i downloaded this game from games4win. extracted the file but everytime i try to run the install app it goes to a small black screen and does nothing. same if i click the cannon fodder app.
sorry if i'm being a dope but this is the first game i have tried to download and thought it would be a simple case of click on the file and play. any help is much sppreciated

Is games4win a legal site? Looks a bit dodgy to me... it claims that Cannon Fodder is freeware, but unless they're just distributing the demo that isn't the case at all.
Anyway, it's hard for us to help you with a version from another site. This forum is for the Good old Games-version, which uses the GOG-installer.
My advice is to buy the GOG-version, which should work on modern systems. And if it doesn't, ask again and it will be easier for us to help.

I sugest you buy the GOG version, Cannon Fodder is not freeware so you pirated the game. So buy a legit version from here, it's good for your soul.

will do, had no idea it was a dodgy site.