Server execution failure + windows cannot access the specified...

Yesterday I began to have a combination of errors that have effectively shut down my use of my desktop computer.

First noticed it when trying to run a video in WMV. I got the error "server execution failure".

So I opened google chrome to google this error. Chrome would not open. Got the same result. "Server execution failure".

Thought I'd try restoring my pc. PC will not allow me into that procedure from windows. Error is "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

Went into windows fix it (I have limited internet access using IE) and tried to run it on WMV, just to see what happens. Error message when the software tries to run: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

This has been the result every step of the way. I get one of the two error messages above.

Some things still run, however. Software that still runs:
spybot
vlc (video player)

I have little computing expertise. Any advice on what's wrong and how I can fix it? Remember I get those errors when I try to run many programs. Thank you!