'Access Denied (0x5)'

[VinceDN]

Hey Tech Support,

I just bought the game off the Steam sale, but I can't get the game to start . When I press 'play' is says 'Access Denied (0x5)'. This error seems to be linked to the Windows 'Cannot access Specified device, path or file' error which pops up when I try to launch through the .exe. I've tried the steps here (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...he-specified-device,-path,-or-file-error-when) but to no avail.

Also tried:

- Reinstalling, moving install folder
- Verifying game cache
- disabling firewall
- adding it to firewall exceptions which also gives a 'access denied' error. There seems to be some kind of lock on that exe?

Thanks in advance for all help!

 

[AndrewT]

We do not place any locks on anything, this is an issue within your computer in some way. I assume you do not have similar issues with HO4 or Stellaris?

Add steam.exe and ck2game.exe to the Exceptions list of your antivirus app.

 

[VinceDN]

Yeah, I meant my PC itself seems to have locked the .exe out. I tried turning off firewalls to no effect. Adding the .exe to the firewall exceptions also gives an 'access denied' error inside my anti-virus app itself so it's something coming out of the OS. Nobody has had similar issues?

 

[AndrewT]

This is not a firewall issue, but either antivirus or Windows permissions.

What if you run steam.exe and ck2game.exe as the Windows Admin user?