thanks for all the information guys!
i eventually got it all sorted out. Whoever was the one that suggested it was an authorization is dead on. After making millions of setting changes i finally got access to open the folder.
For some reason my computer has crashed on me many times after making these setting changes and i will probably have to format and reinstall windows from scratch but at least i have backed up the project folder on a CD and im willing to spend the day reinstalling all my programs!
I feel 1000 pounds of bricks have been lifted off my back now!
thanks for all the helpful responses, and to the curious ones, yes i did shove my brothers face in the toilet already.
cheers :clap: