How to convert DRM-protected WMAs to MP3

Now that nearly every popular online music store is selling a la carte tracks in the  unprotected MP3 format, it's  time to clean house and convert those legally-acquired-yet-unfortunately-DRM-saddled WMAs. Perhaps you shunned the iPod years ago but the appeal of the 3G iPhone is far more alluring, or maybe you just want all your music in one, universally-supported format. No matter what the reasons, conversion from a protected format to an unprotected one takes some effort. There are two ways to go about the process, and while neither is particularly complicated, it's always helpful to have some steps to follow. The first method is below, along with a link to the second.

One note before we begin: This tip is made to keep additional costs to you as low as possible, but if you have more than $50 worth of tracks to convert, I highly recommend investing in Replay Music. This software costs $40, but it'll be worth it if you have a large number of tracks to convert, as it automatically splits and tags the songs as you record. It can save you countless hours; plus, you can use it to record audio streams from other sources as well. Incidentally, all scenarios mentioned can be used for converting protected AACs, just use iTunes rather than Windows Media Player.

Option 1: Burn CDs and rerip (Link to Option 2)

Necessary equipment:

• Windows Media Player
• CD-RW drive
• Blank CD-Rs

1. Open Windows Media Player
2. Right-click anywhere on the frame of the WMP window and select Options, then select Rip Music
3. Select MP3 from the drop-down menu, deselect all the boxes below that, adjust the bit rate to your liking, and click OK
4. Click the Burn tab at the top of the screen
5. Insert blank CD-R into CD-RW drive
6. Select the files you want to convert from the library and drag them to the burn list pane
7. Click Start Burn
8. When the disc has finished burning, reinsert it into the drive
9. Click the Rip tab in WMP
10. Click Start Rip
11. Repeat steps 4 through 10 until all necessary files have been converted. (Note: later versions of WMP will automatically split long track listing into discs based on length, eliminating the need to repeat step 6.)