You need software to view any embroidery design on a computer. What did you use on your old computer?

Hi, I have a Brother Innovis 1500 and I use to view "My Editor" which is a Free software. It probably can not do all the other things like professional software. But it is ok to view the design and to get an idea about the color changes and what will be sewed. you can also basic "cut and paste" things in the designs and File/Save as to another .pes file

http://www.sandscomputing.com/id47.html has ''sewIconz"and Embrilliance has "Thumbnailer" for buying. I use Thumbnailer and it costs $39--LOVE it.
Also there is FREE Tajima Pulse Ambassador. It reformats, changes thread colors, ...I like it for the simulated stitch out...think it's called draw ribbon? There is an old free viewer of pes at http://www.sharewareconnection.com/thumbnail-viewer.htm. I used this when I was starting out, but I don't know if it is compatible w/Win7...you could look and see.

I have 7pro, and have SewIconz. So great to just go through folders and see what's in them. It let's you see into zipped files, as long as the designs are not in a folder there. Unzipped, you can open a panel on the right side of the screen, and see a larger image of the file selected. And when you click on one of the files, it gives you the size, stitches and # of colors in that design. Worth $25?, you bet.
And I have SewWhat Pro , also from Sands, that edits-converts, recolors, resizes, lets you combine designs, make names....and more. That's $65, I think.
The ABSOLUTE BEST support system going in the yahoo group, join that, and ask ?? of them. It is a constantly evolving software, changing to meet the needs of the users-just ask and the developers are right on it. No paying for "upgrades". There are trial versions of the programs so you can see just what you will get.
They also have some other programs to help, I don't have them,. but you can read all about them onsite. These programs get my vote.
So sorry about your husband, I know all about that loss, and creating with the embroidery machine is a good pastime. I have a Babylock Ellegante.
Jo

I recently got Windows7 and am disappointed in the way they changed folder views. In XP, you could see the icons on the folders without opening the folder up. If this happens to you, don't be surprised. So far, I have not found a program that will fix it. I can still see icons when I open the folder, just not before anymore.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Some things in life are difficult to cope with.

Embird and maybe sew what pro. Like both. But I don't have 7. Lord, dread the day my XP takes a final breath. And don't expect it to long off. Got this little netbook for backup. But ..................

You need some embroidery software. I have three different brands on my old PC and my new PC which has Windows 8.
There are always changes with how a newer version looks, but you CAN change the settings to suit you.
You can download these to view your PES files for free
http://www.wilcom.com/en-us/products/truesizerproducts.aspx
https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Products-us/BERNINA-products/Software/BERNINA-embroidery-software/ArtLink-Seven-6
http://www.drawstitch.com/index.php/Downloads/my_editor/ I haven't used this one as I haven't been able to find it before. :-)
AND there were heaps more on my google search, couldn't find another one that I use!!
or you can buy Thumbnailer from http://embrilliance.com/products/embrilliance-thumbnailer if you live in Australia you can buy it from http://www.echidnaclub.com.au/ as they post you a CD.