20 Most Recent Singer CE-100 Futura Computerized Sewing Machine - Page 8 Questions & Answers

Taking the pedal in alone didn't let them diagnose the whole problem and they were wrong to try. You needed to take the whole machine in. The prong on the peddle AND the prong on the machine sound like they both got messed up.

I hate to say this, but I'd take the machine in, to another place if there is one, along with the foot pedal. Tell them exactly what is happening and what you've already done. The connection sounds like it's bad at the machine, as well. That's just from a purely electrical repair standpoint and doesn't take a sewing machine repair person to diagnose. But a sewing machine repair person may be needed to deal with the specific wiring in this type of electronic/computerized machine to properly wire everything back to the circuit board(s) once the connector is replaced.

When you're embroidering, ALWAYS have the tension set on "E." Unfortunately with a Singer, you will always have bobbin thread pulling thru to the top-I found this out from a technician a few years ago who also serviced Vikings and Husqvarna's. He went through a lot to show and explain it to me, but suffice it to say that with a Singer you need to use the same thread in the bobbin as on top when you're embroidering-it's simply a flaw with their machines.

The bird's nest could be a number of problems, but first we need to be sure you're setting your tension set on "E". If you are, leave me a comment back and we'll go through some specific steps to take about the bobbin. Otherwise, correct you're tension setting and see if that corrects the bird's nest problem. If not, again, leave me another comment back and leave me any details you can as to the type of material your embroidering on, the thread you're using, etc. It may seem like a pain, but you'd be surprised how fussy the littlest thing can be. I check in daily, so I'll get back to you within 24 hours. I've used my CE100 for 4 years and have mastered it quite well, so I feel confident that I'll be able to help you.

One of the things they don't really tell you about embroidering with the singer machines is that you really do need to use the same color in both the bobbin and the top. No matter how much you adjust the tension, you will still end up with some of the thread from both showing through on the other side, unlike with most other machines.

I found this out from a Singer technician about 3 years ago when I had the same problem with my CE 150 and was going nuts! He worked with both Singers, Vikings and Huskvarna's. and saved my sanity after demonstrating a lot of technical stuff that basically showed me why Singers did this.

Save your sanity-just bite the bullet and use the same thread in the bobbin as you do in the top.

I've read about quite a few people having issues with Vista, so Windows 7 may not be supported yet, you may want to try calling singer or windows or both to see if there is some kind of patch or update

If you have the software CD that came with the machine, the manual is on it.
The following paragraph is from Singer's Customer Service page:

• Is there a more extensive manual for the Futura™? Yes. With the basic Futura™ CD in the D drive, open up Windows Explore, by right clicking on the START button on the bottom tool bar. Left click on the drive and the contents of the CD will appear on the right side of the screen. Among the folders listed will be the Manual. Double left click on the icon. The manual is 92 pages and explains in detail all of the programs functions.
  

However if you have lost that CD, the Singer Asia Pacific site provides only accessory software CDs for purchase. You can try e-mailing Singer customer service in the form provided to see if they have the original CD in stock; otherwise you can purchase the tutorial CD.

Generally, this is because the needle is inserted wrong orbecause it's bent. In the first case, the top of the needle (called the shank)has a flat side-this has to be inserted so it faces the back or away from you.
In the second case, when a bent needle stops the top thread from picking up thebobbin thread. Even if you think your needle is fine, change it to see if thissolves the problem.

First, there's a Windows 7 update available atwww.Futura-support.com. Click on the lefthand side, then on CE100/150/250/350,etc, etc. Follow the directions CAREFULLY. First, be sure the uninstall ALLFutura software you've attempted to install and reboot your PC.

If for some reason this doesn't solve you're problem, I've posted a set ofinstructions athttp://www.fixya.com/support/r8955271-use_machine_windows_7_or_vista that willallow you to run the software under XP on your Windows 7 machine. This is a bitmore complicated a solution, but if you follow the instructions carefully, youshould be fine. Try the Futura update first, though.

