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Computer problem, not quite OT

OK, so the sewing room is up and running.

I've reaquainted myself with my Bernie Artista 180; even re-watched the VHS.

I know I can't attach it to my current computer via USB, and even if I could apparently (please tell me if I'm wrong about this) it isn't compatible with Vista, and Bernina are not supporting it anyomore, anyway.

Sooo. I have an ancient and venerable computer running '98 with a parallel port and all the right plug holes.

BUT. The CD ROM drive needs a new driver (I think). I've tried downloading a new one, via an external floppy disk drive I have, but I'm not winning. The Drivers want to download onto my laptop, not the floppy. And although my floppy purports to be 'working properly' Nothing seems to whirring and clicking.

What am I doing wrong? Is there a simple remedy? There are no USB ports on the old computer, and no floppy drive on my laptop.

Compatibility?! Bah, humbug! I thought those problems went out years ago.

All help, suggestions gratefully received (other than buying a new sewing machine ;p )

Nel (Gadget Queen, but not enough of a computer geek)

Reply to
Sartorresartus
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Nel, I can only send you sympathy; don't have any idea what would help. I was, of course, wondering why you would want/need your Bernina to communicate with your computer. To do embroidery? If so, ask your question over at alt.sewing.mach-embroider. They're not much for just visiting but a helpful and knowledgeable group. Polly

"Sartorresartus" OK, so the sewing room is up and running.

Reply to
Polly Esther

IT HAS WORKED!

I can't say how, or why or what I did... except threaten to defenestrate the thing... but suddenly, rrrrrrp! Conversation!

I now have a happy little (little!?) computer, talking sweet nothings in the ear of Bernie.

I have transferred some stitches and closed it all down and sewn some of them out. They work!

For the first time in nigh on six years, they work!

Now I am not feeling such a bozo about buying that damned thing. How was I (or anyone else) to know that compatibility would be such a problem.

Tomorrow I shall essay the embroidery module and try to finsh the bonnet for the NEC Australian Convict Factory thingy.

Yippee!

Phew! I rock! Nel (Gadget Queen, re-throned)

Reply to
Sartorresartus

yay! So you do! :)

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Reply to
Roberta

As usual, I spoke too soon. =3D(

The 'stitches' bit works just fine.

The embroidery module works fine on it own.

The last time I had the machine serviced, the Dealer 'did me the favour' of upgrading the machine to version 3.02. My computer software, I now find is version 2.1. Yes, you guessed it... they are incompatible. And they are not supported by Bernina, either. And my Dealer hadn't a clue what I was on about... they are really not computer-savvy at all. They did try, but I could tell it was a waste of time.

Do you know, I feel so cheated by all this. I paid =A32K for this machine. And, to me, that's a lotta lot of money. I bought top of the range because I was told it would be able to be updated via the internet whenever it needed to be. OK that was 2001 (September 12th to be precise) when I bought the thing and that is 9 years ago, and computers have come a long way since then. But even still, how long are these expensive machines meant to last?

I feel like throwing it at EBay and going back to my Cub4.

Deflated, utterly.

Nel (Gadget Queen)

Reply to
Sartorresartus

You poor darling. Bless your heart. I can just imagine the frustration. Waaah! That's a heap of $s to have invested. I don't mind repeating myself; do it too frequently. So. Here I go again: ask your question over at alt.sewing.mach-embroider. I see an Artista discussion on 5/29/10 that may be helpful or perhaps one of the responders may be able to specifically guide you. Polly

The 'stitches' bit works just fine.

The embroidery module works fine on it own.

The last time I had the machine serviced, the Dealer 'did me the favour' of upgrading the machine to version 3.02. My computer software, I now find is version 2.1. Yes, you guessed it... they are incompatible. And they are not supported by Bernina, either. And my Dealer hadn't a clue what I was on about... they are really not computer-savvy at all. They did try, but I could tell it was a waste of time.

Do you know, I feel so cheated by all this. I paid £2K for this machine. And, to me, that's a lotta lot of money. I bought top of the range because I was told it would be able to be updated via the internet whenever it needed to be. OK that was 2001 (September 12th to be precise) when I bought the thing and that is 9 years ago, and computers have come a long way since then. But even still, how long are these expensive machines meant to last?

I feel like throwing it at EBay and going back to my Cub4.

Deflated, utterly.

Nel (Gadget Queen)

Reply to
Polly Esther

I have a 160 that I can change the stitch patterns on, I have kept an old laptop with the operating system to do the job. It's the same era as your 180.

My friend has a Bernina whose "board" went bad, when she had it replaced ($600) they told her that her embroidery unit would also have to be replaced (another $600) if she wanted to use the two together.

Reply to
Bonnie Patterson

I've popped a question over on the sister website, and I await answers with baited breath.

But let's face it, Computers are basically stupid; they only know the difference between 'off' and 'on'. Unfortunately they can recognize that very quickly, and can be at Frustration City Limits by the time we catch up with them.

Nel (still travelling hopefully) Gadget Queen

Reply to
Sartorresartus

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