Carolyn, there will be more comments and suggestion from others, but for now, this is my method:
I created a folder on the hard drive (c) for the downloads, remembering the name given to the folder so when I download I can save to the correct folder.
I keep a back-up of the designs on a flash drive and update very time I edit or add a design.
You can open, view, edit and convert if needed with CX.
No matter which Windows operating system you are using, it does not recognize ME formats, hence the need for CX or similar software.
If Vista is not the original OS you used when you first got CX, you may (or may not) need an update for your version of CX.
Install CX and open a file to see if it is working OK with Vista.
Pattiann