This is a reader writer box and the software will only run on windows 95... I need updated software so it will run on windows xp

What software do you have ?

3D will not run properly on a Windows 7 computer.The USB reader/writer will work fine with 5D software.
Trust me, I have tried extensively to get 3D to run on Windows 7. I ran it on Vista, for a while. Then an update to Windows ended that. I've never had it function normally on Windows 7.

I had a similiar problem, but I have the Designer SE. In Windows 7 there is an option to run it in a compability mode, so I had to set my program to run in XP 32 bit mode for the 4D software to run. I don't know if it will help, but if the software worked in XP, this should do the trick.

I am having the same problem however I have Vista.....help, there has to be someone who can solve this problem. Sears is useless, the 5 person I was transferred to asked about my "lawn mower" after I had explained I was calling about my Kenmore Sewing and embroidery machine!!!! I am pretty sure my next machine will NOT be a Kenmore!

make sure the reader/writer is conected with 2 cables.

The dongle is only available with the software when you buy it. The dongle alone doesn't run the reader/writer box. The dongle is the code key for the software that allows you to send designs to the reader/writer. So purchasing new software (which also gets you the new dongle) is what you'll need to do if you want to send designs to the programmable card. Another issue you may have is that the older reader /writer box that uses a parallel port hook up, doesn't work with the new software. So if you have an old reader /writer, you'll also need a new usb reader / writer box. The new reader / writer also comes with a new programmable card.

I am having the same problem with the Customizer 2000. Worked before but now I get a "communication error". I'm thinking the problem is with the cable. You mentioned you got a new cable. Can you tell me what kind you got and where you got it? I don't know what else could fix the problem. Thanks for your help. I wish I could help you.

You may be able to find an old computer with Windows 95 or 98. Make sure that it also has a parallel port for the older R/W boxes.

You may also find that the 4D Embroidery package will do what you wish to do and it is under $400. 4D Embroidery Extra is the $700 package.

If you only want to put existing designs onto the card with no manipulation, you can get the Reader/Writer kit, $199 MSRP that includes Organizer which will allow you to load 1 design to your card at a time.

Unfortunately, System 5 was replaced by VIP which was replaced by 3D which was replaced by 4D. I don't think that system 5 will run on anything newer than Windows 98.

After checking with the Dealer, I was told my old Reader/Writer Box & embroidery software is not compatible with Windows Vista. I will have to purchase a new R/W Box which has a USB cable & a different type of dongle.

The Designer SE software does not use a dongle. If you are attempting a "Smart Update" on the Designer SE and it asks if you use a dongle, just say no and the update on the machine will run.
If you have 3D or 4D software, it uses the dongle and it will be USB. Download the latest driver for your software from the Husqvarna Viking website. The link is through the homepage at Husqvarnaviking.com/us . Click links on the left side of the screen for 4D Software, Help & Updates, and Other Useful Software at the bottom of the page. This will have the latest 3D driver. 4D will require the latest update to the software and a firmware upgrade to the dongle. Run Smart Update on the software and then get the firmware update that is directly below the 3D HASP driver on the Other Useful Software page.