opening downloaded files

[crazyhorse]

I have been having a time trying to open downloaded files, can someone tell me how to accomplish this feat, I have an owners manual for my computer sent to me from HP and can't open the file.
many thanks,
Frank
PS : I am using dial-up to connect to the internet, and Windows XP as my operating system, the Computer is a Compaq EP-350 Deskpro

[Greg]

It sounds like the defaults for opening certain files are fubar. What file type exactly is not opening properly?

[crazyhorse]

I wouldn't begin to know one file from the other, all I can tell you is one is a text document, one is a poker game and the rest are internet files.
I hope this helps.

[Big Dan]

An owners manual from HP sounds like a PDF.. Download and install Acrobat reader (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html).

Text document should be openable by WordPad or MS Word if you have it installed. If it's a .doc file and you don't have MS word install Open Office (http://www.openoffice.org).

The poker game is probably an exe and should open on its own.

[lmnobs]

Right Click on the File a pop-up will appear then select Properties from the selections and then see what it says under Type. Also sometimes you can select Open from the same Menu . but the Type will tell you and us what type of File or Aplication you have .