Transferring/Converting Protected WMAs

I purchased the new Natasha Bedingfield CD today. It has some write-protection on it that only allows me to upload it as a wma or atrac format. It made me close itunes in order to upload it. I tried but was unable to convert the uploaded WMAs into MP3 format via itunes for my ipod. This is bullcrap--I'm not doing anything illegal but I can't upload a this new CD that I bought onto my ipod. Anyone have any ideas how I can get these songs onto my ipod?

This problem is going to get worse before it gets better - if it does get better. I began thinking about this issue some months ago and decided on this strategy. I've written two form letters to send to artists and their label. One thanks the group for releasing a CD which does not contain DRM along with my promise to not share the contents of the CD. The other informs the artist that as a result of their releasing a CD which contains DRM I have not bought the CD and that I will not attend their concerts or in any other way support the group until they stop supporting DRM. A single voice in this fight means nothing but if large numbers of us take up this fight it might be affective.
It has been my experience that the DRM methods currently used are less than perfect - that is putting it mildly. Thus far I've been able to rip new CDs, including the new Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay on my Mac as well as my PC (running Linux). As a short term solution you may wish to invest in some Linux distro or find someone who owns a Mac.

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Transferring Overdrive protected WMA audiobooks to Nano

Hi, got a new nano to listen to audiobooks from the library.
Basic setup is
2013 Ipod Nano 16GB
Windows 8
ITunes 12.0.1.26
Overdrive 3.4.0.0
Windows Media Player 12.0.9600.17031
Windows Media Player DRM 2.9.0.1
Because the WMA files are DRM protected, I am unable to simply drag and drop to add them to my iTunes music library. I found lots of suggestions for how to add them to my iTunes at various public libraries, like this
and this
and this, which is on the official Overdrive site.
No joy.
I can verify that the files ARE transferred to the iPod--viewing the folder structure within the iPod Nano reveals the files as resting in the / directory. But the player's software and iTunes seem to be unaware of them, so they can't be played. The audiobook chapters don't appear under music, playlists, or audiobooks in the Nano. Just to make sure, we transferred some MP3 audiobook files to the Nano, and that worked fine.
The Overdrive Transfer dialog box (on the second screen, after having clicked Next once) has an Advanced Options button where one could change the directory to which the files are installed on the Nano. The default is /. Is there a better folder to save to so that the Nano recognizes the WMA files? One possibility--some of the instructions indicated that the WMA files would be converted to AAC files on the player--this didn't happen. Viewing the root directory of the player shows the files to be there in WMA format after using the Overdrive Media Console to transfer the files to the Nano. Perhaps this is a clue to what's going wrong?
We have the box checked in iTunes to Manually Manage the Music and Videos for the Nano, and the book we selected in Overdrive had a designation in the Digital Rights Information section as "Transfer to Apple® device: Permitted." I'm stumped; thanks in advance for any ideas.

Hi, got a new nano to listen to audiobooks from the library.
Basic setup is
2013 Ipod Nano 16GB
Windows 8
ITunes 12.0.1.26
Overdrive 3.4.0.0
Windows Media Player 12.0.9600.17031
Windows Media Player DRM 2.9.0.1
Because the WMA files are DRM protected, I am unable to simply drag and drop to add them to my iTunes music library. I found lots of suggestions for how to add them to my iTunes at various public libraries, like this
and this
and this, which is on the official Overdrive site.
No joy.
I can verify that the files ARE transferred to the iPod--viewing the folder structure within the iPod Nano reveals the files as resting in the / directory. But the player's software and iTunes seem to be unaware of them, so they can't be played. The audiobook chapters don't appear under music, playlists, or audiobooks in the Nano. Just to make sure, we transferred some MP3 audiobook files to the Nano, and that worked fine.
The Overdrive Transfer dialog box (on the second screen, after having clicked Next once) has an Advanced Options button where one could change the directory to which the files are installed on the Nano. The default is /. Is there a better folder to save to so that the Nano recognizes the WMA files? One possibility--some of the instructions indicated that the WMA files would be converted to AAC files on the player--this didn't happen. Viewing the root directory of the player shows the files to be there in WMA format after using the Overdrive Media Console to transfer the files to the Nano. Perhaps this is a clue to what's going wrong?
We have the box checked in iTunes to Manually Manage the Music and Videos for the Nano, and the book we selected in Overdrive had a designation in the Digital Rights Information section as "Transfer to Apple® device: Permitted." I'm stumped; thanks in advance for any ideas.

Converting protected WMA to unprotected

ok
so I have these songs I got from musicmatch jukebox.I tried converting them to a cd and them importing them but it didn't work.their is like a glitch.anyway I tried pressing start and getting my music folder,then transferring the musicmatch song to library on itunes, but a message popped up saying these songs are WMA protected.How can I make them......unprotected?

