I have a Bernina 170. The dongle to the software is only compatible with a serial port and not a USB, how can I update it?

Problem is that the Bernina software you are using expects to talk to a 'COM port and the PC's USB serial interface doesn't automatically default to a COM port. Make sure you have installed the software that was delivered with your USB-to-Serial adapter and look on your PC's 'Device Manager' under 'Ports' - you should see the USB adapter listed and it should be assigned to a COM Port number. You need to check what COM port numbers are accepted by the Bernina embroidery software (sorry, I cant remember and haven't got one here presently) - it should be in the Options menu. You have to ensure that the USB 'virtual COM port' is the same as that which is set in the Bernina software. If the Bernina software doesn't support the COM port allocated to the USB interface, go to 'Properties, Port settings, Advanced, COM port number and set this to the same as the COM port number in the Bernina software - hopefully this should set up the link OK, provided you haven't got a COM port clash - to avoid this, it's usually best to choose a COM port number of 2 or above.

Not sure, but I believe version 5 works on XP.

Perhaps this will help:
https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US/Software/BERNINA-Software-Compatibility/Bernina-Software-Compatibility

I tried a Dynex USB to Serial cord found at Best Buy. worked great for an Artista 180. I used the Artlink software free download from Bernina. Works very well.

Just use the free download software from Bernina called Artlink. I used it along with a USB to Serial converter cable to connect to the machine. Works wonderfully. Allows me to still use my old Artista designer software if I want to on an older machine and then when I want to actually transfer the designs I use the laptop with the USB cable.

The Dynex adapter does not have any numbers on it. It was the one that is only about a foot in length and has a square center piece that houses the conversion electronics. Standard 9 pin RS-232 male plug on one end and the standard USB plug on the other end. I purchased it within the last month at BestBuy here in Austin TX.

it's in your computer control panel - you need to assign the com port to the cable - it took me a few tries.

In the long run, I bought the Editor Lite software for $120 on ebay - it comes with a USB dongle - that solved all my issues other than assigning the com port to the serial port. It all works like a charm now.

I have the same problem...V3 software. have not heard of an adapter. The software wouldn't work with Windows XP or Vista anyway. I upgraded to Editor plus V5 but have kept my old Designer plus on an ancient laptop so I can transfer old patterns. You will also find that your new laptop doesn't have a serial port to accomodate the old cable to bernina 180. Unfortunately it's always the case with updating a PC. Everything else has to follow! My advice, get hold of an old laptop:)

More likely the software you have is a corrupt one or is not compatible with windows ME.
However, to be on a safe side, follow the steps :-

 1. Remove the dongle from the USB port.  2. Uninstall the software.  3. Restart the PC.  4. Download the software.
 Make sure that the software is compatible.
 Unless change the CD or download the software from some different website ( In case you are downloading it from a particular website ).
Thanks.

I just bought a new laptop and upgraded to V.6. Since I have always used a magic box I didn't know how to attach my bernina 170 directly to the laptop. My bernina dealer said that I would first need a serial to usb adapter since my machine is old enough that it doesn't have a usb port on it. Make sure it doesn't have the screws on the serial part because they will not allow you to attach it to the machine. He also said that I may have to make a new com port as most pc laptops only show 4. I did a search of the computer and found how to make a new com port. A little more fiddleing around with the laptop and cables and restarting both then it somehow recognized that I had made a new com port. Voila. It now works. (I am a Mac person). Hope this helps. margaret

I am using a docking station for my laptop that has a serial port.