1. if i duplicate a prim/model/whatever it rotates 90 degrees and moves. how can i disable this?
2 if i for example aplly a material, there doesnt pop up a box where i can select the texture etc, the same ,when i make a new prim.

Answer for question 2

I was in XSI FAQ

For question 1, it shouldn't be rotating, what method are you using for duplicating? CTL D or going to another side menu like in the xsi tree and selecting that dup?

i use rightclick and duplicate in explorer