From musicmatch
http://wwws.musicmatch.com/faq/TDM007.htm
"How to download a track and burn it to CD
To download a track from Musicmatch Music Store and burn it to CD, please do the following:
- Locate the track you wish to purchase.
- Click the "Buy Track" button.
- Click the "Confirm" button to confirm your purchase.
The track will download and then be added to the Playlist window. To burn this track to a CD, please do the following:
- Insert a blank CD-R disc.
- Click on the "Burn" button on the Playlist window.
- Once Musicmatch Burner opens, select the type of CD you wish to create (Musicmatch Burner defaults to Audio CD).
- Click "Burn" to start the burn.
*Note: You must have an Internet connection to burn tracks downloaded from the Musicmatch Music Store to CD as a burn license must be obtained prior to burning. Additionally, tracks can be burned to CDs, but the same Playlist may only be burned up to five (5) times."

Cannot Convert protected WMA files

I'm new to iTunes. I have lots of songs I previously downloaded from Dell's MusicMatch. When I attempt to import them I get the error that they are proected WMA files and iTunes cannot convert them. How do I unprotect the files so I can import them? Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

Yes, you can change it in iTunes prefs.
Also, how do you suggest is the best way to bring songs over - I know if they are protected I need to burn them to a CD but can you drag, etc?
Once you burn them to an audio CD, import it as normal.
You'll probably have to edit the ID3 tags with all the info.

Transferring protected WMA audiobooks to iTunes/iPhone using OverDrive Media Console

Hi there,
My local library is now offering audiobooks. I have downloaded one, that went fine - I have the file and can listen to it. The problem is that I can't seem to transfer the WMA Audiobook to my iPhone using this software they provided (OverDrive Media Console), even though their website says that it can be transferred to apple devices (including my iPhone) and the library site says that this particular audiobook is permitted to be transferred to apple devices (including the iPhone).
When I try to Transfer using the OverDrive Media Console, I get this error:
"The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is not able to connect to iTunes. If you intend to transfer content to the iTunes Library and/or a supported Apple device, please note that iTunes v9.0.2 (or newer) is required. iTunes is available as a free download from Apple; visit http://www.apple.com/itunes/download to download iTunes. If your system meets this requirement, please close any open iTunes dialog boxes then attempt to transfer again."
I have read that others have had the problem, but there are few solutions emerging, from what I can see anyway.
I have went to this website (http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/indivsite) in my Internet Explorer browser and upgraded the Windows Media Player security version. OverDrive says my security upgrade version is 2.9.0.1.
My iTunes is up to date as far as I know. iTunes 10.4.0.80. Perhaps the recent update is something to do with this problem? I don't know. I am using Windows 7, and the OverDrive Media Console version is 3.2.0.5.
I have changed my iPhone settings to "Manually manage music and videos", as OverDrive requests this.
When I try to put these protected WMA Audiobook files into my Automatically Add to iTunes folder, I get an error message saying:
"One or more of the songs being added are in the protected WMA format, including the song "examplesongname01.wma", and could not be converted.
iTunes can only convert unprotected WMA songs. If you have the original CDs for these songs, you can import them using iTunes."
I have restarted iTunes, OverDrive Media Console, and my computer countless times. My home network sharing is turned off; I mention it as I saw someone had suggested that as a solution.
The two suggested solutions I haven't tried yet are:
- convert them to MP3
- uninstall and reinstall iTunes & OverDrive Media Console again.
I don't really want to uninstall iTunes. I have a lot of music and audiobooks; it takes half aday for iTunes to load them all up again. As for converting to MP3s; I don't know if this is legal. Plus, I don't know if these protected DRM files can be converted like that.
Ok, well I hope someone else was in the same boat & solved it. Otherwise it'd be a real shame if we couldn't get these protected WMA audiobooks onto our iPhones.
Hope you can help.
Thanks.

