2d and 3d files

I want to export a poly model to photoshop 7 to paint,etc. I'm using Maya 4.5 in win.xp home. how do I go about doing that.

Photoshop is a 2d application only. You will have to render the model in maya prior to importing/opening in photoshop.

Either what Jason said, or figure out how to do UVW mapping.

Here is a random link:
<http://www.highend3d.com/maya/tutorials/subd2/>

The mesh is not editable in Photoshop. You can make textures in Photoshop to use as maps. You can then give the maps UVW coordinates or simply assign them to the faces directly using Multi Sub Object mapping.

In Maya you can also use the "UV texture editor".

If you want the feel of painting a sculpture you will want a mesh painting utility like BodyPaint 3D <http://www.bodypaint3d.com/>.

It sounds like you are just starting out with Maya and have never used a 3D modeling program. I would recommend taking a class or getting a video to learn the basics then go through some tutorials to learn more advanced functions. Maya has everything from Basic primitives to fluid dynamics simulation and everything in-between.