Try running Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If it functions properly in that configuration, then one of your add-ons is the culprit.

Also, update Flash a.s.a.p. The version you have installed at the moment is vulnerable to attack. See Exploit on Amnesty pages tricks AV software

You can update it from here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Also, update Java via Windows Control Panel | Java | Update.

I tried to update the Java, both ways and they both said that something was wrong with my internet connection, when clearly, I have the Internet..I went and redid the Internet settings again, but it still said that something was wrong and Java couldn't be updated. Aaahh!

You can check your version @ http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp and update it from there if necessary as well.

It says I have the wrong version downloaded, I tried to download the right version, but it comes up binary file, like jxpiinstall.exe ... I've noticed that ".exe" is common when downloading a program, if that means something or not. I am going to try running in Safe mode to see where the problem is coming from

I ran it in safe mode and it still did the exact same thing. I can't download the Java I'm supposed to have

Hit CTRL+SHIFT+DEL, change the dropdown menu to Everything, checkmark Cache (uncheck the others) and then click the Clear Now button.

Then go to Tools | Options | Advanced | Network (tab) and in the middle menu, click the Clear Now button.

Next, go to Tools | Options | Privacy and click the Show Cookies button. Type Java in the Search field and then delete all the Java cookies. If you have a Cookie manager installed, make sure it's configured to accept cookies from java (dot) com.

Then go to the following link: http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

You want the online file which will be an .exe. See screenshot.

Okay, I did everything (thank you!), Java downloaded... i guess, it's in the download box. I'm not to sure what to do with it though.

Click the Downloads button in Firefox to open the manager, then right click the file you downloaded and choose Open Containing Folder.

Then simply run it i.e. double click it.

It doesn't give me that option, It's there, but it isn't highlighted. The only options i can choose are "copy download" "select all" and "remove from list".

Presumably it shows as having been completely downloaded?

If you can't find it, just hit Windows key + F to launch Search, copy/paste the name: jre-6u24-windows-i586-iftw.exe and then click Search

When the search utility finds it. right click it and choose Open Containing Folder.

It's not showing up, but it is in my download box as download complete.

I think you must have Windows configured not to show file extensions. Can you hit Windows key + E to open Windows Explorer, then click Tools | Folder Options | View.

Checkmark "Show Hidden Files and Folders" and remove the checkmark from "Hide file extensions for known file types.

Then Apply/OK and run the search again please.

I did that too, windows was configured to not show file extensions, but it still doesn't show up when i search for it.

OK, how have you configured Firefox to handle downloads? The setting is located in Tools | Options | General.

You'll either have "Always ask me where to save files" enabled, or "Always save files to this location" which is "Downloads" by default. If it's the latter, go to C:\Documents and Settings\{Username}\My Documents\Downloads and you should find it in there.

I have the latter, But I'm not sure where the "C:\Documents and Settings\{Username}\My Documents\Downloads" is, would it be easier if I just click the always ask me where to save files button?

Sorry, forgot you have Vista. Go to C:\Users\{Username}\Downloads

It's still only appearing in download box...

Can you do the following please. In the location bar, type about:config and hit Enter.

In the filter at the top, copy/paste the following: browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone

Double click it to change it from "True" to "False"

Then close Firefox and restart it again.

Next, download the file again. You should be able to right click it and get the option "Open Containing Folder" afterwards which will take you to the file.

(I typed that in the windows start menu)It won't allow me to do that. It says "unable to open this internet shortcut. The protocol "about" does not have a registered program" When I type About:config in the search box it pulls up a system configuration shortcut and a backup status and configuration shortcut..would either of those be what I am looking for? or did I type It in the wrong place?

where is the Location Bar?