clicked again and now nothing.

I'm about ready to install windows 7 and see what that does.

 

[DeCaff2007]

Nevermind, I've figured it out.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-files/my-downloaded-applications-wont-open/820f5691-1700-4dc0-83d6-5bddee4c26b4

For those who don't want to click the link, or it becomes a dead link, I right click the proggy, go to properties, then Unblock. Never had to do that before. NO idea where that came from.