[Tutorial] Zune DRM removal [Archive] - Audio/video stream recording forums

swooshycueb

10-17-2010, 11:49 AM

Note: This tutorial is made as if the user was starting with a fresh 32bit XP SP3 installation.

NOTE: This tutorial will give you IBX 11.0.5497.6285

All the files you need are here: http://www.multiupload.com/RL9D5CCLOT

dotnetfx.exe
DR.7z
dw20shared.msi
MP10Setup.exe
windowsxp-kb915865-v11-x86-enu.exe
windowsxp-kb932716-v2-x86-enu.exe
windowsxp-kb932716-v2-x86-enu.exe
wmfdist11.exe
wmp11.exe
zune-x86.msi

Before beginning, individualize your system.

Install Zune 4.2
In order to strip the DRM from wmas downloaded from Zune, we must first partially install the Zune player. We cannot use the installer from the site because it will install Windows Media Format Runtime with IBX 11.0.6001.8015. Start out by installing the .NET framework using the dotnetfx.exe, then move on to KB915865-v11 and KB932716-v2.

NOTE: At this point, if you are running XP in Windows Virtual PC, you will need to copy the msi files to the VM and disable the integration features.

Next up is the Microsoft Application Error Reporting MSI. Install dw20shared.msi.
Now we're ready to install the Zune media player. Install zune-x86.msi.

NOTE: Integration features can be re-enabled now.

The Zune media player is now installed, but it does not work. In order to make it work, we must update WMP to 11 beta 2.

Install WMP
NOTE: You might want to disable any internet connection until WMP11b2 is working.

In order to make sure we're not missing any components, we will install WMP10 first. Go ahead and run MP10Setup.exe. Once setup is complete, we will update to WMP11b2. Run wmfdist11.exe and wmdbexport.exe. Now run wmp11.exe.

Try opening WMP to make sure that everything is working, then re-enable your internet. You may now open Zune, download your songs, and use your favorite method of stripping DRM.

NOTE: It is IMPERATIVE that you DO NOT UPDATE ANY Windows Media components OR Zune.
As well, try to avoid any Microsoft products with the word "Driver" in the name.

~Swooshy

MS has released Zune 4.7. Updated tutorial coming soon.

swooshycueb

10-17-2010, 12:10 PM

I would have simply edited my previous post, but there seems to be no edit button. 'Tis life.

Note: This tutorial is made as if the user was starting with a fresh 32bit XP SP3 installation. x64 package available upon request.

NOTE: This tutorial will give you IBX 11.0.5497.6285

All the files you need are here: http://www.multiupload.com/LPKDX1S9RU (244.16 MB) HUGE FILE ALERT!

dotnetfx.exe
DR.7z
dw20shared.msi
MP10Setup.exe
windowsxp-kb915865-v11-x86-enu.exe
windowsxp-kb932716-v2-x86-enu.exe
wmdbexport.exe
wmfdist11.exe
wmp11.exe
zune-firmware.msi
zune-x86.msi
zunewmdu-x86.msi

NOTE: If you are updating from my earlier 4.2 tutorial, all you need to do is install zune-x86.msi first, then zune-firmware.msi and zunewmdu-x86.msi.

Before beginning, individualize your system.
You can do this by visiting http://services.wmdrm.windowsmedia.com/indivSite/en/indivit.asp in Internet Explorer.

Install Zune 4.7
In order to strip the DRM from wmas downloaded from Zune, we must first partially install the Zune player. We cannot use the installer from the site because it will install Windows Media Format Runtime with IBX 11.0.6001.8015. Start out by installing the .NET framework using the dotnetfx.exe, then move on to KB915865-v11 and KB932716-v2.

NOTE: At this point, if you are running XP in Windows Virtual PC, you will need to copy the msi files to the VM and disable the integration features.

Next up is the Microsoft Application Error Reporting MSI. Install dw20shared.msi.
Now we're ready to install the Zune media player. Install zune-x86.msi first, then zune-firmware.msi and zunewmdu-x86.msi.

NOTE: Integration features can be re-enabled now.

The Zune media player is now installed, but it does not work. In order to make it work, we must update WMP to 11 beta 2.

Install WMP
NOTE: You might want to disable any internet connection until WMP11b2 is working.

In order to make sure we're not missing any components, we will install WMP10 first. Go ahead and run MP10Setup.exe. Once setup is complete, we will update to WMP11b2. Run wmfdist11.exe and wmdbexport.exe. Now run wmp11.exe.

Try opening WMP to make sure that everything is working, then re-enable your internet. You may now open Zune, download your songs, and use your favorite method of stripping DRM.

NOTE: It is IMPERATIVE that you DO NOT UPDATE ANY Windows Media components OR Zune.
As well, try to avoid any Microsoft products with the word "Driver" in the name.
If Microsoft updates Zune, I'll try to have an updated tutorial here within the month.

~Swooshy

placebo

10-17-2010, 01:14 PM

i've changed my mind. i wont do any testing of zune downloading and un'DRMing. i spent nuff time with such things for almost 2 months (with RHDY and NAPS. extremely prolific and intense) and it's time to do something else.., for example, resting and recovering :D

may someone else test the given instructions and report, thx!

swooshycueb

10-17-2010, 01:24 PM

The two XP updates are just updates provided in the MS Zune package. I'm not sure what they do, but Zune needs them for one reason or another. The DR.7z contains FU4WM, FU4WMCommander, and a blackbox key analyzer. Just something I thought I'd sneak in there. Individualization info added.

EDIT:
KB932716-v2: Image Mastering API v2.0 (IMAPIv2.0) update package
KB915865-v11: XmlLite update package

placebo

10-18-2010, 05:58 AM

thanks swooshy. the difficult part after all is to acquire a zune pass (US$14.99/month, or a zune trial pass FREE/14days) and to run a WindowsXP system (= over 11 years old!).

