If you've exhausted all options, here are some final steps to try:
Some users need to give Steam itself permission:
If all else fails, Windows’ protection of Program Files (x86) might be too strict, even with admin rights. black ops 2 cannot create steam-api.dll
Inside, find the folder and run the vcredist_x86.exe or vcredist_x64.exe installers.
If BO2 is in C:\Program Files (x86)\ , Windows is extra strict. Move it to another drive (D: or E:), or create a folder like C:\Games and move your Steam library there. Games outside of Program Files rarely have this permission issue. If you've exhausted all options, here are some
file as a false positive and either deletes it or prevents the game from creating it in the installation folder. How to Fix It Check Your Antivirus Quarantine
If you are stuck looking at a blank screen or a crash prompt, you can resolve the issue completely by following these step-by-step methods. Check for Antivirus False Positives Move it to another drive (D: or E:),
Or, worse, a tiny, smug error dialog box pops up that reads:
When the error says "Cannot create steam-api.dll" , it means that the game’s launcher is trying to write (create) or update that file inside the game’s installation folder, but Windows is stopping it. The most common culprit is , but there are other factors such as antivirus interference, corrupted downloads, or missing system dependencies.