I hope this solves you're problem. Happy embroidery!

Go to your start menu, then look for internet explorer (32 bit) do not use the 64 bit. I have the same problem with using my printer. I hate windows 7, it stinks. All my old programs I have to do this with.

OK, start all again, and make sure you install as ADMINISTRATOR, this may fix your problem, IF this on this software it is NOT specifically stated that it supports Vista and Win 7, then also install in "Compatibility Mode" for XP SP2. Find the setup main exe program right click, mouse and select compatibility mode, and try that way.

Go to www.futura-support.com and they can help you. there may be a glitch in the software. Good lucl

First, there's a Windows 7 update available at www.Futura-support.com. Click on the lefthand side, then on CE100/150/250/350, etc, etc. Follow the directions CAREFULLY. First, be sure the uninstall ALL Futura software you've attempted to install and reboot your PC.

If for some reason this doesn't solve you're problem, I've posted a set of instructions at http://www.fixya.com/support/r8955271-use_machine_windows_7_or_vista that will allow you to run the software under XP on your Windows 7 machine. This is a bit more complicated a solution, but if you follow the instructions carefully, you should be fine. Try the Futura update first, though.

I hope this solves you're problem. Happy embroidery!

First, there's a Windows 7 update available at www.Futura-support.com. Click on the lefthand side, then on CE100/150/250/350, etc, etc. Follow the directions CAREFULLY. First, be sure the uninstall ALL Futura software you've attempted to install and reboot your PC.

If for some reason this doesn't solve you're problem, I've posted a set of instructions at http://www.fixya.com/support/r8955271-use_machine_windows_7_or_vista that will allow you to run the software under XP on your Windows 7 machine. This is a bit more complicated a solution, but if you follow the instructions carefully, you should be fine. Try the Futura update first, though.

I hope this solves you're problem. Happy embroidery!

I've posted a set of instructions for running XP programs on windows 7 as a virtual machine. It's a bit lengthy, but follow carefully and you should be just fine. It's worked perfectly on my Windows 7 and I've been happily embroidering since I've installed it!

http://www.fixya.com/support/r8955271-use_machine_windows_7_or_vista

I really hope this helps you!

It sounds like you are trying to use the software on Windows 7 or Vista. There's a patch at www.Futura-support.com you'll need. On the lefthand side of the screen, click on downloads, then choose CE100/150/250/350, etc, etc. Follow the directions CAREFULLY. Be sure to install ALL Futura software you've already installed and reboot your PC BEFORE starting the new instructions.

If for some reason this still doesn't solve your problem, I've posted a solution that's a bit more involved on the CE100 Problems & Solutions home page for running your machine on Windows Vista/7. Basically, it allows you to run any XP program on Windows Vista or 7 using your old XP software. The Futura patch works for most people, though, so you will hopefully not have to go that route.

Happy embroidery!

Number 1, go out to the Futura support site at www.Futura-support.com and download the patch for Windows 7. On the left hand side of the screen, click on Downloads, then CE100/150/250/350,etc, etc. Make sure you follow the directions CAREFULLY. Also, be sure to completely UNINSTALL all of the Futura software you've already installed and reboot your computer before starting all of the instructions.

If this gives you any problems, I've posted a solution under the CE100 solutions area for running your machine with Windows Vista/7 using a virtual machine program. It's a lot more steps than using the patch, but some people do still need to go this route. Look for it on the CE100 Solutions/Problems home page. Still, you should be fine just with the patch.

Happy embroidering!

Make sure you have the USB cable plugged into the BACK of your computer, not the front or a USB hub. If it's a laptop, keep trying different ports. The USB for this machine needs more power than the other ports offer (12 V), something Singer doesn't tell you, and probably doesn't even now.

Best of luck!

YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 PRO OR ABOVE If you have Windows 7 Professional or Above, the solution torunning any XP software is fairly easy. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx.Select your Windows 7 system and language, follow ALL the instructions, andMicrosoft will take you through to running XP mode on your Windows 7 system!Hurray! If you still have a problem with the USB cable being recognized, besure you're plugging it into the BACK of your machine, not through a hub or inone of the front ports. The program for the embroidery machine and the USBcable require more power than either of these allow, a technical point Singerdoesn't seem to be aware of. You should be fine to install the machine'ssoftware and run it from within the XP mode now. YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 HOME, STARTER OR VISTA Unfortunately, you'll need to have an original of Windows XPfor this, no way getting around it. Hopefully, you still have a copy of itlying around, or have a family member, neighbor or friend who does. Maybe acheap eBay buy? Doesn't matter if it's XP Pro or Home. This solution is quite abit more complicated, but you can get there. I run Windows 7 Home and I usethis solution to successfully run the embroidery software on my Singer FuturaCE-100; the application should be no different for any other machine requiringXP software and unable to run in either Vista or Windows 7, so take courage andcharge forward! You're going to want to download a free and SAFE softwarecalled VmWare Player. The download requires you to register, but there's nocost, it's updated regularly to keep it safe and has been thoroughly checkedout by a lot of geek experts out there. It's available at http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/desktop_downloads/vmware_player/3_0.Fill in the required information, follow the instructions from the email you'resent, and download the software. Normally, the software will be downloaded tothe "Downloads" folder, unless you tell it to download elsewhere. Before you do anything else, place the Windows XP CD in yourCD drive. Make sure you have the registration number ready. Now go to the"Downloads" folder, double click on the VmWare installation file(Vmware-player-etc, etc) and follow the instructions to install. Once that isinstalled and you've rebooted your PC, double-click the icon on your desktopfor the VmWare Player. It will automatically open up with a Welcome screen.Click on "Create a New Virtual Machine." The next window will automaticallyshow under installer disc "Windows XP (Pro or Home" detected." Just click next.Enter the XP product key and keep entering any required information in theBLANK spots in the following screens. ANY spot filled in LEAVE ALONE. Now leave the PC alone-the process will take about 20minutes. Once it is done, VmWare Playerwill automatically launch the Tools Installer to integrate the virtual XP withyour computer. It may have to download or update the tools, so if you see ayellow banner at the bottom of your window, simply click Update Tools orInstall Tools depending on your situation. The tools will automaticallydownload and install, though you may have to approve a prompt or two. You will be able to click between folders on your Windows7/Vista system and the XP Virtual Machine to copy and paste your designs backand forth. I strongly suggest that whatever AntiVirus software you use on yourWindows 7/Vista you also install on the XP, as it will look for updates on theinternet and will thus be subject to any viruses out there. Make sure you useany firewall, as well, if you use something other than the XP default (you'llknow if you do). Now-close the VmPlayer completely. Don't restart it, closeit. Then reopen it. Do you get a message at the bottom telling you that the USBdevice connections are disabled? We have one more step, then, before installingthe embroidery machine's software. USB DEVICE CONNECTIONS DISABLED OR USB ARBITATION SERVICEFAILS/TERMINATED OR DEVICE ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. Arggggh! One more thing? Okay, this is the really technicalpart. The problem is you have an AMD processor, not an Intel, in your machine.Congratulations on a smart purchase. VmPlayer has a little conflict with it.What I'm going to have you do may seem a little scary, but it is simple todo-and there is a backup so that if anything goes wrong we can fix it. JUSTDOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING YOU DO BEFORE YOU DO IT. Okay. Your going to go into an area that's supposedly forbidden inyour computer-nonsense. Make a backup, be careful, and understand that otherswho know what they're doing have written, gone over, and done theseinstructions before you. And my PC works just fine WEEKS after I've done this! First, let's make a back up. Click onto the Start icon in thelower left hand side. See that blank line on the bottom just begging for somethingto be typed into it? Type "regedit" and hit ENTER. Click on FILE, EXPORT.Select DESKTOP on the right, name the file REG BACKUP and click SAVE. Now youhave made a full backup of your registry so if anything goes wrong you can goright back into "regedit" and go to FILE, IMPORT and select the file. See?Easy. Now. In the Registry Editor screen that you've opened, 1. ClickHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\(36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8065-444553540000). 2. In the right hand panel, if UpperFilters exists, delete it. YES, delete it. 3. Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\. 4. Delete the usbfilter string. 5. Close the registry 6. You will want to go into Start, then Computer.Double Click on C, then Windows\System 32/Drivers. Scroll down to the fileusbfilter.sys and delete it. Now reboot your computer. FINALLY-REINSTALL YOUR EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE ACCORDING TO THEORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR MANUFACTURER. And yell at them for not paying for the original programmerof the software to update the software properly to operate on Vista and Windows7! I hope this helps everyone! It took a bit of research, butit's been well worth it. Happy embroidery!

YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 PRO OR ABOVE If you have Windows 7 Professional or Above, the solution torunning any XP software is fairly easy. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx.Select your Windows 7 system and language, follow ALL the instructions, andMicrosoft will take you through to running XP mode on your Windows 7 system!Hurray! If you still have a problem with the USB cable being recognized, besure you're plugging it into the BACK of your machine, not through a hub or inone of the front ports. The program for the embroidery machine and the USBcable require more power than either of these allow, a technical point Singerdoesn't seem to be aware of. You should be fine to install the machine'ssoftware and run it from within the XP mode now. YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 HOME, STARTER OR VISTA Unfortunately, you'll need to have an original of Windows XPfor this, no way getting around it. Hopefully, you still have a copy of itlying around, or have a family member, neighbor or friend who does. Maybe acheap eBay buy? Doesn't matter if it's XP Pro or Home. This solution is quite abit more complicated, but you can get there. I run Windows 7 Home and I usethis solution to successfully run the embroidery software on my Singer FuturaCE-100; the application should be no different for any other machine requiringXP software and unable to run in either Vista or Windows 7, so take courage andcharge forward! You're going to want to download a free and SAFE softwarecalled VmWare Player. The download requires you to register, but there's nocost, it's updated regularly to keep it safe and has been thoroughly checkedout by a lot of geek experts out there. It's available at http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/desktop_downloads/vmware_player/3_0.Fill in the required information, follow the instructions from the email you'resent, and download the software. Normally, the software will be downloaded tothe "Downloads" folder, unless you tell it to download elsewhere. Before you do anything else, place the Windows XP CD in yourCD drive. Make sure you have the registration number ready. Now go to the"Downloads" folder, double click on the VmWare installation file(Vmware-player-etc, etc) and follow the instructions to install. Once that isinstalled and you've rebooted your PC, double-click the icon on your desktopfor the VmWare Player. It will automatically open up with a Welcome screen.Click on "Create a New Virtual Machine." The next window will automaticallyshow under installer disc "Windows XP (Pro or Home" detected." Just click next.Enter the XP product key and keep entering any required information in theBLANK spots in the following screens. ANY spot filled in LEAVE ALONE. Now leave the PC alone-the process will take about 20minutes. Once it is done, VmWare Playerwill automatically launch the Tools Installer to integrate the virtual XP withyour computer. It may have to download or update the tools, so if you see ayellow banner at the bottom of your window, simply click Update Tools orInstall Tools depending on your situation. The tools will automaticallydownload and install, though you may have to approve a prompt or two. You will be able to click between folders on your Windows7/Vista system and the XP Virtual Machine to copy and paste your designs backand forth. I strongly suggest that whatever AntiVirus software you use on yourWindows 7/Vista you also install on the XP, as it will look for updates on theinternet and will thus be subject to any viruses out there. Make sure you useany firewall, as well, if you use something other than the XP default (you'llknow if you do). Now-close the VmPlayer completely. Don't restart it, closeit. Then reopen it. Do you get a message at the bottom telling you that the USBdevice connections are disabled? We have one more step, then, before installingthe embroidery machine's software. USB DEVICE CONNECTIONS DISABLED OR USB ARBITATION SERVICEFAILS/TERMINATED OR DEVICE ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. Arggggh! One more thing? Okay, this is the really technicalpart. The problem is you have an AMD processor, not an Intel, in your machine.Congratulations on a smart purchase. VmPlayer has a little conflict with it.What I'm going to have you do may seem a little scary, but it is simple todo-and there is a backup so that if anything goes wrong we can fix it. JUSTDOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING YOU DO BEFORE YOU DO IT. Okay. Your going to go into an area that's supposedly forbidden inyour computer-nonsense. Make a backup, be careful, and understand that otherswho know what they're doing have written, gone over, and done theseinstructions before you. And my PC works just fine WEEKS after I've done this! First, let's make a back up. Click onto the Start icon in thelower left hand side. See that blank line on the bottom just begging for somethingto be typed into it? Type "regedit" and hit ENTER. Click on FILE, EXPORT.Select DESKTOP on the right, name the file REG BACKUP and click SAVE. Now youhave made a full backup of your registry so if anything goes wrong you can goright back into "regedit" and go to FILE, IMPORT and select the file. See?Easy. Now. In the Registry Editor screen that you've opened, 1. ClickHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlClass(36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8065-444553540000). 2. In the right hand panel, if UpperFilters exists, delete it. YES, delete it. 3. Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServices. 4. Delete the usbfilter string. 5. Close the registry 6. You will want to go into Start, then Computer.Double Click on C, then WindowsSystem 32/Drivers. Scroll down to the fileusbfilter.sys and delete it. Now reboot your computer. FINALLY-REINSTALL YOUR EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE ACCORDING TO THEORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR MANUFACTURER. And yell at them for not paying for the original programmerof the software to update the software properly to operate on Vista and Windows7! I hope this helps everyone! It took a bit of research, butit's been well worth it. Happy embroidery!

YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 PRO OR ABOVE If you have Windows 7 Professional or Above, the solution torunning any XP software is fairly easy. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx.Select your Windows 7 system and language, follow ALL the instructions, andMicrosoft will take you through to running XP mode on your Windows 7 system!Hurray! If you still have a problem with the USB cable being recognized, besure you're plugging it into the BACK of your machine, not through a hub or inone of the front ports. The program for the embroidery machine and the USBcable require more power than either of these allow, a technical point Singerdoesn't seem to be aware of. You should be fine to install the machine'ssoftware and run it from within the XP mode now. YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 HOME, STARTER OR VISTA Unfortunately, you'll need to have an original of Windows XPfor this, no way getting around it. Hopefully, you still have a copy of itlying around, or have a family member, neighbor or friend who does. Maybe acheap eBay buy? Doesn't matter if it's XP Pro or Home. This solution is quite abit more complicated, but you can get there. I run Windows 7 Home and I usethis solution to successfully run the embroidery software on my Singer FuturaCE-100; the application should be no different for any other machine requiringXP software and unable to run in either Vista or Windows 7, so take courage andcharge forward! You're going to want to download a free and SAFE softwarecalled VmWare Player. The download requires you to register, but there's nocost, it's updated regularly to keep it safe and has been thoroughly checkedout by a lot of geek experts out there. It's available at http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/desktop_downloads/vmware_player/3_0.Fill in the required information, follow the instructions from the email you'resent, and download the software. Normally, the software will be downloaded tothe "Downloads" folder, unless you tell it to download elsewhere. Before you do anything else, place the Windows XP CD in yourCD drive. Make sure you have the registration number ready. Now go to the"Downloads" folder, double click on the VmWare installation file(Vmware-player-etc, etc) and follow the instructions to install. Once that isinstalled and you've rebooted your PC, double-click the icon on your desktopfor the VmWare Player. It will automatically open up with a Welcome screen.Click on "Create a New Virtual Machine." The next window will automaticallyshow under installer disc "Windows XP (Pro or Home" detected." Just click next.Enter the XP product key and keep entering any required information in theBLANK spots in the following screens. ANY spot filled in LEAVE ALONE. Now leave the PC alone-the process will take about 20minutes. Once it is done, VmWare Playerwill automatically launch the Tools Installer to integrate the virtual XP withyour computer. It may have to download or update the tools, so if you see ayellow banner at the bottom of your window, simply click Update Tools orInstall Tools depending on your situation. The tools will automaticallydownload and install, though you may have to approve a prompt or two. You will be able to click between folders on your Windows7/Vista system and the XP Virtual Machine to copy and paste your designs backand forth. I strongly suggest that whatever AntiVirus software you use on yourWindows 7/Vista you also install on the XP, as it will look for updates on theinternet and will thus be subject to any viruses out there. Make sure you useany firewall, as well, if you use something other than the XP default (you'llknow if you do). Now-close the VmPlayer completely. Don't restart it, closeit. Then reopen it. Do you get a message at the bottom telling you that the USBdevice connections are disabled? We have one more step, then, before installingthe embroidery machine's software. USB DEVICE CONNECTIONS DISABLED OR USB ARBITATION SERVICEFAILS/TERMINATED OR DEVICE ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. Arggggh! One more thing? Okay, this is the really technicalpart. The problem is you have an AMD processor, not an Intel, in your machine.Congratulations on a smart purchase. VmPlayer has a little conflict with it.What I'm going to have you do may seem a little scary, but it is simple todo-and there is a backup so that if anything goes wrong we can fix it. JUSTDOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING YOU DO BEFORE YOU DO IT. Okay. Your going to go into an area that's supposedly forbidden inyour computer-nonsense. Make a backup, be careful, and understand that otherswho know what they're doing have written, gone over, and done theseinstructions before you. And my PC works just fine WEEKS after I've done this! First, let's make a back up. Click onto the Start icon in thelower left hand side. See that blank line on the bottom just begging for somethingto be typed into it? Type "regedit" and hit ENTER. Click on FILE, EXPORT.Select DESKTOP on the right, name the file REG BACKUP and click SAVE. Now youhave made a full backup of your registry so if anything goes wrong you can goright back into "regedit" and go to FILE, IMPORT and select the file. See?Easy. Now. In the Registry Editor screen that you've opened, 1. ClickHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\(36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8065-444553540000). 2. In the right hand panel, if UpperFilters exists, delete it. YES, delete it. 3. Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\. 4. Delete the usbfilter string. 5. Close the registry 6. You will want to go into Start, then Computer.Double Click on C, then Windows\System 32/Drivers. Scroll down to the fileusbfilter.sys and delete it. Now reboot your computer. FINALLY-REINSTALL YOUR EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE ACCORDING TO THEORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR MANUFACTURER. And yell at them for not paying for the original programmerof the software to update the software properly to operate on Vista and Windows7! I hope this helps everyone! It took a bit of research, butit's been well worth it. Happy embroidery!

YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 PRO OR ABOVE If you have Windows 7 Professional or Above, the solution torunning any XP software is fairly easy. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx.Select your Windows 7 system and language, follow ALL the instructions, andMicrosoft will take you through to running XP mode on your Windows 7 system!Hurray! If you still have a problem with the USB cable being recognized, besure you're plugging it into the BACK of your machine, not through a hub or inone of the front ports. The program for the embroidery machine and the USBcable require more power than either of these allow, a technical point Singerdoesn't seem to be aware of. You should be fine to install the machine'ssoftware and run it from within the XP mode now. YOUR PC RUNS WINDOWS 7 HOME, STARTER OR VISTA Unfortunately, you'll need to have an original of Windows XPfor this, no way getting around it. Hopefully, you still have a copy of itlying around, or have a family member, neighbor or friend who does. Maybe acheap eBay buy? Doesn't matter if it's XP Pro or Home. This solution is quite abit more complicated, but you can get there. I run Windows 7 Home and I usethis solution to successfully run the embroidery software on my Singer FuturaCE-100; the application should be no different for any other machine requiringXP software and unable to run in either Vista or Windows 7, so take courage andcharge forward! You're going to want to download a free and SAFE softwarecalled VmWare Player. The download requires you to register, but there's nocost, it's updated regularly to keep it safe and has been thoroughly checkedout by a lot of geek experts out there. It's available at http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/desktop_downloads/vmware_player/3_0.Fill in the required information, follow the instructions from the email you'resent, and download the software. Normally, the software will be downloaded tothe "Downloads" folder, unless you tell it to download elsewhere. Before you do anything else, place the Windows XP CD in yourCD drive. Make sure you have the registration number ready. Now go to the"Downloads" folder, double click on the VmWare installation file(Vmware-player-etc, etc) and follow the instructions to install. Once that isinstalled and you've rebooted your PC, double-click the icon on your desktopfor the VmWare Player. It will automatically open up with a Welcome screen.Click on "Create a New Virtual Machine." The next window will automaticallyshow under installer disc "Windows XP (Pro or Home" detected." Just click next.Enter the XP product key and keep entering any required information in theBLANK spots in the following screens. ANY spot filled in LEAVE ALONE. Now leave the PC alone-the process will take about 20minutes. Once it is done, VmWare Playerwill automatically launch the Tools Installer to integrate the virtual XP withyour computer. It may have to download or update the tools, so if you see ayellow banner at the bottom of your window, simply click Update Tools orInstall Tools depending on your