Many boardies dont live in the States or use modern operating systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 beta).

swooshycueb

10-18-2010, 07:36 PM

Everything included in the 7z is needed to sync to a Windows 7 phone. Additionally, I will be including another hotfix soon to get rid of an error some have in some VMs.

EDIT: Scratch that, I just forgot to install WMP11b2 in the VM.

If you need any Zune language packs, let me know.

EDIT2: That WASN'T the problem. New pack pending as soon as I figure this out.

EDIT3: No new pack needed.

IF YOU GET AN ERROR SIMILAR TO THE FOLLOWING:
Zune has encountered a critical error and needs to close
Reisntall WMF! If you still have problems, use the media collection reset tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyId=86B2A33D-9BF8-45F6-89FF-B9A6236AA37D&displaylang=en

As well, the security updates for multiple versions of WMF are safe, and so is the WMDRM device update.

placebo

10-21-2010, 03:21 PM

the advantages of Microsoft's Zune Marketplace (Zune Pass) [from now on: MZMP] in comparison with NAPS/RHDY are:

+ the downloads (DRM-protected 192kbps *.wma) are extremely fast. 2 tracks at a time are being downloaded. with a DSL6000 line, all the 750kB/s bandwith is used up. amazing! (NAPS total speed is 220kB/s)

+ the downloads are corruptionfree. NAPS has ~10% corrupted *.wma files which need to be identified(!) with your own checking method/strategy and then re-downloaded (and re-checked) ((and re-redownloaded if corrupted again!)).

+ the downloads are fully tagged. if NAPS tracks are tagged in 5 fields, MZMP tracks are tagged in 10(!) fields, including the important "Disc#"-tag field!

+ the downloads are named such that the file name includes and is preceded by the track number (similar to RHDY downloads but unlike NAPS!)

+ restricted tracks (e.g. "Album Only" tracks) cannot be downloaded with zune.exe but can be played online (=streaming listening) in full-length. In NAPS, only 30sec-previews are possible.

+ restricted tracks (e.g. "Album Only" tracks) (or any other streaming audio track!) can be downloaded in full-length with our default method (see www.stream-recorder.com). MZMP streams audio tracks in Windows Media Audio format, ~126kbps (i.e. not exactly 128kbps), with integrated DRM-protection. Use the default method to un'DRM these LQ-WMA tracks.

+ NAPS has badly posted albums (sloppy editorial work by TEAM NAPS) with missing tracks, wrong track numbers, all cluttered, all mixed and confused, and missing tracks (again) [sic!]. MZMP albums are all 'posting-error-free', seems like. If you can remember the NAPS-album which you didnt download because it was posted bad on NAPS, then you can get it thru a immaculate impeccable posting on/from MZMP.

+ the software is super modern, fast and efficient. and looks great. you can watch all dvd's, tv shows, movies online (but not download!), connect to Zune devices, XBOX, XBOX360, and other (future) Microsoft products and services, see wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune).

the disadvantages of MZMP are:

+ the software ;)

+ the subscription price :eek:

swooshycueb

10-21-2010, 06:38 PM

the advantages of Microsoft's Zune Marketplace (Zune Pass) [from now on: MZMP] in comparison with NAPS/RHDY are:

[...]

+ the downloads are fully tagged. if NAPS tracks are tagged in 5 fields, MZMP tracks are tagged in 10(!) fields, including the important "Disc#"-tag field!The Zune's tagging system is not without its flaws. Once a song is marked as a podcast, it is extremely hard to get it back into the music section. Changes made to metadata within the Zune software do not immediately take effect. The 5-star rating system is replaced with the "hearts" system, which is set by default to be a per user setting, so this is never written to the file. If set to use global ratings, the ratings are written to the file, but not in any way that any other media player can deciper. MS claims that the ratings are not written to the file even in global mode, but I can say from experience that this is not true.+ the downloads are named such that the file name includes and is preceded by the track number (similar to RHDY downloads but unlike NAPS!)By default, these downloads are stored in [UserMusicDirectory]\Zune\[Artist]\[Album]\ if purchased, [UserMusicDirectory]\Zune\Subscription\[Artist]\[Album] if downloaded via Zune Pass, and [UserMusicDirectory]\Zune\Zune Temporary Music\[Artist]\[Album] if downloaded through a subscribed channel. This can be changed, but the "Zune Temporary Music" and "Subscription" folders will still be inside whichever folder you select as your download location. Sometimes, the Zune software will ignore the User-defined download location and save to the default one anyway. What causes this is unknown.[...]

+ restricted tracks (e.g. "Album Only" tracks) (or any other streaming audio track!) can be downloaded in full-length with our default method (see www.stream-recorder.com). MZMP streams audio tracks in Windows Media Audio format, ~126kbps (i.e. not exactly 128kbps), with integrated DRM-protection. Use the default method to un'DRM these LQ-WMA tracks.I was not aware of this, thanks for shaing![...]

+ the software is super modern, fast and efficient. and looks great. you can watch all dvd's, tv shows, movies online (but not download!), connect to Zune devices, XBOX, XBOX360, and other (future) Microsoft products and services, see wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune).The current Zune software can also connect to Kin phones and Windows 7 Phones. Most bugs in previous versions of the software have been worked out. (It used to SUCK) Now playing mode is still a bit heavy on the memory and graphics, but it can be disabled.the disadvantages of MZMP are:

+ the software ;)Yes, the software IS required to use the Zune services and to sync a Zune, and it has no version for any OS other than Windows.+ the subscription price :eek:I've heard rumors that they will be lowering the price . . . :cool:

placebo

10-22-2010, 08:15 AM

Album Only tracks

Some "Album Only" tracks can be streamed/played in full-length, some are available in 30secs preview, and some can't be previewed: it doesnt matter, this post explains how you save the track, in all 3 cases, in full-length anyway!!!

In the 2 latter cases (bad luck, see below screenshot) you can use stream-recorder.com or simply look in the Temporary Internet Files folder to find the streamed (and automatically saved! by zune.exe) *.wma's. Look for "audio" in the file names and file extension could be *.dat, e.g. possible file names are audio[1].dat, audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2, etc.

