Blank Minecraft Server File

I have downloaded the java version instead of just the exe. file as I have seen others with the same problem try to fix the issue this way. I am certain that the exports and imports for the IP address connections and have entered the 25565, and listed both TCP and UDP or whatever. I use the CT-5374 which is a Comtrend router. But the Minecraft server file; the stats, log and chat, and players all show up blank. However it does not list it as a "java" or ".jar" or whatever after the file name. I am not sure what the issue is other than it is having to deal with the blankness but I am tired of running into all of these problems. I have been troubleshooting for nearly 3 straight hours and still cannot seem to quite fix it. I can join onto my multiplayer server, but my friends cannot, and I am uncertain of what to do now.