situation. The tools will automaticallydownload and install, though you may have to approve a prompt or two. You will be able to click between folders on your Windows7/Vista system and the XP Virtual Machine to copy and paste your designs backand forth. I strongly suggest that whatever AntiVirus software you use on yourWindows 7/Vista you also install on the XP, as it will look for updates on theinternet and will thus be subject to any viruses out there. Make sure you useany firewall, as well, if you use something other than the XP default (you'llknow if you do). Now-close the VmPlayer completely. Don't restart it, closeit. Then reopen it. Do you get a message at the bottom telling you that the USBdevice connections are disabled? We have one more step, then, before installingthe embroidery machine's software. USB DEVICE CONNECTIONS DISABLED OR USB ARBITATION SERVICEFAILS/TERMINATED OR DEVICE ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. Arggggh! One more thing? Okay, this is the really technicalpart. The problem is you have an AMD processor, not an Intel, in your machine.Congratulations on a smart purchase. VmPlayer has a little conflict with it.What I'm going to have you do may seem a little scary, but it is simple todo-and there is a backup so that if anything goes wrong we can fix it. JUSTDOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING YOU DO BEFORE YOU DO IT. Okay. Your going to go into an area that's supposedly forbidden inyour computer-nonsense. Make a backup, be careful, and understand that otherswho know what they're doing have written, gone over, and done theseinstructions before you. And my PC works just fine WEEKS after I've done this! First, let's make a back up. Click onto the Start icon in thelower left hand side. See that blank line on the bottom just begging for somethingto be typed into it? Type "regedit" and hit ENTER. Click on FILE, EXPORT.Select DESKTOP on the right, name the file REG BACKUP and click SAVE. Now youhave made a full backup of your registry so if anything goes wrong you can goright back into "regedit" and go to FILE, IMPORT and select the file. See?Easy. Now. In the Registry Editor screen that you've opened, 1. ClickHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlClass(36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8065-444553540000). 2. In the right hand panel, if UpperFilters exists, delete it. YES, delete it. 3. Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServices. 4. Delete the usbfilter string. 5. Close the registry 6. You will want to go into Start, then Computer.Double Click on C, then WindowsSystem 32/Drivers. Scroll down to the fileusbfilter.sys and delete it. Now reboot your computer. FINALLY-REINSTALL YOUR EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE ACCORDING TO THEORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR MANUFACTURER. And yell at them for not paying for the original programmerof the software to update the software properly to operate on Vista and Windows7! I hope this helps everyone! It took a bit of research, butit's been well worth it. Happy embroidery!