From the track size and length, you can calculate the sound quality (bitrate). I always get ~126kbps (and never 128.0kbps).

http://bit.ly/cfIvUg (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/10/sony-michael-jackson-album-will-be-sold-on-itunes-contrary-to-report/)
(click on pic for more info)

Now you know the static URL's of the 126k media (DRM-protected WMA-files), good:

mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/033/984/819/at/audio.wma
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/033/984/823/at/audio.wma
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/033/984/825/at/audio.wma
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/033/984/831/at/audio.wma
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/033/984/833/at/audio.wma
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/033/984/837/at/audio.wma

Interestingly, you can switch the protocol and nothing happens. If in doubt, use both sets and compare the files. If you havent f*cked it up, the files will be exactly the same!!

rtsp://stream.zune.net:554/a4241/e3/033/984/819/at/audio.wma
rtsp://stream.zune.net:554/a4241/e3/033/984/823/at/audio.wma
rtsp://stream.zune.net:554/a4241/e3/033/984/825/at/audio.wma
rtsp://stream.zune.net:554/a4241/e3/033/984/831/at/audio.wma
rtsp://stream.zune.net:554/a4241/e3/033/984/833/at/audio.wma
rtsp://stream.zune.net:554/a4241/e3/033/984/837/at/audio.wma

By default, zune.exe caches the streaming audio in Temporary Internet Files folder located at
C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\W12Z8HA7\audio[1].dat
You must change that. Go to Internet Explorer>>Extras>>Internet Options...>>General (tab)>>Temporary Internet Files>>Settings...>>Current Location>>Move Folder...>>and choose "C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\" (and dont choose "C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\" or "C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\Temp\" or "C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Internet Files\"), so that the Current Location displays as:
C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\

You might have to reboot.

From now on, zune.exe caches the streaming audio in Temporary Internet Files folder as depicted in the screenshot, i.e. as
C:\Documents and Settings\placebo\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2
from which you can read the MMS-url directly. The MMS-url doesnt appear instantly; wait a little until the system has fully cached the streaming audio track.

Then use a valid license on WinPcap 4.1.2 to download the above set(s). Finally, strip off the DRM-protection with FairUse4WM. (it is instructive to compare the audio[1].dat, audio[2].dat, ... files from the Temporary Internet Files folder with the DRM-protected files and with the un'DRMed files from the rtsp/mms protocol download. visual byte-per-byte comparisons can be done with BC3 (http://www.scootersoftware.com/), good luck)

As i can see in your :confused: face, this whole procedure is a little complicated. That's why i recommend it only for tracks for which an official DOWNLOAD-button (FREE 192k *.wma, DRM-protected) does not exist.

placebo

10-24-2010, 04:19 PM

some additional general remarks to the above:

i've encountered several different cases (and there might be more!), which i find quite interesting. it means that the audio database of MZMP is not 100% coherent or structurally uniform but any posted album can have different 'properties'. Apart from the fact that the streaming url can always be read from the Temporary Internet Files folder, we have:

case a:
album has some 'Album Only' tracks and they cannot be previewed at all and you can guess their streaming url and download those tracks in full-length with the default method. (the Michael Jackson This Is It)

case b:
album has some 'Album Only' tracks and they can be previewed in full-length and their streaming url's download full-length *.wma's.

case c:
album has some 'Album Only' tracks and they can be previewed 30secs only and their streaming url's download 30secs *.wma's. the other tracks play (and 192k-download) in full-length but their streaming url's download, again, only 30secs *.wma's.

case d:
album has exclusively 'Album Only' tracks and they can be previewed 30secs only and their streaming url's download 30secs *.wma's.

case e:
etc.

etc.

Other cases might be possible -- so it is a matter of luck if your mms/rtsp url downloads a full-length *.wma; it depends on the album (as provided by the publisher/label) and maybe even Microsoft might be responsible for this. To sum up, 30secs previews most likely mean you're busted!

EDIT:
read on, you are not busted! :D . some clever boardie found a way to convert the 30secs url's to full-length url's. Congratulations to this key discovery!!! great 'team work', hehe...

swooshycueb

10-25-2010, 05:39 AM

placebo

10-25-2010, 11:14 AM

Something I just found: the stream urls have an "at" or "ap" just before audio.wma. at is a full track, and ap is a 30-sec preview. Example:

Full track:
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/109/711/767/at/audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2

30-sec preview:
mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/109/711/767/ap/audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2

HOLY SH*T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:
this is sooooooooooooooo cool! Thanks so much for this important information! It works yaaoouuuhhhhww :D

Excellent. i owe you a keg of beer, really. THANKS A LOT!!!

(i dont know if my posts were clear and sufficiently detailed. but your post proves that i dont need to write more details. you have found the MMS-url's and you used them to download the 128k server files with the default method. great job dude. btw, some VERY long AlbumOny tracks (30mins+) seem to pose some problem for the default method if you use the MMS-protocol. no doubt, the MMS-protocol is the preferred one because it surely gives exact/correct download results. in difficult cases (e.g. long tracks!) you need to employ the RTSP:554 protocol ... and dont wonder if everything around you crashes hehe.. The RTSP-protocol is simply not a clean protocol as MMS. Anyway, for a 10mins track, your file should have about 10MB's. If your file is 20MB's, then trash your method (and send me a PM for individual trouble-shooting).)

mms://stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/109/711/767/at/audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2

i've examined your given track. it is damn long!! almost 48mins.! wtf?!?! :p
Here the stats of your file:

protocol used: RTSP port 554
size: 44,4 MB (46.643.703 Bytes)
track length: 47'56'' (in WMP10)
meta data: A Thousand Suns: The Full Experience / Linkin Park
can be playback'ed by me: yes
can be un'DRMed by me: yes
CRC32: FB0173B6

Can you confirm it (especially the CRC32 code (http://beeblebrox.org/))? (also, see your PM inbox!)
As I found out, here is the url for the 192k track:
http://download.zune.net/d.php/109/711/767/wu/cache/audio.wmrm10
i get 66,1 MB (69.376.564 Bytes), crc32:43A09392, rename it to *.wma, it is all tagged, 192kpbs. i just cant get it to play with WMP10. [EDIT: 43A09392 re-confirmed on the school computer. download-rate 7.53MB/s!!]

