My Brother SE 400 will be arriving soon. I read on the internet today that this software does not work with Windows 7. Does anyone have this sewing/embroidery machine and can help me?

**I just found this on the Brother Website.

http://welcome.solutions.brother.com...us&c=us〈=en∏=hf_basiceus

(select Windows 7, then search)

Or if this link doesn't work, go here: http://welcome.solutions.brother.com...c_s/index.html

Then select country, etc. until you get to downloads. (Instead of selecting your machine, go all the way to the bottom and select PED Basic.) Hopefully this works. I was able to find it to download. Send me a PM if you can't get it.

**If you use PED-Basic on Windows Vista®/ Windows® 7, never install the programs from the CD in your package!!
To prevent a problem, please install these programs instead of using the CD.

****************************

I use this software on Vista - 64-bit OS and it works fine. The internet also says it should not work in this case, but it does.

I don't use Windows 7, but I would just try installing it and see what happens. Here is something you can try if it doesn't work.


Basically, most programs from XP will work just fine with Windows 7. Of those programs that are older (designed before Vista existed) if any have a problem running correctly, they can be told to run in a compatibility mode. This includes modes for:

Windows Vista (Service Pack 2)
Windows Vista (Service Pack 1)
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008 (Service Pack 1)
Windows Server 2003 (Service Pack 1)
Windows XP (Service Pack 3)
Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
Windows 2000
Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5)
Windows 98 /Windows ME
Windows 95

Any of these can be chosen by right clicking the program that isn't working properly; then in the drop down menu go to 'Properties'. Under the new windows that opens go to the 'Compatibility' tab and check off 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' and choose 'Windows XP (Service Pack 3)'.

If this still doesn't work, then you could use a virtual XP environment. I think this only works on some versions of Windows 7.

I know this doesn't help a lot, but it is difficult to diagnose a problem before there is one. :)

Hi, Sharon, not sure which PED basic software you are referring to. You have to use the PED Basic to transfer designs from your computer to your machine via a memory card. That's just a card reader. If you want software where you can work with designs, etc., you can use any type of software. Brother has the PE Design Lite and the PE Design (Deluxe). This is actual software to work with your designs. Rather expensive, too.

Does your machine have the USB connection? If so, you can transfer designs from anyone as long as they are in the PES format. I don't have the 400 but do have the 270D and 700II (this one has the USB port).

Go to Brother.com and you can find out which Brother PED Basic version (card reader) is compatible with Windows 7 if that's the way you want to go. I believe there is a free upgrade for Windows 7. The PED Card Reader runs around $100 but if you have a USB port, you can skip that for now. Their site is a little hard to navigate but you'll get there eventually. LOL

FYI, I use Monogram Wizard Plus for lettering and now they have released Monogram Wizard Plus Extended for working with designs. Not too expensive. I also have Sew What Pro and Embroidery Magic 2 for working with designs. Neither is as expensive as the PE Design Lite or PE Design Deluxe.

Hope this helps with your question.

Carolyn

You do not need the Ped Basic embroidery software for this machine. There is a cable that goes from the computer to your sewing machine. The computer will send the embroidery designs straight to your machine. :D:D:D

If you buy a emb design online, it downloads to your computer and then you open it up with the software provided with your machine.
If you buy designs on a CD you use the software to open them :D:D:D

This is from a site that sells these machines:

Computer connectivity allows you to easily import embroidery designs directly from your computer.

Computer connectivity allows you to enjoy future machine updates and easily import and digitize embroidery designs directly from your computer.

Thanks everyone, especially Amma, I think I understand now. I was not understanding that the SE 400 would come with the software to open the designs once I got them onto my computer. thanks again, everyone!

My Netbook runs on Windows 7 and Ped BAsic works just fine in it.

That is very good to hear!!

Does your machine have the USB connection? If so, you can transfer designs from anyone as long as they are in the PES format. I don't have the 400 but do have the 270D and 700II (this one has the USB port).

FYI.... The PE Design BASIC uses a card writer/reader/card, but transfers designs from your computer to the machine. That's all. Except you can resize just a bit. That is why it is called "basic". I have PE Design v5 software....I've had v2, and also still have v4. The ''v-version" software all has capability for digitizing. Many people get confused because they named it "P E" also--which only stands for personal embroidery.