Thanks everyone. I may just drag the Pfaff out and try her again. I haven't had problems with any other of my computerized machines and they have been plugged into my outlets and surge protectors. My house is older but I had some new grounded wiring installed and also use those outlets for my machines. I haven't thought of the foot pedal. Will try checking that out. I do believe this machine has a start stop button but I think I tried using that but did not unplug the foot pedal when I had the problem. A think to try if it does that again. I would like to be able to gift this machine to somebody as I don't need it as I now have three others.