Return to Zork - Random Freezes \ VOGONS

Return to Zork - Random Freezes

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First post, by DustyShinigami

Posted on 2026-04-18, 18:36

DustyShinigami Offline

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So I installed my CD version of Return to Zork, patched it to 1.2, and tested it, and everything seemed fine. However, whenever I reach the lighthouse, the game seemingly pauses and no longer does anything. I can still move the mouse cursor, which is an egg timer, but nothing happens. The LED on my PC remains stuck, too. I came across this thread about the same issue, but I think suggestions there involve loading a virtual drive with an emulator…?

https://misterfpga.org/viewtopic.php?t=4257

Based on some of the comments, it seems to have an issue playing audio tracks or sequences in random places…? My CD drive is connected up correctly, as far as I know, and other game’s redbook audio music has been fine. I’ve even played the music tracks whilst in DOS.

I’m not sure if the issue only happens with the MT-32 though. I’ve not tried it with the SC-55, but as the game supports and is apparently better with the MT-32, this is what I’d prefer to use. I also tried SoftMPU, but that didn’t make any difference. Likewise with slowing the CD drive down.

Has anyone else encountered this? Or knows of a workaround? Thanks.

OS: Windows 98 SE
CPU: Slot 1 Pentium III Coppermine 933MHz (SL448)
RAM: Kingston 256MB 133MHz
GPU: Nvidia 16MB Riva TNT/128MB Geforce 4 Ti 4200
Motherboard: ABit AB-BE6-II Intel 440BX
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Live Value CT4670

Reply 1 of 3, by DustyShinigami

Posted on 2026-04-20, 19:06

DustyShinigami Offline

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Posts: 2035
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Location: UK

So no one has encountered this issue at all?

I've tried some options since posting, such as using the PII, using a regular CD driver instead of SHSUCD, trying with HIMEM, EMS without UMBs, but the same issue happens. The first few cinematics/FMVs play fine, but for some reason it becomes stuck with the one at the lighthouse.

Tried it with 86Box and it worked perfectly fine. And with the CD. The disc itself is immaculate and free from scratches, however VSO Inspector does report a number of sector errors. Not sure how reliable that is though. There's certainly a higher 'good' percentage than 'error'.

The attachment Inspector_FSgxvaM4UG.png is no longer available

Reply 2 of 3, by DustyShinigami

Posted on 2026-04-20, 19:26

DustyShinigami Offline

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Posts: 2035
Joined: 2024-10-10, 18:52
Location: UK

Also tried lowering the speed of my CD-ROM drive even more, thinking that it was probably too fast. But even setting it to 2x, I get the same issue. Going to try burning the files to a blank disc and see what happens.

Reply 3 of 3, by DustyShinigami

Posted on 2026-04-20, 19:42

DustyShinigami Offline

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Joined: 2024-10-10, 18:52
Location: UK

It’s the disc! I’ve no idea what’s wrong with it, considering it’s clean and there are no scratches, but it’s clearly faulty. Just tried a new burnt copy and it works perfectly fine.
Although I did use the original CD when I tested it on my main PC under 86Box.

Once I get a PicoGUS, I should be able to run these redbook audio CD games straight from the images. It’ll avoid all of these problems.

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