Copy-protected CDs

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Copy-protected CDs

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Q: I have a few CDs which I cannot import into iTunes. These CDs, such as Zero 7’s second album, will only play on my PC through their own players. Is there anyway I can load the songs from those CDs onto iTunes and then onto my iPod?

- Karen

A: It sounds like you have some of the dreaded “copy-protected” CDs, designed to prevent you from doing anything other than listen to them in a home stereo. (You may find that some of these CDs won’t work in a car stereo either.) There’s no way to get around this, other than paying attention when you buy CDs to make sure that they are not copy-protected… or hunting on Google for the tricks that people have used to extract the tracks, such as using magic markers on the discs. Unfortunately, disc copy protection is generally only indicated in very small print, so it’s an unpleasant surprise for many people, and incompatible with the way iPod owners are legally enjoying the music they’ve purchased.

Kirk McElhearn is the author of several books including iPod & iTunes Garage. His blog, Kirkville features articles about the iPod, iTunes, Mac OS X and much more.

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Comments

1

I’ve found that to rip copy-protected CD’s using iTunes, you just do the following (on a PC):
1) Start-up iTunes
2) Make sure that it’s started and has the focus (click on the header bar to make sure)
3) Put the CD in.
Every copy protected CD I own has been read by iTunes by following these steps…

Posted by padsbrother on May 27, 2005 at 1:45 AM (PST)

2

Re copy-protected CDs…

I’ve had varying experiences. On Mac, I’ve been able to rip some copy-protected CDs, which mount as two sessions. Others, however, have totally frozen one of my Macs, and the only way to get out was to force a restart and use a paper clip to eject the CD before the startup.

I think it depends on the type of copy-protected CD; there are several systems in use. However, it seems that the record companies are slowly realizing that it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

Posted by Kirk McElhearn on May 27, 2005 at 4:45 AM (PST)

3

Is it normal for the mini ipod to have a loose wheel? Mine moves quite a bit…Should I have it checked out? Thanks a lot, I’m a little freaked out….

Posted by Ilovethere4iam on May 27, 2005 at 2:15 PM (PST)

4

Why does my ipod lock when i insert my earphones?

Posted by jolie on May 28, 2005 at 10:00 PM (PST)

5

Hey.

I got a 3rg Generation ipod off a friend of mine. When i went to configure it it told me to restore the ipod. When i did it said the restoration had not worked. Now i cant do anything with my ipod. Everytime i try to charge it, turn it on, or plug it in to my computer the apple logo comes up followed but a picture of a file (think the icon for file on your PC) and then nothing happens. I dont have the manual as my friend lost it. Does anyone know what to do? Im in desparate need of help!

Thanks

Posted by babe_with_brains_121 on May 29, 2005 at 12:23 PM (PST)

6

i got an ipod mini but i haven’t done my first charge yet so can anyone tell me if ican charge it with my computer off. I have a compaq and my optival mouse always seems to on even with my computer off. So since its powered does it mean i can leave my computer off for the BIG CHARGE. PLEASE HELP MEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by miguel350z on May 29, 2005 at 4:54 PM (PST)

7

Why does itunes put the artists as two diffenrnt ones.

Posted by poolboy305 in huuricane,wv on May 30, 2005 at 10:55 AM (PST)

8

In response to Mori’s question, go to

http://www.ipod-wizard.net

it is a program that allows you to alter the firmware updater for the iPod, so when you update using it, the pictures, fonts and strings the iPod can be changed.

There is a community forum on the site with hundereds of people who will be able to give you a helping hand if you need it, good luck

Posted by Baby-G in England on May 31, 2005 at 7:37 AM (PST)

9

HELP!!!
I upgraded the iPod to 4.8, now it synch or even show my 20GB iPod when I plug it into the computer.
What do I do? I am using a Windows based PC (Windows XP).
Yikes!
Thanks for all help.
e

Posted by shoozdiva on May 31, 2005 at 6:50 PM (PST)

10

HELP!!!
Sorry this should read:

I upgraded the iPod to 4.8, now it WON’T synch or even show my 20GB iPod (ON SCREEN) when I plug it into the computer.
What do I do? I am using a Windows based PC (Windows XP).
Yikes!
Thanks for all help.
e

Posted by shoozdiva on June 1, 2005 at 4:02 AM (PST)

11

Hi,

I bought a 20GB iPod 5 days ago. After running OK for only a couple of days it suddenly seems to have battery problems, namely: I charge it overnight, listen on my way to work in the morning, and when time comes at the end of the day to listen on the way home it seems there’s no power. Any ideas?

Posted by ToneD on June 2, 2005 at 11:26 PM (PST)

12

Hi, got a new 20gb ipod. But my notebook (dell -also new)does not recognize my ipod. So i cant get my music from itunes to my ipod. What to do, any suggestions?

Posted by duder on June 3, 2005 at 2:34 AM (PST)

13

In response to Nancy’s question (full HD). What I’m doing is burning MP3 CDs with iTunes, then delete the files from the HD and then add the CD as a folder into iTunes.

Next time iTunes tries to read the track and doesn’t find it, it will put the ! mark next to it but when you want to reload the track into your iPod, just load the CD with the it, drag and drop. Easy.

Posted by ceppm on June 26, 2005 at 1:04 PM (PST)

14

HELP!!!
I have the latest version of iTunes (v6) and it won’t open…I’ve tried uninstalling it and QuickTime, but alas it makes no difference…it says that “iPodService.exe” is running in my task manager, but it won’t pull up iTunes…it’s never done this before and it’s really beginning to get on my nerves…if anyone could please help me with my situation I would grately appreciate it.

GamecockJC3

Posted by GameocckJC3 on December 27, 2005 at 12:10 AM (PST)

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