Back up CD music files by converting them to MP3s.
If you like to listen to your CD library while you're working on the computer but don't want to have to change CDs all the time, you can convert your CDs' CDA files to MP3s and store them on your computer. This is also a good way to back up CDs. CDA files are really just pointers to the music and aren't actual files you can copy. They are merely files created by the computer's CD drivers that point to the location of a track. MP3 is a file type that uses compression to save space.
Instructions
1. Make space on your computer for your files. When you convert files from CDA, you are copying data from its location on the disk, converting it to the new format and storing it somewhere else. This process is commonly referred to as "ripping." On average, you'll probably need about 1 megabyte for every minute of music you want to store.
2. Choose a converter. To rip CD music into the MP3 format, you need a software program. ITunes or Windows Media Player are available for free, but there are dozens of other free programs.
3. Open the converter program and double-check the settings. Whatever program you use, you will need to look for settings or options to let you specify that you want to add new files using the MP3 format. In iTunes, find the settings by going to "Edit," then "Preferences" and clicking on "Import Settings." In Windows Media Player, click on the "Organize" dropdown menu, then "Options" and go to the Rip Music tab.
4. Copy the files. Open the converter program if it isn't open already, and put the music CD into a CD drive. In both iTunes and Windows Media Player, the tracks on the CD will appear automatically. Convert the entire CD, or select individual tracks by removing the checkmark beside the ones you don't want to rip. In iTunes, copy and convert the files to MP3 by selecting "Import CD." In Windows Media Player, choose "Rip CD."
Related posts
Convert Yahoo Jukebox to WMAYahoo Music Jukebox offers users the ability to play music, organize songs into playlists and purchase downloadable music files from Yahoo's LAUNCHcast website. It also...
Convert VOB Files to Media PlayerVideo Object Files, or VOB files, are commonly found in DVDs. VOB files combine a video file with an audio file to produce a movie or video that plays in your DVD...
Transferring your CDs to MP3 format is easier than you may think.Let's face it, CDs are becoming a thing of the past and if you've got an MP3 player you may be wondering if you'll have to start fr...
You have to convert your CD songs before listening to them on an MP3 player.Digital music, a blissfully flexible medium, can be enjoyed most anywhere. In order to listen to...
How Do I Save Music As MP3 Files?Saving music files has become a process as easy as brushing one's teeth. Say you want to save all your music files to a certain format, such as an MP3 file, then t...
