Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.- tried everything!

This started suddenly. I had just worked on a windows movie maker file for a friends daughter for a school project and was using nero to convert it to a dvd file. After the first attempt was unsuccessful, my computer was crashing and I rebooted. When I did, I could no longer open my Nero, I got the following error:
"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item."

I soon found out, I also got this when I tried to use winzip, or vlc media player.

Who knows what else is effected. I have been searching for fixes, and found several threads here.

I have already tried a system restore to earlier in the day before it occured, as well as tried merging exefix.reg from another post reccomendation, and following instructions from http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421 still no luck.

Everything works fine in safe mode and I AM the administrator of my system.

I have a paid version of AVG. Ran virus checks, malware and spyware checks, nothing suspicious shows up.

I'm out of ideas! Can anyone help?

Thanks
Renee

 

just found out, it has also effected my email (incredimail wont open) and winrar.
Im trying to go into safe mode to use microsoftfixit, because I get the same error when trying to use that in live mode, so I downloaded it for use in safe mode. Wish me luck!

 

Ok, this is NOT good!
Upon rebooting into safe mode and trying to use the microsoftfixit... I got this error:
"The system administrator has set policies to prevent this installation"

I was logged in in SAFE MODE as ADMINISTRATOR

does this mean I have a virus/or a hacker in my system?

I was hoping this was a simple error caused by a crash.

R

 

Ok, 4:42 am, Im determined to fix this!
I did an installation repair on my avg, now my incredimail and my winzip is working.
VLC media and Nero is still giving the error.

 

still working on this, have tried to follow the instructions on the 'read me first page' incase it is malware/virus, however I can not execute an exe file in regular mode and even in safe mode I get 'in safe mode system admin has set policies to prevent this install'
someone please help me get around this so I can fix my computer.
I have searched google endlessly and cant find a simple fix for this and I dont know what happened to make the sudden change.

 

I think you need to start a thread in the malware section where you found the Read and Run Me first. Run the scans you can, even if in safe mode. You made need to download the programs from another computer to a flash drive and install and run from there.
I hope you have your data backed up, save anything off the computer that you want to keep. :wave:wave

 

I did post a thread there last night, Im off to check if anyone has replied.
It doesnt matter if I install it and try to run things in safe mode, most files, no matter if installed or not are giving me an error even in safe mode!
I was actually shocked I was successful in getting hijack this to run via safe mode today.

Thanks for reply