Leaving the AlbumOnly tracks aside, for a normal track (192k WMA) i've compared the http-download-zune downloaded track with the standard download method (DOWNLOAD-button). File sizes are the same, but headers differ. This makes clear that 192k *must* be downloaded thru the DOWNLOAD-button, which will modify the file's header such that it contains some licensing sh*t. oh well. so maybe there's no way that we can get the 192k AlbumOnly tracks to play (or un'DRM).

swooshycueb

10-25-2010, 10:39 PM

OK, this is getting a bit out of hand.

I would really like to be able to edit my old posts so we can get this thread a bit more organized. Anybody know how to get the admin's attention in a way that won't get me banned?

And yes, that is the correct track. (If I knew you were going to download the thing, I would have posted something smaller.) I don't know about the CRC, cuz I already stripped the DRM and got rid of the original.

Here's another:
stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/008/146/123/at/audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2
CRC32: 0A9D1AE5
Media Usage Rights tab in properties in WMP says "This file is missing media usage rights"

The 192k wma cites zune as the content distributor, while the 128k wma cites MusicNet.

placebo

10-26-2010, 02:14 AM

Here's another:
stream.zune.net/a4241/e3/008/146/123/at/audio.wma#0;1.000;0;0;1:2
CRC32: 0A9D1AE5
Media Usage Rights tab in properties in WMP says "This file is missing media usage rights"

The 192k wma cites zune as the content distributor, while the 128k wma cites MusicNet.

on my home PC:
My 128k doesnt cite MusicNet/Zune (in the tags) but has the usual tags (Warner Bros, etc.), and WMP10 says "This file can be played until" (November). In any case, using the stream-recorder.com's default method i get
4,10 MB (4.304.213 Bytes), crc32: 95851B39 using the MMS-protocol (with no further port specification)
and 4,10 MB (4.304.213 Bytes), crc32: 95851B39 using the RTSP-protocol using port 554. Files result identically the same: my MMS-download result confirmed!

on the brandnew highschool PC's:
as you can see, the PCs have WMP9 installed. for the 128k/192k i get respective MusicNet/Zune messages, see attached GIF's. on the school PC again, i am re-confirming the download result(s) of my home pc, crc32: 95851B39.

here is the file if you want to binarily compare it with yours; i am guessing that your WinPcap settings are not 100% exact:
http://rapidshare.com/files/427225706/audio.wma

Stream Ripper

10-26-2010, 09:39 PM

swooshycueb

10-27-2010, 05:36 PM

on my home PC:
My 128k doesnt cite MusicNet/Zune (in the tags) but has the usual tags (Warner Bros, etc.),Open the file in a text editor. You'll see what I'm talking about. and WMP10 says "This file can be played until" (November).I'm using WMP11b2 i am guessing that your WinPcap settings are not 100% exact:I'm using SDP, not WinPcap. Works just as well.The admins attention has been captured - what did you want to do exactly? We've disabled editing of old posts due to spammers making legit posts, and then coming back to change them when we're 'not looking'I can assure you I am no spammer. I would like to be able to edit my posts in this thread (or at least the first one) so we can make it more organized, and so the updated tutorial is not halfway down the page.

placebo

11-09-2010, 05:10 AM

swooshycueb

11-11-2010, 07:53 PM

OK, I'm going to try to make this easier for people.

ThinApp to the rescue!

If this works, by the end of it all, you should have a little package that

Can be run on any Windows OS
Is 95% portable
Counts as one computer registered to Zune Pass, no matter how many computers you run it on
Can rip streams
Can strip DRM
Preserves changes

APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION FOR THE WIN!

swooshycueb

11-11-2010, 07:55 PM

my 14days trial (was a great time! comfortable downloadings!!) has expired. since this here is "the zune thread (from A-Z)", does NE1 know if i can use the same credit card for setting up another 14days trial (by choosing a new ;) Windows Live ID)?

let's be clear. RHDY costs US$9.99 and Thumbplay US$9.99 too (per month). Microsoft is really expensive.

Ouch!

:eek:

You shouldn't need to attach the credit card. But yeah, you can sign up for another Live ID through Zune to get another 14 days. But if you're going to do this a lot, close the accounts when you are done with them please.

placebo

11-13-2010, 01:59 AM

entering credit card details is mandatory, it is the last step in signing up for a 14days FREE trial (i.e. the trial zune pass). i logged out from my old account (zune&liveID) and came up with 3 ideas and i went thru all of them:

1) open a new Windows Live ID with a subsequent opening of a new Zune account from within the http webinterface (browser-based process). when i hit the "Submit"-button for the "Zune 14-day Trial Pass -$0.00; Credit-card info is required for age verification. Fields marked * are required." page, it responds with "Error. Please try again soon."

2) open a new Windows Live ID with a subsequent opening of a new Zune account from within the GUI webinterface (zune.exe software-based process). when i hit the "Subscribe"-button, it responds with "THIS CREDIT-CARD INFO ISN'T VALID. PLEASE ENTER THE CORRECT CARD INFO AND TRY AGAIN."

3) i've shut down (closed) my original account (zune&liveID) thinking that by doing so all info i ever entered is erased from the microsoft servers ("reset"). this means my credit card could be used again. so i went thru 1) again, later again thru 2), and also thru 4). no chance. same error messages. cant sign up for another FREE 14days trial (or maybe even any regular subscription?, see 5)), my cc info simply isnt being processed as valid.

