Steam: Crash when entering the Infirmary

[Tintin]

I've also been having this issue. I updated my video and sound drivers from the manufacturer's websites and the game still crashes as I try to enter the Infirmary (Penumbra: Black Plague).

My computer:
3Ghz Athlon 64
Nvidia GeForce 9500 GT
2GB RAM
Windows XP

--Black Box pop-up window--

Error message below: (ellipsis indicate more to message)
Exception Reason
penumbra.exe caused an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION in module
MSVCP71.dll at 001B:7C3A4F6C,
std::basic_string...

Stack Trace
001B:7C3A4F6C MSVCP71.dll, std::basic_string...
001B:7C3A6DA3 MSVCP71.dll, std::basic_string...


Someone please help! I've really enjoyed this second installment and I wish to play the rest of the game very soon.
Thanks in advance for all your help.