Lost Music

[Alathald]

I recently upgraded a computer from ME to XP and made sure to backup all the files. The install went great, everything works fine but when I go to play my music, WMP11 requests a license...when I click to download the license, I get license could not be found. Quite frustrating. Anyway, is there a way to recover my music without having to rip everything again? I've got a bad feeling I've hit the dreaded DRM issues that no one likes to talk about and if so, I apologize to the mods for bringing it up but I was hoping someone could help me out...

[KnightRid]

From - http://stream-recorder.com/forum/backup ... 281be7195d&

When you purchase DRM protected audio or video file such as song, music, audiobook, movie, etc from online store or content provider, you should always backup you DRM licenses to save your purchased files in case of a computer failure.

The licenses (media usage rights) are important component of Windows Media Player DRM in where it defines how the copy-protected file can be used, or the permission for where, when and how you can play the media.

If these DRM licenses are lost, you won't be able to playback the your copy-protected .WMA or .WMV files, that previously were playing without any problem. And your license issuer (like digital music service, online shop,...) can limit the amount of times you can re-acquire your licenses. It can also prohibit license re-acquisition.

So it is very important to backup Windows Media Player licenses all DRM protected content.

Please note that only Windows Media Player 7, 8, 9 and 10 supports license backup and restore feature. If you use WMP11, you can't use your Windows Media Player to backup you licenses.

Most digital music services suggests you to back up music by burning it to an audio CD or CDs (using Windows Media Player 11, Nero, ...) as they have no way to replace song and license files if they are lost.

Note that not all your licenses can be backed up. The backup rights can be denied by the online store where you bought the DRM protected file.

You can also use regular PC backup method to backup your DRM licenses.

How to backup licenses of DRM protected .WMV, .WMA Windows Media files
In Microsoft Windows Media Player, click on the Tools menu.
Click Manage Licenses in Windows Media Player 10, or click License Management in Windows Media Player 7-9.
To change the backup location, click Change, and then select a location where you want to store backup copies of your licenses.
Click Back Up Now.
If the backup step fails, try to delete the Drmv2.sst file that is located in the DRM folder on your hard disk, and then try to backup again. To locate the DRM folder on your hard disk, read the following thread:
Windows Media Player 10/11: How to determine IBX version (Windows XP).
Burn the backup copies to CD / DVD or copy to external USB flash drive, if necessary.

How to restore licenses of DRM protected .WMV, .WMA Windows Media files (Windows Media Player 7-10)
In Windows Media Player, click on the Tools menu.
Click Manage Licenses in Windows Media Player 10, or click License Management in Windows Media Player 7-9.
Select the location of the backup copies of your licenses. If you need to, insert the USB flash disk/memory key or floppy disk where your licenses are stored.
Make sure you're connected to Internet.
Click Restore Now.

Hope that helps.

Mike

[stev]

This is one BIG reason my son hates Windows Media Player 11.

" ... Please note that only Windows Media Player 7, 8, 9 and 10 supports license backup and restore feature. If you use WMP11, you can't use your Windows Media Player to backup you licenses. "

[Alathald]

Small Update: I'm almost done re-ripping all my music, I've ripped it all in Linux, to FLAC, and will make the folder read-only when done. Hopefully that'll fix any DRM issues

BTW, WMP11 has a FLAC plugin but its in beta so I'm using the FLAC plugin on WinAmp and RhythmBox in Linux. Seems to be going well...

[pavilion cooler]

i would of tried different software first, like nero or something free off download.com (c-net)
if you have 3GB or more of music i wouldn't waste the time

[Alathald]

Haha, I've already gone through about 58Gb and still have about half a case of CDs (50 maybe) to go so it's no big deal. Besides, I REALLY like SoundJuicer (CD ripper in Linux), a few of my CD's that skip really badly it has rip flawlessly.

I did try a few *whisper*DRMremovalprograms but none worked very well. And no I won't give out links as the mods would smite me faster than the hand of god.

Anyway, thanks again for explaining the evil that is DRM.

[Tech_Greek]

I found one REALLY GOOD DRM ripped...but I don't remember the name of it now - but basically to put it in perspective I could get a free fourteen day trial for WMP and URGE and rip the DRM off of a downloaded song (that wouldn't work after three days by default, once DRM ripped off it was a fully functional Mp3! )

[martini161]

coughbittorrentcough
thats what i do when i want to transer music, it makes me feel less guilty that i already own it though