Crash to Desktop (Every Time)

[Sneaksie]

If the game crashes when you alter any options it's definitely an access rights problem.
Sometimes running the game being an admin user is not enough, Windows will still block write access for the game to its folder. What you need to do is right-click on the game executable (Africa1943.exe or ToW2.exe) or on the game shortcut and choose 'Run as Administrator' in context menu.
Another thing that may interfere with the game operation is anti-virus software. Check that it doesn't block the game; add the game folder to list of exceptions in your AV software so it won't interfere.