Once you have downloaded the audiobook to Overdrive Media (OMC), you need to connect the Apple device to which you wish to transfer the ebook, then use the transfer button on OMC. That converts it to an mp3 file. The ebook cannot be transferred to iTunes. iTunes is simply the medium used in the transfer to an Apple device. The tutorial below covers all the specifics.
Many libraries worldwide now use Overdrive Media Console, which comes in Mac an Windows versions http://www.overdrive.com/Software/omc . Some find the mobile device transfer process confusing. To load or delete a WMA or MP3 (Macs can only download MP3 books) audiobook onto an Apple mobile device see the "How to Transfer to a Portable Device" video in the guides at Step 7, then do the following.
1. For Windows versions, you must first do a security update of Windows Media Player (even though you won't be using it) using Internet Explorer at http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/indivsite .
2. Open iTunes, plug the mobile device into the computer USB port and open the Overdrive Media Console.
3. Highlight the mobile device in the left hand menu of iTunes and insure the "Manually manage music and videos" box is checked in the Summary Tab. If the mobile device storage is full, transfering will delete that portion of music necessary for the ebook.
4. Highlight the book you want to transfer in the Overdrive Media Console and click the Transfer Button. A window opens permitting you to click the boxes for parts of the book you wish to transfer.
5. After the book has been transfered, when you click the disclosure triangle (arrow) to the left of the iPod, iPhone, or iPad in the Device section of the left hand menu of iTunes, MP3 books will show up under the Music subsection and WMA books will show up in the Books subsection. Once the mobile device is disconnected from iTunes, MP3 books will show up in the Songs list of the mobile device and WMA books will show up in the Books list.
6. To remove a book from a mobile device plug the device into the USB port and open iTunes. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of your iPod, iPhone, or iPad in the Device section of the left hand menu of iTunes so that you can see the device’s subcontents. For an MP3 book select the Music subsection, right click on the book and choose Delete. For a WMA book, select the Book subsection, right click on the book and choose Delete.
7. The Overdrive Media Console Guided Tour (videos) is at http://www.overdrive.com/Solutions/Libraries/tour/MenuWelcome.html . The "Portable Devices" and "How to Transfer to a Portable Device" videos are there.
8. To find a nearby library for ebooks search http://search.overdrive.com . You can download the software, search for books and see tutorials without an account at the website of any library that uses Overdrive, however, you need a library card to download books. At this library site, for example, the software and guided tour are at the bottom of the left hand menu.
http://washoecounty.lib.overdrive.com/539A4B98-B41A-49DE-8EC1-A22F66E4C0F6/10/41 9/en/default.htm .

Possible to convert DRM protected WMA files to mp3?

I've been attempting to find a relatively simple way of converting DRM-protected WMA files to mp3 using my Mac and can't seem to find anything. Surely somebody must have figured this out by now. I can convert non-DRM WMA files to mp3 using EasyWMA, but this does not work for WMA files with DRM protection.
I want to purchase songs from the 7digital store that are in the WMA format and have DRM protection, convert them to MP3 on my iMac, and then import them into iTunes. Seems like it shouldn't be that hard.
Any suggestions?

iTunes Windows will convert non-DRM tunes into .mp3. If you have iTS purchases that have DRM you can burn them to an audio format CD as AIFF file format.
Check the terms of use and see what your options are for converting them to another format. With iTunes the path is to burn an audio CD. See if that is possible with the wma DRM.
Likely in your case you are trying to crack DRM outside the original terms of use when you purchased the tunes.
MJ

Converting protected (DRM) WMA files

alright: so i got a song online from the [Ballyhoo Music Store|http://www.ballyhoomusic.com/P-1999999339/C-1999998609/eChannel.isl], but the only format it was available in was a protected (DRM) WMA file. i didn't read that it wasn't compatible with iTunes until afterword, so after i downloaded it i tried to import it into iTunes. however, iTunes said that the file needed to be converted to AAC. but, since it's a protected WMA file, iTunes couldn't convert it. Is there a way for me to get iTunes to be able to convert this???
also, while searching online, i found [this method|http://uk.geocities.com/thetomcatslair/Entertainment/DRM/drm.html] to removing the DRM from a WMA file, which, although lengthy, is supposed to help preserve much of the audio quality. however, this method requires Windows Media Player 9, and i have Window Media Player 11. I was able to uninstall WMP 11, but that just took me back to WMP 10. from there, i couldn't figure out how to uninstall WMP 10 to get to WMP 9 - WMP 10 didn't appear in the "add/remove programs" list - even when i chose to "show updates." so, as another part of this post, is there a way for me to get back to WMP 9???
thanks in advance!!!

It is against the forum term of use to discuss evading DRM
http://discussions.apple.com/help.jspa#terms
However terms of use of your protected track may allow you to burn it onto and audio CD in WMP - which you could then use as you would any audio CD.

Zen Nano Plus won't play MP3, can't convert to WMA, tried new firmw

Help!
I have just reloaded the firmware (and all my music) onto my Zen Nano Plus and it didn't fix my problem.
I have mostly .wma files and they play fine. I have tried to load .mp3 files but my player just skips them. I tried using the Organizer software to convert the .mp3 files to .wma files and it says they are converted but I get about min of each song and that's it.
So I don't know why I can't play .mp3 files and I also don't know why the .mp3's can't be fully converted to .wma's.
Can anyone help?Thanks in advance,Marci

