I was on step 3(see below) and was able to unzip the file. then i need to un tar the thing so i did

tar -x install_flash_player_7_linux
the computer started to write files to the hard drive but never returned control of the consol back to the prompt. the consol just sits there in limbo until i press control c. maybe this is normal but i was unable to find the new directory as suggested in step 4 see below.

i have some experience with linux but not an expert.

flash player instructions
3. Unpackage the file. A directory called install_flash_player_7_linux will be created.

4. Navigate to this directory and from the command line type ./flashplayer-installer to run the installer (Note: this can only be run from the command line). The installer will instruct you to shut down your browser(s).

[lynch]

Make sure you're in the directory that contains the flash tar file and try unpacking again, using these options:
tar xzvf install_flash_player_7_linux.tar.gz
It will print it's progress and probably give you a clue.
Looking at your post again, it seems you tried to un-tar it before you gunzipped it; the command I put above should take care of everything. If not, let us know what, if any errors appear while tar is running.
HTH
lynch