My spybot S&D program isnt working properly. The 'spybot s&d resident' is active in the icon tray but when i try to open the program to do an update or check for problems i get a message saying " Windows cannot access the specified device,path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access them".I removed all of the old program and downloaded entire programme again but problem is still the same. Any help appreciated.

You may have a Virus or Malware (being both Virus and Trojans and Spyware and all other Malwares) infection
Have a look at: UPDATED 8-step Viruses/Spyware/Malware Preliminary Removal Instructions

Note Spybots S&D is not one of the best ones anymore
But if you want your logs checked you will need to create a New Topic in the Virus & Malware removal forum

Thanks kimsland. Ive also noticed something similar with my AVG programme so ill check for viruses.

If your AVG is also acting strangely then uninstall it and then run the >> AVG Remover

Up to you if you want to re-install it or not
I use Free Avira Antivirus

If you are going to shoot down Spybot S&D you need to at least back that up with an alternate app. If you got one I want to know about it.

I'm not talking about some all in one crap-shoot either; I mean something that's as stand-alone as Spybot S&D and with a teatimer-like real-time monitor.

I see a lot, of malware apps, but none, with real-time monitoring and that are FREE.