when i try downloading/extracting a winrar file containing after effects it says file is damaged and archives unknown

adobe files aren't intended to be extracted with winrar.

you probably should have downloaded both an exe and matching 7z.  put both in the same directory and double click the exe.

Downloadable installation files available:

• Suites and Programs:  CC 2015 | CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4, CS4 Web Standard | CS3
• Acrobat:  DC, XI, X | X Suite | 9,8 | 9 standard    | 8 standard
• Captivate:  9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5.5, 5 | 1
• Cold Fusion:  11, 10 | 9.0.2, 9.0.1, 9.0.0, 8.0.1, 8.0.0, 7.0, 6.1, 6.0, 5.0, 4.0
• Contribute:  CS5 | CS4, CS3 | 3,2
• FrameMaker:  12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7.2
• Lightroom:  6.4|  6| 5.7.1| 5 | 4 | 3
• Photoshop Elements:  14,13,12,11,10 | 9,8,7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac
• Premiere Elements:  14,13,12,11,10| 9, 8, 7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac

Download and installation help for Adobe links

Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages.  They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3.  If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.