4) i've tried to re-create my original account (zune&liveID). LiveID restored (same old email address used), but zune tag was already taken. i am given the option to sign up for trial (exactly as in 1) and or 2)) and when prompted for credit card info, my info (as given) is not accepted. possible reasons for rejection (i guess): 1. it's just today a bad day (improbable), 2. system recognizes used card (very probable), 3. system doesnt accept address details which doesnt fit to cc number (improbable), 4. system recognizes that i am not U.S. citizen (improbable). Other reasons are conceivable but even less probable.

Since i would never pay 15 bucks for MZMP, i was willing to risk it with 3). Now i've lost all: game over!! :D There are still 2 possibilities left to find out more info on the whole situation:

5) i could try to use my old cc info for signing up for a standard zune pass (14.99$). if i did so, my cc info could be finally accepted (improbable).

6) i could reformat my hdd (format.exe :D ), install everything anew from scratch, and finally use a totally new credit card to sign up for a FREE trial. It is as if some other natural person (non-U.S. citizen) applied for a trial. chances are high that this leads to a new trial (probable).

7) i wait until i really need MZMP and until the service is offered officially in my home country. NAPS already is. Zune downloads, too. But the flatrate (zune pass) isnt yet (improbable).

[...]

One day, sooner or later, i will try 5), just for the sake of knowing... The point is that MZMP is not essential to my life or happiness :p and my recommendation still goes to eMusic (http://all-streaming-media.com/downloadable-audio-and-video/eMusic-legal-mp3-free-music-downloads.htm).

EDIT: since 5) was improbable, i've tried it. i've tried to sign up for regular Zune pass (Zune Pass - 1 Month-$14.99 (plus applicable taxes)) using my good ol' credit card. And? Fail! Tried hard enough. My conclusion is that M$ has changed something in their system so that only U.S. citizen (with a local U.S. ip number) with a credit card issued from a U.S. bank are able to sign up for any Zune subscription. In other words, 6) is improbable.

EDIT2: other users (legit for that matter) seem to have similar problems..
ref1: http://forums.zune.net
ref2: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/zune/
ref3: http://www.zune.net/en-US/support/contactsupport.htm

GAME OVER ZUNE. GAME OVER PLACEBO. :D

placebo

11-13-2010, 02:16 AM

OK, I'm going to try to make this easier for people.
which people? who? ;)
i dont have the feeling that ppl are getting interested in zune more than in RHDY (or emusic). my revised instructions (the megaupload link) were downloaded 10 times :p only and if i had to decide for 1, a single, subscription service (trial + subsequent regular) i would vote for RHDY because you have 4 pricing options (4.99$, 9.99$, 12.99$, and 14.99$) and a really huge database of albums.

Looking forward to your new package of instructions .. but the main obstacle is getting a valid zune pass (trial or subscription). People from Denmark, Russia, France, Greece and Canada/UK/Australia follow "our thread". They're busted without a zune pass.

placebo

11-14-2010, 03:29 AM

1) ..., it responds with "Error. Please try again soon."google is full with users complaining about this error message and not getting thru. hard to tell if those users are U.S. citizens currently residing on U.S. ground and use correct (and matching) U.S. address details and their credit card is issued by a U.S. bank :D
i've called the cc company to check the card balance: interesting to note, my non-U.S. cc was pseudo-charged $1.00 for each time i had hit the "Submit" ("Subscribe") button, so there are 10-15 lines (rows/entries) in my monthly cc invoice saying "charged by Microsoft" :p

15bucks for nothing. thanks Microsoft! :rolleyes:
( no doubt i could call them to refund the 15x 1bucks but they wont be pleased to know that ..etc.. ;) )

Griff1324

02-12-2011, 06:46 PM

swooshycueb

02-12-2011, 06:51 PM

Swooshycueb,

The Zune software will no longer let me log in due to the fact that there is an update to the Zune software that is required. Any chance of updating this tutorial to use the latest version of the Zune software? Keep up the great work!

Are you using the tutorial in the fourth post (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22288&postcount=4) in this thread? I can't edit the first post.

EDIT: I just saw that MS did push out an update this month. Let me do some research, and I'll post the updated tutorial.

EDIT2: I also see multiple sources telling me different things. What is the file version of ZuneWmdu.dll? Of Zune.exe? Are you running this in a VM?

EIDT3: If you DID follow the tutorial in the fourth post, download this (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=209174), extract, and run ZuneWmdu-x86.msi. Did this fix the problem?

Griff1324

02-13-2011, 08:24 AM

Swooshycueb,

I actually got this to work last evening after posting here. I extracted the new Zune installer from the MS Zune website. I then ran zune-x86.msi first and then zunewmdu-x86.msi. I was able to then sign-in and all is working well.

After reading your post, I am not sure if running zune-x86.msi was need or not.

placebo

02-23-2011, 05:12 PM

i am back on zune too. new albums are encoded with Windows Media v12.0 (encoder/codec) but no problem :)

i setup a new account (Windows Live) with RL-name and new e-mail address and new foreign credit card. faking location (ip) and address and phone details wasnt a problem, i got accepted. 14days FREE trial. when the trial ends, i will pay the US$14.95 (per month), again no prob. maybe then, another time(?!), they wont let me pay the monthly fee, we'll see.

r122513

03-07-2011, 01:44 PM

Nice discovers, I'll try to play with this tools, I've spent too much money on M$ and sometimes the albums are not available anymore and i can't play them.

placebo

03-08-2011, 03:51 PM

when the trial ends, i will pay the US$14.95 (per month), again no prob. maybe then, another time(?!), they wont let me pay the monthly fee, we'll see.

my trial has ended, and i was able to renew my zune pass (choice given: 1month pass, 3months pass, 1year pass) without any problems. i didnt have to re-enter my credit card info. with a few clicks my zune pass was renewed and i got charged US$14.95 :D

so this is to confirm that people from outside the U.S. (with a credit card issued from a non-US bank, e.g. a bank from Zurich Switzerland :eek: ) are able to subscribe to MZMP (microsoft zune marketplace) and download zune.

