Finally got the game to load... now I'm in Romansburg and the bartender, Colonel, little girl, Hans, gas guys: unable to speak to them further. I walk up to talk to them, i say their name, they say mine, then they turn around.... I know there are topics that I need to talk to them about.... Did something not load correct?? Any ideas??

They have nothing else to say for now.
Some topics are only enabled after performing some specific actions.

I know but I have done everything.... and so I went to a hint site and there definately are things they are supposed to be telling me... like the little girl was to tell me about the gas guys but she didnt so I went myself. I know that in syberia 1 there were 3 videos that didn't load correctly, I am wondering if this is the same type of problem. Even if they dont have anything to say they dont just say your name then turn around..... I am so frustrated :(
Yes yes you are right... wandered around and figured out what to do next. Thanks for setting me straight. Syberia 1 it seemed people would ramble on a little even if they had nothing to say...