In the download manager, right click and select Open File Location.

Ive tried that multiple times with multiple different downloads, if i get the file up it doesnt let me do anything with it, when i double click or right click > open nothing ever happens

Did the download finish? Were there any error messages? Is this with all files, many, some? What site(s) are you downloading from?

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox. A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh).

Is the problem still there?

Safe mode didnt change anything

I dont get any error messages. Looks like its downloading one firefox but then i think i have to finish downloading or open it in its folder which i cant?

I dont think any downloads have worked so far.

Im mostly trying to get a client for runescape.com and Adobe flash player

On firefox*

Do you see the files in the specified download location or possibly in the temp folder if you check that in Windows Explorer?

It is possible that security software (anti-virus, firewall) is causing the problem. Try to disable security software temporarily to see if that makes a difference.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Issues_with_Firefox#Downloading_opening_or_saving_files

Yeah thats the same place the downloads manager sends me to. The files are there but i cant open them

I have vipre, ive had it turned off for a few days now so it wouldnt interfere with this

It's odd that Windows acts like you did nothing when you launch the downloaded files, but it allows you to run already installed programs.

Could the Windows Installer be damaged? You can try the System File Checker tool: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

The only files that apparently arent working are some for printing and for windows sidebar

Is there any pattern related to the file extensions, such as EXE or MSI or ZIP?