I have an Esante V-2 which I have done digitized hundreds and hundreds of designs that are on the 3.5 disks. My computer that I use for digitizing is an old HP, which is used JUST FOR DIGITIZING, no internet.
I also have a 3.5 external drive that I can use on my newer laptop.
I also have another external harddrive that I use for backup.
I also have the Embird program. And the EQ5. One day I will go through my 3.5's and put them on a CD.
I found that a version 4 of .pes, on up, or a .sew will not work on the version 2 program. HOWEVER, you can take a version 4 or .sew over to the Embird program and change it from a .pes to a .hus (or any other) THEN change it back to a .pes. THEN the version 2 accepts the .pes. That's why I still have the older computer because it works just great. I am also thinking of getting a newer computer too. My grandson says that if I ever go to a Mac, i will never go back. I can't afford new programs at 1200 bucks or new computers, so I have to make do with what I have accumulated over the years.