cant open download files

i am having a problem with my computer HAL i can download ahything but i cannot open any of them. i get a file download and when i click open it comes back again i can save or cancel but i can not open if i try to many times the thing starts flashing and willnot stop until i punch teh off button. im running windows 98 this is a fairly new thing i used to be able to open files except compressed now i cant open anything. i think it is somehow connected to bellsouth tech help putting network neighborhood and making me part of a work group. please help

 

what files are you trying to download. the associated program to run those files might have gotten changed. i would save the file to disk, hold shift and right click the file. and choose open with -> chose program. then chose the correct program to open that file.