Converting DRM Protected WMA to MP3 - How To
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There are a number of ways by which it is possible for the holder of a licensed WMA audio file to convert it to other formats for the “fair use” purpose of playing it on devices that do not support WMA or DRM. Many of these involve proprietary software designed for the purpose. However, it is easily possible to achieve the same thing using widely available free or mostly free software.
In this two part article I will outline two of the most common methods for doing this. Part one covers the CD conversion method, and in part two I will discuss the audio recording method. Each have their advantages and drawbacks, but knowledge of both is useful as one or the other will be more appropriate under any given set of circumstances.
CD Conversion
Burning a WMA file to a standard audio CD and then "ripping" the digital sound from the CD to the hard drive is probably the simplest conversion method between WMA and MP3 or some other unrestricted audio format. It might sound complicated, but it’s quite straightforward in practice, and modern PCs will have most of the tools required to do the job installed as standard.
However, there is one major restriction with this method, which is that it will only work with WMA files that are licensed for CD burning. Sadly, this is not the case with many files, so this method will often not work. However, when it does work, it is the recommended technique.
What you need:
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