i just installed Mandrake linux on my computer and am having an interesting problem, every thing that came with linux works fine but when i try to run an execuble file from a cd it doesn't work, not even anything on the linux cd, i have copied the files on to my harddrive and they stil do not work, when i try and open the program it selects like it's opening and then doesnt do anything at all. any suggestions/help what am i doing wrong.

bump^

Welcome to LQ.
as for:
give us some time to get to your post, don't expect ppl will jump on your thread right after you posted. Now we need to know a couple of things, how do you copy contents of CD to HD (GUI/command prompt). If you say you were able successfully copy the contents of CD to HDD it means you mounted the CD firrst - so we elimminate this step. Now, tell us more about the permissions on the files you copied. If you are familiar with command mode you know what to do, if all you care is GUI, you can select detailed view in the filemanager of your choice to display permissions info as well as all other including modification time, size, etc. In the case you have no idea what I am talking about, look for the srtring next to the file name that looks like
rwxr-x--x or anything close to it, and notice the owner and group of the files. then post it here.

looks like you are trying to run windows based softwares on your linux box.for running some windows based softwares in linux you need to install WINE.
better to learn how to install linux packages .and try them .

and by chance if you are trying to install a cd with compatible software made for linux, you can always try to mount the cd with the exec option. but it does appear your trying to install windows apps with .executables which linux can't run or install.

I am running linux apps wich is why i don't understand wy it doesnt work. i can run documents off off the cd just not executables, this is true even of the linux install cd , Does the permissions have anything to do with that?

What are these executables?