If I understand correctly, the dockzip file is a self extracting, kinda like a .exe, but I could be wrong. When I clicked or double clicked on the dockzip file on windows vista, vista tells me that it cannot open the file.

Since windows doesn't know what to do with the dockzip files, if I understand you correctly, I should just copy and paste those dockzip files into the backgrounds folder?  I also have a mac osx zip file that does not have a folder inside, but just a few files. I suppose I could copy and paste that as well. Am I correct, or am I missing something or just dense, LOL???!!!

Have you installed ObjectDock? If you have, dockzips will self extract into your Documents/Stardock/Objectdock folder. If you have not installed OD, then Windows will not know what to do with it.

I run OD on an xp machine and OD plus on 2 vista machines. I have never had an ill issue with dockzips.

Also, if you download backgrounds and it ends up being just a zipped folder with files inside, do this:

For Backgrounds, move or copy them into your "C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock\Backgrounds"folder or for icons, move or copy them into your "C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock\Bundled Images"folder.