i dont have a zune mp3 player. not even that! :rolleyes:

JSSR

03-11-2011, 04:05 PM

placebo

03-12-2011, 03:09 AM

Thanks for the tutorial

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong but I've followed it twice now only to end up with a copy of 4.2 Zune on my system. When I try to sign in it advises I need to update to the latest version which on my non virtual PC is 4.7

Your tut indicates we should be installing 4.7 - how can this be done?
i dont get you. you may be confused. so dont confuse me/us in turn! :p

my zune.exe is 4.7.1404.0

there is no need to update the zune software, so dont. use ANY old zune version and just be happy. for trouble shooting (if zune stops playing anything ---online or offline music---, then follow all instructions given here:

link01: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/zune/forum/account-pc/c00d0bbe-zune-cant-verify-usage-rights/151ccc65-0e8d-4804-9d37-7b9f45b00a10

Clearly, there is no need to reinstall Zune, Windows, or Nero. We dont know sh*t about your system (is it windowsXP? your WMP? etc). If you dont state in detail what system you're driving, then no help.

the tuts doesnt say anything about "virtual" or "virtual pc". so dont.

Apart from your problems, i am having problems too (ERROR CODES) and it takes a lot of a investigating and testing to make things work back again. In conclusion: zune is a very unstable, fragile system. it can break down for no reason (or simply crash) and then you cant play songs (online) anymore. Lots of ERROR CODES you must look up on the internet. And eventually you must re-download all songs/albums because of the resetting of your license. All trouble shooting tips are given at link01. Study it.

JSSR

03-12-2011, 05:54 PM

i dont get you. you may be confused. so dont confuse me/us in turn! :p

my zune.exe is 4.7.1404.0

Thanks for your help.

Sorry for not providing more information. I am running a windows 7 machine, and have created a virtual environment (virtual PC) to run windows XP in. This has worked fine for the past three months until I got back from a three month holiday.

Now the issue is when I try to sign into Zune I get the error message "UPGRADE NOW - The feature you wer trying to use is no longer supported by the zune software on your computer. You'll need to upgrade to the latest software to continue"

When I go into check the version of the zune software it is 4.2.202.0.

I've downloaded both http://www.multiupload.com/RL9D5CCLOT from the first post (expected to be 4.2) and http://www.multiupload.com/LPKDX1S9RU from the second post (expected to be 4.7) and tried both following the instructions on the existing installation as well as wiping the virtual machine and starting from scratch. In every attempt I still end up with 4.2.

So I guess I don't understand why I am not on 4.7 when other people including yourself seem to be.

Anyone have any ideas?

placebo

03-12-2011, 08:37 PM

hi. my setup exe for zune software installation is this here (slightly renamed):

Zune-x86 (v4.7 2010-09-24) [english, C874B1A6].msi

crc32 is C874B1A6, size is 59,2 MB (62.135.808 Bytes)

i have no windows7, no virtual system. installing zune is straight-forward. i really dont know what is happening there.
forget the 4.2.
deinstall 4.2.
just install the C874B1A6. will work.
(i think that the original instructions are more complicated than needed.. but that's the point. we at SRF dont really want to encourage potential abusers of nice Microsoft to abuse nice Microsoft.)

Microsoft didnt do anything bad to you/me, did they? So we better dont tell people how to break into their zune system.

again. forget the 4.2. deinstall it.

JSSR

03-12-2011, 10:11 PM

Thanks placebo.

I can't find that particular C874B1A6 file anywhere - are you able to provide me a download link for it?

Regards

James

placebo

03-13-2011, 01:21 AM

here it is:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G1Z8M2MZ

JSSR

03-15-2011, 05:20 AM

Works a treat - thanks so much.

Just an FYI, this file is not included in the megaupload link as indicated in the tutotial

placebo

03-15-2011, 09:18 AM

the undrm'ing works for you??

:eek:

*FYI* the zune website (webpage) uses Silverlight technology. It prompts you to download and install the Silverlight plugin otherwise you cannot surf their webpages.

Swift

05-28-2011, 11:03 AM

I'm removing drm with fairuse4wm on zune wmv files :D Thanks for the tutorial!

placebo

06-09-2011, 11:16 AM

i am placebo, and this is Richard Winn, the man responsible for managing the Zune Music Marketplace telling how bad people are who un'DRM the subscription downloads:

http://anythingbutipod.com/2011/06/zune-pass-interview/#more-4146 (http://traffic.libsyn.com/wpradio/WPRadio_30.mp3)

;)

Scott6

08-06-2011, 01:05 PM

Where are we at with this still working? *Running a XPVM with the complete 4.7 instructions.

-When I fir up Zune, and either download new content fomr my ZunePass, or copy ZunePass content from my host PC. It will not play. I get Error C00D11CD (C00D1063)

-However, When I use Fairuse commander+FairUse4WM (http://all-streaming-media.com/remove-DRM-protection/FairUse4WM-freeware-DRM-removal-Windows-software-Strip-copy-protection-from-WMV-ASF-WMA-Windows-Media-Player.htm) from the package you made, it will rip the DRM correctly. But I have to at least attempt to paly it. It used to just play, then rip good.

Also, is there any way I can copy music form host to VM and rip the DRM without having to play (or now ,attempt to play it in the zune software on the VM)

any ANONYMOUS forum user

09-10-2011, 07:12 AM

the zune game has stopped working, unfortunately :(

A new software version (zune client v4.8) has been released and since then neither v4.7 nor v4.8 keep the inbox.key version 11.0.5497.6285.

WMP10 + Windows Media Runtime 11 Final (as suggested in the old instructions) + zune 4.7 are good for some minutes after which the key is automatically updated to 11.0.6001.8015. this is strange, and new. FairUse4WM (http://all-streaming-media.com/remove-DRM-protection/FairUse4WM-freeware-DRM-removal-Windows-software-Strip-copy-protection-from-WMV-ASF-WMA-Windows-Media-Player.htm) should have problems with this high version number (and placebo's screenshots demonstrate zune undrming for 11.0.5497.6285).

