I have just downloaded Riven which downloaded okay ( I think) it is showing on my desktop so I assume it has downloaded okay but I cannot get it to play, what if anything am I doing wrong? my laptop is a 64bit but on one of the reviews someone said that Riven played okay on a 64bit machine so I took that as gospel, was I wrong?

How did you download the game? Did you use Galaxy and used the "Steam-like" direct install, or did you download the installer through the browser? (I'm guessing you did not go through the "more" choices to download the offline installer through Galaxy, as that most likely wouldn't place an icon on your desktop unless you actually ran the installer.)

If Galaxy - I've no idea, maybe the game isn't quite ready for Galaxy yet?
If browser - try again, and make sure you actually have the full 1.7GB installer before trying to run it.

You might try the Myst Series subforum: http://www.gog.com/forum/myst_series#1448167951

What OS are you on? "It works on 64-bit" is not a useful statement if the person saying it was on Windows 7 x64 and you're on Windows 10 x64.

I am windows 7 64bit I cannot even get it to try and play just a blank screen, very frustrating.

I suggest you contact GOG support. Here's for a start:

https://www.gog.com/support/riven_the_sequel_to_myst

First thing to check is that you have actually installed the game. It is not clear what exactly you have done so far, as you said you merely "downloaded" the game.

After that, what is causing the blank screen. Old Quicktime-video games can be problematic...

This might help:
http://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Riven

Even though you're not on Windows 10 this solution might work for you:
http://www.gog.com/forum/myst_series/w10_broke_riven

http://www.gog.com/forum/myst_series/cant_get_riven_to_launch

I have tried everything but still cannot play RIVEN, I paid for and downloaded the game and I thought that was it,but no not a chance and so many of you kind people have tried to help foe which I am very grateful but if anyone can come up with the solution I will be in your debt!!!!!

I did what you suggested,I assume I have downloaded the game as I have a desktop icon thats all I thought it took what else should I have done?

Hm, have you a screenshot? Oh, and you might want to try downloading the game via GoG Downloader. Uninstall the game, then try to install via the downloaded installer, maybe that could help.

Thank you Maxvorstadt,will take your advice and uninstall and try again!!!

Contact GOG support. If the game won't start working after they've helped you and there's less than 30 days since you bought it, you are eligible for a refund.

The sad truth is that depending on your PC configuration, Windows version etc. etc., some of these old games may be tricky to get fully working, even though GOG tries their best to get them working as well as possible. Omega64 linked to earlier discussions where some people had gotten it to work with some tinkering.

Riven requires QuickTime, so that's at least number one priority to install. Maybe you already did, but it is a fundamental requirement.

I'm running Riven on Windows 10 64-bit, it works fine on all versions of Windows no need to worry about that. No need to use any compatibility modes or anything, just have QuickTime installed and make sure your monitor can use the 640x480 resolution the game runs in.

Hope you get it working, it's a great game.