Take a look at this old thread, where exiting the cafeteria is being discussed.

Also, here is another old thread where exiting the cafeteria is discussed.

See if either of these helps you - if not, please let us know.

hi Marian, i read both threads but they didn't help much. i still cannot exit the cafeteria. is there a hotspot in the doors i don't know about? robert.

I'm not sure, Robert. Hopefully someone who has played the game will be able to lend a hand here.

Try to do it systematically.
Look for a door; try to exit. Remember that door and then go to the next and the next... until you find a different scene.
Once you see a different view - then see if you can go forward.

hi MaG, I am systematic but only up to a certain point then it goes downhill rapidly. i could only find one door, not several. i give up, please tell me the answer. robert.

I can only go back to what I wrote at the walkthrough. If you want to go back to a saved game and redo from this part - that might help.

Cafeteria - Enter through the door and see Phoenix chase Talayman, the student that went through the graveyard gate. Go to right screen and take the circuit board beside a food tray. Look around if you want. Go back to the left and exit the cafeteria.

Also try to see if it is just a case of picky active spot.

hello MaG, i have managed to get to the Mine Puzzle. i've got the power to flow from lower right to top left. now i want the power to go in the opposite direction, if that is correct. i don't see any button to press. how do i do it please? robert.

No. You have to make connection to those 2 lights at top (one at left and one at right).
The starting point is at bottom right.
So: Bottom right to top left AND bottom right to top right.
Press the button at right to check the progress of your flow.

hi MaG, i solved the Mine Puzzle. thank very much for your help. i am now at Lena Vanderbilt's and i can't get a virtual device sketch out of her. do you know why? it seems such a shame as i'm nearly finished. robert.

Check your PA to see if it is already in inventory.

thanks MaG, you were absolutely right, the sketch WAS in inventory. robert.

Hooray!

I am working on the circuit board. I have 10 connectors connected "exactly" as shown in the walkthrough yet the light on the board will not light.

Very frustrating.

Any ideas? Please help. I really want to finish this game.

If you've already checked a walkthrough, you could try reading the UHS hints here about the circuit board - maybe something there will help.

hi Marian, i finished! what a great game! i'd like to thank you, MaG, Rushes, last but not least oldmariner and all who helped in this superb game. robert.

That's fantastic news, Robert!

Your perseverance and determination to finish this game were remarkable. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Wonderful! Glad that you enjoyed the game!

thanks MaG, is there a sequel because i want more? robert.

There was going to be a sequel, but unfortunately it hasn't come to pass.

There's even a game trailer for it which you can watch here, but the trailer is from 2008.

According to Wikipedia:

Link to the forum post about the book.
Edit: might not be the book you are referring to.