I installed Pharaoh a couple nights ago again- worked the first night, absolutely did not the next day and couldn't figure out why initially. Previous posts all suggest changing compatibility issues or using a widescreen mod specifically for it but those didn't work for my crash issues. What did though was replacing the 1999 mss32.dll file with a newer version (remove spaces in the address)- https : / / community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/514-miles-sound-system-mss-v60m/

Haven't had an issue since. Hopefully that works for anyone else with issues not fixed with graphics or compatibility solutions.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that it is necessary to change a pair.
There is evidence to support that replacing just one mss32 gives ostensible stability.

Regular freezes/crashes of the game are associated with a bug in the playback of sounds.

Especially strong when "Compatibility WindowsXP(sp2/sp3)"
Use "Compatibility Windows95/98"

The user reports that after updating mss32.dll and MP3DEC.ASI the problem was solved.
caesar3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=9,7677,,20
old files
CRC32:0CF075E4 mss32.dll (Version:5.0r)
CRC32:1533C2F2 MP3DEC.ASI

A proven pair to replace mss32.dll+Mp3dec.asi (from Zeus+Poseidon v2.1)
CRC32:9BD81E9D mss32.dll (Version:6.0m)
CRC32:FA4BC870 Mp3dec.asi
wdfiles . ru/e11658