problem that's probably my fault

I tried to start nerfED and it gave me this error "the program can't start because MSVBVM50.DLL is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem." I think it's because I got NAB and nerfED as an abandonware download but I'm not sure.

Okay, so you don't have the Community Pack at all. If you want to play online, have all the latest maps, get the updater, etc... you need the CP.

Link here.

The CP should also install the missing dll files for NerfEd. It is in no way your fault, the devs forgot to include them.

There is separate NerfEd dll file downloads, but I recommend just letting the CP handle installing them.

sorry forgot to say I do have a fully up-date community packed version of NAB thanks for the help

Then you can re-run the CP installer, but just check the box for the NerfEd fix only. If that doesn't help, try manually installing the files via

NerfEd ocx files

How do you use the .ocx files? I tried putting them in Nerf\System and it didn't work.

You don't need them unless NerfEd isn't working. Is your NerfEd not working?