Wave files will only play by tricking the player into thinking that they are wav files created by the voice recorder. Put wav file into a folder called Recorded Tracks and see if it plays. This will at least see if it will play something. How did you transfer your files?Try ripping a CD to wma files using MediaSource or Windows Media Player - sometimes the firmware gets in a twist and will play mp3s but not wmas, or vice versa. The solution to that is to reload the firmware - go to the Support->Downloads link at the top of the page to get the latest firmware for your player. Protected songs (wma files with DRM) need to be transferred using WMP or MediaSource to transfer the license across, but mp3 files can be drag'n'dropped in Windows Explorer. A protected song without a license will give the symptoms you detail. As it's duff from the start you might just want to take it back - but it's worth trying the firmware reload first to save you some bother. PB

Protected WMA to ZEN

Hello,
I have purchased some WMA music that is protected with DRM.
I have the creative zen 4gb that can officially play protected WMA, but how do I do that?
I'm trying using WMP to synchronize music but with those files I just get "Error" and the files are not even transferred they just don't start to.
What's the process

The MSN Music store stuff should be Plays for Sure I would think but as for the other stuff I'm not sure. You might have to look at the license off the MSN Music store to make it what you bought is allowed to be transfered to a different device. I've never bought music from there so I'm not sure. The other solution might be if it allows you to burn the tracks to a CD, playable in a CD player, then you can just rip those tracks onto your computer without any DRM.

Convert protected music files: How do i convert them.

Reading plenty of info from about 5 years ago. what is the best way to convert protected files?

Apple - iTunes - Match

Protected wma

Our library has a service that allows people to download audiobooks for about 2 weeks (it's the online equivalent to checking out paper books). However, the format is protected WMA -- no other options are available. It turns out that iTunes can't import protected WMA, making this service useless for iPod owners (and creating incentives to purchase players that aren't made by Apple).
Is there any chance that iTunes will be able to import protected WMA in the future? I'm seriously thinking about giving up on Apple.

Chris CA wrote:
Apple has not stated anything but I seriously doubt it.They would need to license the wma codec from Microsoft.
You should contact your library and tell them you want your tax dollars used in a reasonable manner to support the most sold mp3 player.
I figured the odds were minimal, but this whole DRM thing is not being handled very well. I can contact the digital media provider (OverDrive, Inc.), but I'm pretty sure where that will get me. The relevant portion of their faq reads:
"OverDrive, along with hundreds of online digital media providers, is hopeful that Apple and Microsoft can reach an agreement that would enable support for Microsoft-based DRM-protected materials on the iPod, iPhone, and Mac."
In the meantime, we continue to suffer from interoperability problems caused by incompatible DRM implementations. Personally, I like Apple's products, but not so much that I'm willing to forgo this kind of content.

Converting a WMA format to MP3 format

Hello, how are you.
How can I convert a WMA Format to MP3 Format using iTunes 7.0.1?
I could do that conversion when I used iTunes 6, Why now not?.
Thank you, so much.
Have a good day.
-HREsquivelO

Did you ever get an answer to your question about converting wma files?
I received some promotional free downloads from a contest and when I downloaded them, they are all wma and I can not get them into my itunes. I click the button that says "convert" when prompted, but then it says it is illegal or something to convert it.

Is there an audible loss of quality when converting from WMA to MP3/AAC?

Just wondering when I convert my WMA files to MP3 or AAC using EasyWMA, iTunes for WIndows, Switch or whatever, will there be an audible loss of quality in the conversion?
Thanks.

There is always an audio quality degradetion while converting a compressed file from one codec to another. It may not be significant for everybody tough.
To avoid this degradation, you should compress your file from the original instead of passing from one codec to another.

Converting a wma file (windows media audio) to a Mp3 file for iTunes.

I copied all of my music from my external harddrive that i have had for a long time now onto my MacBook. Some of the files were wma while most were Mp3. is there anyway that i can convert the files on my mac to make them mp3 and playable on my itunes and put on my nano. I have tried many times to add the songs to my library and then convert them, but they don't appear in my library but they still play when i use quicktime.

The files play in Quicktime likely because you have the Flip4Mac plugin installed. As for iTunes, it doesn't support WMA files, so they won't be imported.
You can try EasyWMA to convert the WMA files to MP3, M4A, or WAV. I have not tried this program, though.
Hope this helps,
-Ryan

Play protected WMA files

I know I can't put them on my iPod but I can't get a WMA file to play at all that my daughter needs to listen to for school. I've downloaded Windows Media Player 9 it can't open the file, I have flip4mac which won't work. Is there any way to play this on a Mac? Or do I need windows?

Paul and Cander are correct; there has never been a solution for playing protected WMA files under any version of Mac OS. Sorry, but the only way to get such files to play on a Mac would be to use a Windows system to burn the track to an audio CD, if the service from which you got the track allows that to be done.

Transferring/Converting Protected WMAs

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