I use embroiderydesigns.com....you have to register a login. Then on the left go to embroidery tools. Under that is a conversion. They let you do it for free once you register. Hope you have luck there.

The colors you see in a dst file are just there to separate sections for color stops. Notice that all dst files have the same color sequence. So you need a color chart to follow . At Marie's Embroidery Haven, are 2 free downloads for software that will convert files.=with tutorials to know how to use them. The funky colors will still be there, I'm pretty sure you ccan change colors with these programs and save that file. I still have my colors written down on scrap envelopes so I have them right in front of me-I don't necessarily use the colors that are shown, and this double checks my line of thread spools so I don't get purple skin. LOL Most programs work fine with XP. It's Vista that is a problem with things.
Welcome to cute, it is a great place for answers and comraderie. Here is a flower from me to you *
Jo

Welcome Sandynavas, I second the suggestion by tterry5. I use embroiderydesigns.com with great success. Good luck. Anne

All kinds of software out there to convert files, but those DST files are always psychedelic, Sandy! I just convert them one by one to the threads I have in my Digitizer Pro. I don't think I've ever seen a color chart for dst designs, or at least haven't gotten one in the free downloads I have. Maybe I'll have to go look at those zip files again. Good Luck, Hugs, Marji

DST is an industrial file format and has no color information, just machine information for stops- as jofrog said.
Converting them into other machine formats is no problem, but do not waste time to switch colors to nice ones- if the file is not accompanied by a separate color information file just download the pic for inspiration.

It is possible to run "old" software on your "new" computer- you have to tell it to simulate an old operating system when using this special programm.
It is a pitty that my computer speaks german with me, so I can give you just a rough direction: Start menu, Help and Support, and (translated, do not know if it is the right term) programm compatibily assistent. There you can learn how to switch the OS to an older version just for using this programm.
Give it a try.
Problem might be another: the program (when it works fine when it is not confronted with dst) just can not read dst.
There are some file formats which wilcom, ambassador or eos can not open too- .art and .vip files are such troublemakers.
But as I mentioned before: do not waste time with nice colors on the screen, just feel free to be creative.

learned something I did not know........thanks. *4u all

DST is indeed hopeless as far as colours are concerned evn the bought ones have no colour information at all. I (usually) write down the colours I intend to use on a piece of paper. Over time I had quite a collection of odd scraps of paper, so I copied my choices on index cards. Have a box next to my sewing machine.

*4U

Sandy, have you downloaded Tajima's Pulse Ambassador? It's a free conversion program, and will definitely do DST, because that's Tajima's file extension. You can also view your designs, change colors, watch it stitch out with the draw ribbon, see how much thread of each color is needed, how much bobbin thread is needed. It's a cool little program. I've included the link to the site for you, you can read about it and decide if you want it. It runs on XP and Vista. Hugs, Marji