Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.

So, i decided to install Medieval 2 Total War yesterday after months of not playing it, it installed fine and everything but when i went to click on the shortcut on the desktop it came up with the following message:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item

Click to expand...

So, i'm on the admin account and i've tried re installing but its the same message.
I tried to install CoD4 just now but when i put the disk in and clicked install nothing happened, just like when i try and launch medieval 2 from the disk (i only get the message when i use the shortcut)

I also get the same message when i try and install the software for my webcam, i go to my computer and click the disk drive but the same message comes up!

I can launch games i've already installed, just not games i actually want to play! Maybe something i've done is blocking it?

Thanks any help would be great!

bump

Try right clicking the game (not the short cut) going to properties of the game >security>give yourself permissions.

If that does not work do the same thing, but on the permissions page go to advanced and take ownership.

You can also right click on the game, if the choice run as adminstrator appears, choose that option

Let us know how you made out.

Nothing there worked. Why won't it let me install anything?

Andrew1337 said:

Nothing there worked. Why won't it let me install anything?

Click to expand...

I will try everything I know to make that into a :D

Some more suggestions

Windows Installer Service could not be access

maybe ur using a satandrd account or some sort

I had exactly the same thing, on my Home Premium laptop.
got the answer from this guy actually: CaptBilly1Eye

Right click on the setup file, then go to properties, select general at top (if it is not already selected) and on the bottom right you will see the button "unblock" click on that and this will work for you.
If it was from an external source (eg. ex.HDD) then right click on the setup file, go to properties, head to security then select your most current user name (in the username box) (usually on the bottom) afterwards select edit, choose your username once again, click allow full control or access, apply and you should be set.