Just started this game and can't pick anything up. I'm looking for a scalpel and click on the tables but no scalpel. Also, the audio just keeps looping the same 2 1/2 words over and over unless I open the inventory screen, or save/load screen, etc.

Running Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

There are a few different tables to search. Did you check them all?

The scalpel can be found on the table west of the slab on which you woke up. Other tables may also offer useful items.

Have you installed the tweaks/fixes/mods from the "Mod spotlight" article?

Did not install any tweaks or fixes. Where is this Mod Spotlight article?

Right here

The table shows up as a container in the lower status bar. It's easy to miss. Click on one of the western tables, and look in the lower bar. You should see some boxes with items in them. You'll see two sections of boxes. The one on the left is the container. The one on the right is your inventory. Click items in these boxes to move them between your inventory and the container.

As for the looping dialogue, it becomes more varied. He only has a certain number of responses when you give a command.

I recommend reading the manual.

This game was made before developers actually started hiring UI engineers, so it's clunky.

If you are mainly concerned with the looping words, I have this same issue myself... when I go to the save screen's text entry dialog I realize that the game thinks I'm continuously pressing 3333333333. I've had this issue since I started and can't really play because of it.

Win7 pro 32-bit, running as admin in XP compatibility mode and UAC off.