I have had this problem before but I have a new PC now and a NEW OS (Vista Buisness) anyway any file that I download and most of them are 3DSMAX type do not open in MED at all. I was told once to save them as .mdl or something but I guess I forgot how to do this or Vista isin't letting me. Can anyone tell me a solution lol?

Uninstal Vista
I heard it's a lot of problem with it, f.e. with shaders and mateirals

But seriously, what exacly is Your problem?
If You don't need textures from max just click in it export selectet object to .3ds file and then in med: file->improt->from 3ds
that's it

cheers