You can easily download the Adobe Reader.
As to the download problem (I assume you are using Internet Explorer),
try this:
If it is only .exe files, then read on and see if this is relevant:
You may have an invalid plugin.
Netscape-Style Plug-ins Do Not Work After Upgrading Internet Explorer
[Q303401]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303401
Remove the plugin with Regedit.exe
Start-Run-Regedit.exe
Navigate down to this key and remove it, after exporting it as a
normal safety precaution.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Plugins\Extension\.exe
If that key exists, then you will see what plugin has been installed.
The key does not normally exist.
...Alan

Signature
Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems
In microsoft.public.win95.general.discussion, "Carol"
<anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>All of a sudden I can't download anything on my Windows
>95. I can't update my Windows 95. (A computer guy
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>plugin was found but an error in the plugin has occurred."
>Please advise. Suggest.......