UKC

Why, when I ask it to rip to MP3 format, wont it do it? It seems only to work in its default (.wma) set up.

I have just started the process of ripping my entire CD collection and would prefer it if it were all MP3 (really not that concerned about quality, since we dont own any amazing stereos/speakers).

Any ideas?

Since my only way of ripping cds is with the laptop from work, which Im unable to install any new programs on to, I am stuck with windows. I do have switch soundfile converter though, but it would be a pain to have to convert the all files!

In reply to goosebump:

Tools/Options/Rip Music/MP3

In reply to Ron Walker:

yes, obviously. But it then says it cant rip the CD. Any idea why?

In reply to goosebump:

It's possible to lock the skin on Windows media player and if ripping to MP3 is not available in that skin then you can't use it. This would be done using the Group policy editor or registry editor.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/164275-windows-media-player-set-lock-s...

The above is for Windows 7. You would need local admin rights to make any changes in either area.

In reply to goosebump:

When you first got your computer and started WMP, did you coose an option that allowed DRM to protect the copying of CD's?

Just a thought.

Media Monkey is very good

http://www.mediamonkey.com/

Many years ago I did the same thing with my CD collection and to be truthful I found the process to be time consuming. Yes its a doddle to RIP a CD. But then you have the laborius task of cleaning up all the tags and getting artwork.

I found the simplest method was to actually hunt down the albums that you own and download the MP3 files from a Torrent site. That way you get your albums and the tags in some sort of order to build up your library.

Many would say that this was illegal, which it is, but so is ripping a CD that you own under UK law.

In reply to The Lemming:

Hiya,
WMP somehow gains the track titles and artwork from the internet, as part the rip. Like magic!

In respect of your question, I chose the option that didnt protect things. I think

In reply to goosebump:

Try media monkey then. Its free and you've nothing to lose. It also hunts down tags for ripped tracks.

In reply to goosebump: use EAC, best ripper on the web and free.

In reply to goosebump:

Mine works fine as long as it's the default player and hasn't been hijacket by iTunes or some other media player!
You could try this K-lite codec pack as it'll allow media player to play everything including Mov and Real media files...
See http://www.free-codecs.com/K_Lite_Codec_Pack_download.htm

In reply to goosebump: To be fair, every MP3 player under the sun except Apple will recognise WMA files.

In reply to EeeByGum:

therein lies the rub.

Thanks everyone else for the suggestions - will have a proper look/digest/try out later.

In reply to goosebump:

I use sound juicer on Linux. This gets round all of the digital rights management, which allows you to back up all of your music, and put it on an MP3 player.

It will also get all of the artist and track listings automatically. I rip to MP3 at 320kbps, Ogg vorbis is a better format, but not all MP3 players can read it.

I don't really know anything about windows media player.

To get round the no installing software rule you could try a ubuntu live memory stick. http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/try-ubuntu-before-you-install

Then install sound juicer from linux

In reply to goosebump:

I've used Express Rip -- downloadable free software - when I've wanted to make a compilation CD filled with MP3 files that will play in the car. _ I dont possess a MP3 player - but the CD player in the car will play MP3 files.

I managed to pack something like 6 full albums onto a single CD.

Sadly, I've read your post properly and as you can't put the software onto your works computer you're stuffed - unless you've got a portable hard drive, install ExpressRip so that it runs from that drive and not directly from the laptop.

In reply to John1923:
I too did not read the bit about a works laptop. John1923's suggestion is your best bet as long as the laptop can boot from a USB stick.