I know that Windows Media Runtime 11 Beta 1 (contains fully crippled DRM-component lol), 11 Beta 2 und 11 Beta 3 do not update the key, since the individualization webpage returns a webpage error .. but my subscription month has run out so that i cant test what happens when you try to play (in zune gui) a 192 WMA song, download a 192 WMA song (from zune gui), or, if both succeeded so far, even strip off the DRM-protection.

zune 4.7 and 4.8 run both with *any* WM Runtime 11.x-version (11b1, 11b2, 11b3, 11final) and they dont run with any (high) 10.x-version (e.g. wmvcore.dll v10.00.00.4078, that's the highest you can get for Runtime 10). since wmp10+wmr11final+zune4.7, as of recent, update the key, the only possible setups left are:

wmp10+wmr11b1+zune4.7,
wmp10+wmr11b2+zune4.7,
wmp10+wmr11b3+zune4.7, or
wmp10+wmr11final+zune4.7+much luck with the short time (Download 2 songs and generate some blackbox keys with FU4WM!!) and or with the high version number. Once you have some FU4WM-generated keys (for the low key version), they seem to work even for songs which were downloaded at some later point (with the updated higher key version). placebo posted in the napster thread that he/she had been undrming songs without problems although the key version was high and he had Runtime11final or WMP11betaX installed. Anyway, i am just saying that the zune game has pretty much closed AFAIK.

Anyone here with a current subscription (or with current success re the DRM removal)?

placebo

09-11-2011, 09:50 AM

hi, here are my tests with Zune 4.7, and with indvpage:

WMP11beta1 is: 11.0.5358.4827

WMP11beta1 with exchanged wvc 10.0.0.4078 => Zune 4.7 doesnt bitch => IBX 11.0.6001.8015
WMP11beta1 with exchanged wvc 10.0.0.3802 => Zune 4.7 doesnt bitch => IBX 11.0.6001.8015
WMP11beta1 with exchanged wvc 9.0.0.2926 => Zune 4.7 doesnt bitch => IBX 11.0.6001.8015

Conclusion of this post:
With a full installation of WMP11 (WMP11beta1, WMP11beta2, WMP11beta3, WMP11final), Zune 4.7 will generate IBX 11.0.6001.8015
With a full installation of WMP11 (WMP11beta1, WMP11beta2, WMP11beta3, WMP11final), you can downgrade wvc to 10.x or even 9.x, and Zune 4.7 will still not bitch. Again, IBX 11.0.6001.8015 is generated

Interesting is that Zune 4.7 does not bitch. I've checked with indvpage; the Upgrade button is available and turns to "Upgrade Complete" with an additional popup "Message from webpage: Windows Media Player is not installed properly. Reinstall the Player. < OK >".

placebo

09-11-2011, 10:38 AM

And here are my tests with Zune 4.7, and with indvpage:

WMP10final: 10.0.0.3802

WMP10final with exchanged wvc 11.0.5358.4827 => Zune 4.7 doesnt bitch => IBX 11.0.6001.8015

Conclusion of this post:

With a full installation of WMP11 (WMP11beta1, WMP11beta2, WMP11beta3, WMP11final), Zune 4.7 will generate IBX 11.0.6001.8015
With a full installation of WMP11 (WMP11beta1, WMP11beta2, WMP11beta3, WMP11final), you can downgrade wvc to 10.x or even 9.x, and Zune 4.7 will still not bitch. Again, IBX 11.0.6001.8015 is generated

Interesting is that Zune 4.7 does not bitch. I've checked with indvpage; the Upgrade button is available and turns to "Upgrade Complete" with an additional popup "Message from webpage: Windows Media Player is not installed properly. Reinstall the Player. < OK >".

JSSR

09-15-2011, 03:37 PM

Zune wants to update again. Do you have a modified 4.8 installer by any chance?

placebo

09-15-2011, 04:14 PM

hi, you dont have to update. you can continue to use 4.7.
but if you WANT to install 4.8, then do the following:

download the full version of 4.8 ("setup.exe") (http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9753463) onto hdd.
then launch winrar and open the exe file with winrar.
the 4.8 installer is the *.msi file contained in the setup.exe

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5797/snap1yr.jpg

Scott6

09-18-2011, 11:29 AM

Well crap. My XP VM running older zune software is not forcing me to upgrade to log in. :(

placebo

09-18-2011, 11:39 AM

Well crap.
You're not cursing are you? :D

The zune software (and its updates) is not the problem. The problem is that the online DRM license server updates the IBX in any case afaik. Maybe you can tell us more about your setup.. are you currently on subscription? ( i'll subscribe soon to do some real real testings. )

any ANONYMOUS forum user

09-24-2011, 10:15 AM

hey placebo you smart aleck :rolleyes:

a friend of mine told me that he signed up for zune trial a day ago and tried the game and is very successful; and he delivered full proof. his setup:
+ WMP10 (updated to latest DLL's) + individualization
+ WMFR11 beta2
+ zune 4.8 (installer 10,655 only)

started zune, signed in, downloaded 1 single track (and hoped that IBX version wouldnt increase, which it didnt (to everybody's surprise!)). he played it fine in WMP10. and created a fresh blackbox-keys.txt file with FairUse4WM.exe. today he's reported that the IBX version indeed increased to the 11.0.6001.8015 (at some point in/of time) but he can still continue to download and unDRM new downloaded *.WMA-files. By the help of the old blackbox-keys.txt file.

two points to pay attention to:
+ dont overdo the individualization page thing. let zune update your IBX (on day2 of zune trial) and dont abuse indvpage for this!
+ the zune undrming game isnt over yet. if you cant reproduce this post's findings, keep trying. this is truth and a fact, the zune undrming game still works. you may need a little portion of luck and most of all: you must have a zune subscription.
+ without a zune subscription you will get those false conclusions and wrong test results.

