[HEMI4ME?]

Originally Posted by 300TouringNproud

Hey Paul, I got your PM about this but thought I'd answer you here so everyone can know about this:

Protected AAC files (the kind Apple sells through iTunes music store) cannot be converted to MP3 files as they have Digital Rights Management software built in to dissallow playing files on computers that aren't authorized. Converting to MP3 would strip this software and so the DRM doesn't allow that either.

That being said, you are allowed to burn an audio CD (different from an MP3 CD) with these AAC files - that's "fair use". So, what you can do to get around the DRM software is burn a regular audio CD, then just import the songs back as MP3's off of said CD. It can be a pain in the butt with a ton of songs, but since you only have 17 I'd say do it. All you have to do is go into Preferences > Burning and click on Audio CD. Then make a playlist to burn, burn it, then import the tracks back again. Once finished, go back to Preferences > Burning and change it back to MP3 CD so you can burn as you were before.

I've tried to stay away from iTunes music store for this reason and others like only being able to download songs once (I've lost a couple of albums 'cause of that stupid rule), their poor selection and the fact that I like to have physical CD's in my CD case.

Wow, that is a smart idea. Thank you very much for that... I am trying it as we speak!