I don't think it is a dongle problem as all the dongle does is allow you to open the program. It is like a car key. You can't start the car without it. Have you done the "Smart" updates to the program? This might help. Also your computer could be low on space, or it might need to be defraged. Sence you can't get the help desk it may be a interneet conection problem or it could be in your conection. Can you call the dealer where you bought the program? They might be able to help. I was told when I bought mine that if anything happened to my dongle it could be replaced if I had the tinest fraction of it, so if it is a dongle problem you may need to swap it out. Not much help I know but I haven't had the problem you are describing. Hope it helps.

Try emailing the VSM (software@husqvarnaviking.com) and see if they email back.

I don't think it's the dongle. This might sound stupid, but try restarting the computer and then re-opening 3D. Double check your preferences and be sure hoop selected is right before you open the designs you are going to combine.

I agree with Daisy, I think it's a memory problem with your computer. Do you have the automatic backup on? You might want to turn that off, and also, take a look in your files, folders, wherever your program is resident, and see if it's making itself copies of itself. My dumb Digitizer Pro makes a copy of my whole design album when I open the Design Gallery. I have more memory than I know what to do with, so I don't care, but if you're working with limited memory, it might make a difference. It sounds like too much stuff in your RAM, though, too many things using up the RAM. Good luck, big big hugs, Marji

Oh Dear. I would first try completely shutting down your pc, don't just "restart" it, leave it off for a few minutes to allow it to cool down and reset itself.
If you still have the same problems I would consider doing a complete virus scan.

I certainly hope it isn't a virus but a virus can cause all the weird things you have mentioned.

Hugs n roses, Meganne

When some of that happened to me, I finally tried my dongle in a different USB and it worked fine. But that may not be the problem here! Hope all gets better soon! * Hugs

I have 3D & Viking machines I love them BUT the Viking company is the pits when it comes to helping you! See if your dealer can give you any help, or at least get Viking to answer! I have quit recommending Viking as they don't have any HELP at the help desk! Shame too. One suggestion. Try placing the design exactly in the middle of the hoop then click on the "center design" button at the top. I discovered this by accident, no one told me to do it! But if you have opened a design & it's not in the hoop area, the softwear thinks it's still outside the hoop even though you've moved it to the middle. As for the scrambles..I don't have a clue! Keep us posted as to what you find out!

I have one suggestion for all who do use a dongle and remove it from the computer regularly. I work between two computer for my 4d and have had my end come right off and had to have it replaced with a new dongle. So I know have my dongle plugged into a removeable usb cord (it actually has four ports on it that call be used at the same time) its is really nice and I just remove the usb cord and my dongle never gets unplugged from it.

As far as your problem goes, hit the center button (which is next to the rotate button) to make sure patterns are in the center. If that doesn't work then you most likely do have a virus of some sort.

I have 3D and I come across the same problem now and again. Even if I made the hoop-size 500 x 500 mm it told me a 10 x 10 would not fit the hoop. But as soon as I open the design in Stitch editor it's OK (the problem only occurs in the basic 3D Embroidery part) and when I copy to the clipboard and go back to 3D Emb it's OK.

Unfortunately service on 3D has stopped at the release of 4D; the help desk in the Netherlands however usually is very helpful.

And just to be sure I have had my dongle permanently in a 4-port USB hub since I read a lot of warnings about removing the dongle and putting it back in on a regular basis.