iTunes: Convert/Format "Protected" Song Files?

[Amie]

I'm trying to convert/format song files from my iTunes library from their original MP4 format to MP3 so that my friend's old PC can open the files (he can't open MP4s). This is not a problem with most songs in my library as I've imported them from my own CDs. However, iTunes won't let me convert/format any songs that I've purchased from the iTunes Music Store because these songs are "protected." Is that final, or is there some way around this?...

[ElDiabloConCaca]

Nope, that's part of the license for a protected file -- circumventing the protection is illegal, and converting a protected file bit-for-bit to an unprotected file is circumventing the protection.

What version of Windows is your friend running? If it's a modern Windows version, he might be able to install iTunes for Windows, and then you could "authorize" his computer to play your songs... you can authorize up to 5 computers to play a single protected song:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93014

You can also burn the protected MP4 songs to a CD in Audio CD format, then re-import them into iTunes in an unprotected format, but you suffer quality loss by doing this.

[Amie]

Thanks very much, ElDiabloConCaca!

OK, I just have to ask: Now I'm not real fluent in Spanish but ... does your screen name translate to English as: The Devil With Sh*t??? I swear that's what it means, if I'm recalling Spanish 101 correctly. LOL

[ElDiabloConCaca]

Heh... I prefer "The Devil With Poop" but it's actually "El Diablo Con Queso" -- I was just one letter too long with that name and was scrambling for a decent four-letter spanish word (instead of "Queso") and that just came out.

Either way, they both kinda roll off the tongue, no?

[Amie]

Con queso? Wouldn't that be: with cheese? Doesn't queso mean cheese?

[ElDiabloConCaca]

Yes, yes it does.

The name came from a Mexican wrestler we saw on Univision, the local Spanish-language channel. It just sounded like a good nickname for him... hehe...

[scruffy]

Actually circumventing copy protection may well not be illegal if you're not in the USA - check your local laws.

In the States, it probably is illegal - a separate question there is whether the laws under which it is illegal, are themselves constitutional.

[ElDiabloConCaca]

True, but you'd still be breaking the license agreement, which is illegal in most places.