Computer help forum: I cant open any software i have downloaded, please help me

Read this link:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07143&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5231485#N37

On Compaq and HP you should, since it came with Vista, be able to access the recovery partition and recovery application by turning the computer off then re-starting it and pressing the F11 key repeatedly

I dont have anything important on the laptop its my backup laptop, my roommate uses it though...

Any ideas on how fix the downloading/not being able to open downloaded software program?

Thanks

Like i said i dont have the installation discs. i am trying to figure out the problem i dont want to wipe the harddrive since im not even sure how id do it and i have no experience with it either.

I dont want to spend money on discs... i asked earlier, if i downloaded the windows installer onto my Mac and then onto a USB drive would i be able to reinstall windows onto the Compaq this way?

Is there an alternative solution?


Thanks

At this point since you don't want to create restore media, or buy them from Compaq, it appears you might be writing that you are willing to take it to a service counter and pay them instead. Not a bad choice.
Bob

Bob,

I think you may be misunderstanding me... i dont want to pay for a disc or for someone to fix it. I want to know how can i fix the issue myself... Like i said it is a backup laptop it not new either so spending money on it would not be an option right now.

Any ideas on how fix the downloading/not being able to open downloaded software program?

Thanks

P.S. The wipe the hard drive was a last resort idea...

You have written you don't want to create media, don't want to buy media and more. Why are you so intent of painting yourself into a very expensive corner?

As to the browser issue, there are so many causes that I can't begin to list all the possibilities.

However your insistence of not making the restore media gives me a bad impression you may be in far worse a position than most. That's where a counter can save you.
Bob

what do you mean by create media?
how am i "intent of painting yourself into a very expensive corner?" ?

i thought wiping hard drive and then reinstalling windows fixes multiple issues?

"i thought wiping hard drive and then reinstalling windows fixes multiple issues?"

It could but you wrote above you don't have the restore media or Windows. Wiping the drive and your replies that you won't pay for restore media (but you didn't write a repair counter was unacceptable) means you are not ready to wipe the drive.

Look at what you wrote and you see a person painting themselves into a corner and it could be expensive to get back out given they won't pay for the cheap restore media but would consider other options like a repair counter.
Bob

The problem i am having is that when i try to download something, 'Google Chrome Browser', for example.

The software downloads into the download box and then when i try to open it to install the software it wont let me it doesnt let me click 'open' i have tried multiple times and different software and each time i try it wont let me 'open the downloaded file'.

Mozilla crashes constantly and internet explorer is not responsive...<div>How can i fix this issue?

Please help.

Thanks
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If that's the only issue download it on another machine, save it to a USB-stick and run from there.

But why not find out how to go back to factory conditions? That should be in the documentation that came with the laptop. All major laptops (like Compaq) come with at least one of following 3:
- recovery disks
- a recovery partition to boot from
- the option in the start menu to make your own disks.
People that don't know this or lose their disks have to buy new ones. Windows isn't free.

http://www.geekpolice.net/t7662-hp-compaq-system-recovery-hotkey-instructions-hp-pc-system-recovery is easy to try out. But it might be another key with you. Then find in the manual, google it with the model number, look at HP's support site or ask HP's customer service.

Kees