hobbycat..does not Viking do patches for the newer Windows operating systems? I know that Brother does. Have you done a viking site search? As you do, I use XP for my Brother software--but I know they have patches for older software so that it will run with Vista, 7, and maybe the newest "windows". Anyhow, I love the features of XP, and if it ever becomes extinct (ie..no support) I will just take it off line and continue with my embroidery programs.