Quote - > Quote - > Quote -  Uh...you simply open the .max file in max and export as whatever you want from the drop down list. I did this recently when I found a bunch of free max veg I wanted and it worked flawlessly.. ...

That would have been great if I could have gotten the max demo to work

You must have installed it incorrectly or something...I'd uninstall it and then, after a reboot, try again unless the demo limits the number of attempts...best I can suggest unless a Max owner wants to offer to convert them for you...My demo ran out a month ago or I'd offer.. ...

Best I can tell, it only runs under windows.  I run OS X.