Need help in investigating source in order to overcome a bug

[worse_username]

After getting FF1 off Steam, I found out that I've fallen victim to a bug common amongst many other players: Whenever the game loads a level, the cursor stays in the fist mode and doesn't change to walk/interact/etc. as it should. This makes left-click virtually useless and introduces unnecessary obstruction to the game. I can't play it like this.
I've browsed the Steam forums and the workarounds range from changing the compatibility modes to just repeatedly restarting the game until it fixes itself. None of them have worked for me so far, so I've decided to see if I can figure out what's causing the problem.
My theory is that the UI init script should start a loop that checks what the cursor is hovering over and changes its mode appropriately, but something is either preventing it from starting or causing it to exit prematurely.
I've looked through virtually all of the python files in game folder and many of them appear to import some mystical module called js, which looks like the game engine itself. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find it, but I assume that if UI init script can be found somewhere, it's there.

I've tried asking about this on r/FreedomForce and was directed to this forum as much more active. So here I am.
Any ideas how I can take a look at the source of this js? I couldn't find a mention of the bug using forum search. Has anyone in here fallen victim to it? Any insight on how to overcome it?

[spydermann93]

Right-click game's exe and go to "Properties".

In the "Compatibility tab", check the box that says "Disable Desktop Composition", click "Apply" and you should be good to go!

You don't need to run the game in compatibility mode (I don't). Just make sure that you have the box that I mentioned above checked.

[worse_username]

I see no such option (Windows 8).

[spydermann93]

Ok, well, I have a Windows 8 desktop, and I'll try seeing what I can do, there (I'm using my Windows 7 Laptop).

It will be a few days before I can get to it, though, but I'll let you know as soon as I can figure it out.

[worse_username]

So, it appears that disabling Desktop Composition(DWM) is no longer supported in Windows 8.

I've tried installing FF on Linux Ubuntu though Steam on Wine, but the problem persists even there!

[stumpy]

I had this problem recently when trying to play The Strangers mod and I was getting no love from changing compatibility modes, desktop composition, etc. I am running the game's Steam version under Windows 7.

What finally worked was using the task manager to kill one of the Steam processes that starts up when I launch the game. I don't recall which one, but there are only a couple to try. After that (and a game restart?) it has been running fine.

[BentonGrey]

Howdy guys, I just encountered some new problems with the fist issue, and I found an unusual solution!

By running Steam itself in Windows XP SP 3 compatibility mode and the game in 98/ME mode, I got around the problem that just the latter didn't solve.  This requires a restart of Steam.  I hope this helps folks!