Rhona, is Artlink an embroidery program, or is it a drawing program like Paint? Which embroidery program are you using? Is Artlink something that is made to go with your program? Wherever you got it should be able to help you with it, I would think. I have Janome's Digitizer Pro, and if I don't have the dongle in the port (duh, yes I do that sometimes) I'll get a notice on the screen when I try to open the program, something like "security device not found". I'd say if you're getting a notice like that, you'd need one. But one should have come with the program, mine did. Good luck, if you give us more information maybe somebody familiar with your programs may be able to help you. Welcome to the Cute Community, enjoy your stay here! Hugs, Marji

Just to clarify this question - V5 Artlink is Bernina software. Rhona, I can't help you sweetie, but keep checking back here, because I know there are quite a few Cuties who will have some useful info for you. Love and hugs. And a big welcome to Cute.

I'll bring it back to the top someone will know *4u all. My program came with a dongle and won't work without it.

I do not know this stuff...bringing you ttt//

W E L C O M E T O C U T E...

GLAD YOU ARE HERE WITH YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED FRIENDS AND FAMILYY.....BLESSINGS TO YOU DEANNA

ttt, hoping for more help for Rhona

Bernina software that I have is Artista. I googled Artlink and this is what I found. My Artista runs with a dongle. I'd suggest you call your dealer about this problem as I'm sorry, but I can't help you with it.

ARTLINK allows you to connect your Artista to your PC so that you can: open your .ART designs,
rescale, rotate and mirror image them and then
download them to your Artista home embroidery machine.
And, if you are using the Artista embroidery reader/writer, you can download .art designs direct to a blank card.
If you are not ready for customizing or digitizing software, Artlink is the perfect introduction to linking your PC to your Artista.

Does your Bernina Artista sewing machine live far away from your computer? The Artista Embroidery Reader/Writer box allows you to bring designs from Bernina's library of embroidery cards into your Artista Customizer or Designer. It also allows you to download designs to a Personal Design Card without having to hook up your computer directly to your sewing machine.

Rhonda, I also have V5 Artlink. You must have the dongle to open the software in your computer. The dongle goes in the USB port. Look on the box. It states that the package contains the CD-rom, quick start guide, USB Dongle, and training CD. Contact your dealer immediately. If you bought this soft ware from an individual contact them and get the dongle or get your money back. If the person only bought the up grade then they kept the dongle. They had to buy the whole new software to get the dongle. Versions up to an early Art 4 didn't have to have a dongle. Good luck sweetie, let us know how you make out.