WMA files, also known as Windows Media Audio files, usually come with Digital Rights Management, or DRM, restrictions attached. These files can only be played on authorized computers when the buyer owns the rights to play them. These rights-protected files cannot always be played on other media devices, however, so a conversion process is needed to make them playable on whatever device or player you own. As long as you legally own the songs and the rights attached to them, you can convert a rights-protected file into a non-protected MP3 format.
Instructions
1. Open your preferred CD burning software and insert the rights-protected files you'd like to convert. Depending on the software, you can open the files in the burn pane or drag and drop them from another folder into the pane. You can also reorder the files in the pane as necessary.
You must obtain the rights for all files you're trying to convert. If the software cannot find the rights on your computer, it will prompt you to download them from the Internet. In some cases, they might already be free, but in others you might have to pay for the rights. Remember that the software will not burn anything until it makes contact with the digital rights on your computer.
2. Insert your disc of choice (CD-R or CD-RW) into the computer's CD drive. Wait for the software to recognize the CD, and press the "burn" button or command to start transferring your songs. Close out of any other applications, including Internet browsers, email management software and games, beforehand, as they can hinder the quality of the burn process.
When the process is complete, the software usually ejects the disc by default. If it doesn't, manually eject the disc when prompted by the software that it is finished.
3. Put the disc back into the computer and open the ripping software. Navigate to the "Options" menu underneath the "Rip" tab to specify the type of format (such as MP3), the quality file you desire (such as "medium," "good" or "best") and the folder where the songs should be ripped and saved. Press the "Rip" command and again, do not have any other programs open while this process is running.
Your new MP3 files will be rights-free, so you'll be able to burn them to disc or use them on any media player or device.
4. If you opted for burning onto a CD-RW, you can now erase it by opening up your file explorer, right-clicking on the disc drive letter and selecting "erase."
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