Running on an Asus 1000HE.
The game runs well enough, but I'm frequently assaulted by a harsh, static-like burst of noise in place of the normal sound effect that would be played (sword slash, door shut, chest opening, etc).

Having the same issue, with a RealTek sound card, so you are not alone...

Yep, getting the burst of static noise every now and then aswell

Same here
Some research suggests it is a multi-core issue. I tried setting the cpu affinity to 1, and it seemed to fix the issue.

Yeah, getting the same problem here.

Same - on a netbook.

Just came here to post about the same issue- Realtek . I'll try the multicore fix for now...

Could you give me a brief explanation of how to set the cpu affinity?

You can do it either by bringing up task manager whilst in game, so alt, tab, del and then choose task manager. Then find the Divine Divinity process right click it and then set affinity to core0.
If your using Vista and possibly win7 you can follow this guide to run it from the shortcut before you launch the game.
[url=]http://www.vistax64.com/gaming/197915-setting-processor-affinity-made-easy.html[/url]

"To set affinity permanently in a supported and effective (albeit slightly limited) way:
1) Install this:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=24DA89E9-B581-47B0-B45E-492DD6DA2971&displaylang=en
2) Start.. Programs... Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit 4.1... Tools... Compatibility Administrator
3) At the bottom of the tree on the left is "custom database". Right click it, Create New... Application Fix.
4) Type in a name (say, the program name) and point it at the .exe of the program in question, and click next.
5) Choose "none" for operating system mode, and click next (you don't want any of the fixes on this page).
6) Choose "SingleProcAffinity" from the list and click next.
7) Click finish.
8) Click save and pick a name and location for the database.
9) Right click the database and pick "install"."
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/77909774/m/168002036731?r=352005236731#352005236731

I have this same issue, has it been confirmed that setting it to one core permanently fixes the problem?

In my experience, it solves the problem, but you have to limit to one core at every startup (alt+tab and taskmanager is requred)
(I'm using msi wind, atom cpu with hyper threading)
Mod: or you can try Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit, suggested by escapedturkey.

Hi. I'm having the same issue (haven't played much, I just got to the part with the orc's in the starting dungeon.)
Like, when I drink a potion sometimes I get static instead of "gulp" etcetera.
Only thing is, I don't have a dual core processor or even a dedicated sounds card, so it seems to affect normal computers too.
It's totally playable (although in less than an hour I got a crash) it's just annoying when the static (conspicuously louder than a regular noise ) interrupts. Mine comes in two's. SHH SHH etc, real quick.

I'm trying this fix right now, will post again if it clears the problem up (it is very intermittent for me, so it'll take a few hours of play to be sure it's working).