Sign up now for a paid subscription account, placebo!! :D

Best,
\b.gates

bratwurst

09-26-2011, 05:01 AM

+ WMP10 (updated to latest DLL's) + individualization
+ WMFR11 beta2
+ zune 4.8
hi everybody, i am new here but have been reading the zune threads for quite a while. My deep thanks to all who have contributed with good info. Here a video tutorial with burned in comments which shows you how the IBX is updated by zune but keeps its original low IBX number (generated from the WMP10 individualization):

ZUNE_low_IBX_Tutorial.mp4 (http://bit.ly/zuning) (39min., 1 280 x 720 (16:9), high quality, 98.4 MB)

Everybody is welcome to try to reproduce the video results. Everything you need like the software (software tools, exact version numbers of the DLL's, Windows Media Format Runtime 11 Beta download links, cracked Zune software download link, etc) is shown in the video. If you have followed all the video instructions and still cant reproduce the low IBX number (with the individualization webpage or with zune), then please post here for help.

Most importantly:
By the way, as the video demonstrates, you dont need to have a current Zune Music Pass subscription!! You must install Zune Software (v4.8) to do the preliminary/preparatory testing but you dont need to have a Zune subscription!!! (so EVERYBODY can test it if he/she has a windowsXP-sp3 system, downloads the mentioned software, installs it (no virus or trojans, promised!), and does a quick check with the individualization webpage.)

Thanks again to everybody. unDRMing zune songs is too kewl! :cool:

tthorntone

09-26-2011, 03:25 PM

hi everybody, i am new here but have been reading the zune threads for quite a while. My deep thanks to all who have contributed with good info. Here a video tutorial with burned in comments which shows you how the IBX is updated by zune but keeps its original low IBX number (generated from the WMP10 individualization):

ZUNE_low_IBX_Tutorial.mp4 (http://bit.ly/zuning) (39min., 1 280 x 720 (16:9), high quality, 98.4 MB)

Everybody is welcome to try to reproduce the video results. Everything you need like the software (software tools, exact version numbers of the DLL's, Windows Media Format Runtime 11 Beta download links, cracked Zune software download link, etc) is shown in the video. If you have followed all the video instructions and still cant reproduce the low IBX number (with the individualization webpage or with zune), then please post here for help.

Most importantly:
By the way, as the video demonstrates, you dont need to have a current Zune Music Pass subscription!! You must install Zune Software (v4.8) to do the preliminary/preparatory testing but you dont need to have a Zune subscription!!! (so EVERYBODY can test it if he/she has a windowsXP-sp3 system, downloads the mentioned software, installs it (no virus or trojans, promised!), and does a quick check with the individualization webpage.)

Thanks again to everybody. unDRMing zune songs is too kewl! :cool:

Hey man, instead of this video, can you just please type of the steps needed to accomplish this? :) The video is all weird, like going really fast, and ends right at "Now to open up Zune again!" or something.....
Please and thank you!

Foog

09-28-2011, 10:03 PM

Give it a try in safe mode

bratwurst

09-29-2011, 06:48 AM

can you just please type of the steps needed to accomplish this? :)I was about to write it anyway..

requirements:
you're on a dirty WindowsXP-SP3 system (32-bit) with Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=19), you live in the USA, and you are *not* subscribed to Zune yet. (You dont have to live in the USA, see video, but signing up for a Zune subscription is easier if you do.)

aim1:
you want to prepare your system to be 100% ready for a Zune subscription so that you can undrm the 192kbps downloaded *.wma tracks as soon as you sign up for it. in technical terms, before signing up, you want to create, prepare, test, verify, validate a working "low IBX" DRM-environment. in simple terms, you want to create a 'Zune-ready' system.

aim2:
you want to sign up for the Zune subscription (e.g. FREE trial Zune Music Pass subscription, 14days FREE, for Zune Marketplace Music), download the 192kbps WMA's without (stupid common) zune error messages, and undrm these WMA's with FairUse4WM (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/FairUse4WM-freeware-DRM-removal-Windows-software-Strip-copy-protection-from-WMV-ASF-WMA-Windows-Media-Player.htm) (fu4wm) flawlessly, i.e. without any undrm error messages.

comment:
people familiar with the whole undrm subject matter (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/removing-copy-protection-like-drm-aacs-f25.html) already know that FU4WM will undrm licensed downloaded DRM-protected WMA-files if those files were downloaded under any such working "low IBX" DRM-environment. in other words: a working "low IBX" drm-environment guarantees flawless undrming; that simple! as you will experience, aim1 is the tougher part while aim2 follows naturally from aim1 with no further work needed: if you master aim1, then there will be no obstacle or problem with aim2, guaranteed! that's why we concentrate on aim1, and that's why the video is so essential (as proof, documentation, guide, tutorial).

quick instruction steps for aim1:
deracinate WMP (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/guide-uninstall-install-windows-media-player-9-t9415.html) by deleting all instances of thefive (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=32328&postcount=4) (the video shows how to search for them. delete them all, especially those in C:\WINDOWS\system32\ , unlike in the video). Reboot and check: when you search again for thefive, there should be exactly zero hits! Congrats, you have fully deracinated your Windows Media Player!
install WMP10 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=20426).
since wmvcore.dll hasnt been installed (properly), install WMP10 again!
install in this order: KB2378111 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=12930), then KB973540 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=21281), and finally KB978695 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=20941); reboot and check: when you search for thefive, their version numbers should look like this: http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/5826/snap24.th.gif (http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/5826/snap24.gif)
delete the complete contents of the DRM-folder (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891664)
go to indvpage (http://services.wmdrm.windowsmedia.com/indivSite/en/indivit.asp) and press the Upgrade button (similar to the video); check: in the DRM-folder the IBX should bear the "low IBX" version (=11.0.5497.6285, as seen in video)
install Windows Media Format Runtime 11 beta 2 (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22288&postcount=4) (i.e. wmfdist11.exe, 9.627.464 Bytes, crc32 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclic_redundancy_check):7093335A (http://implbits.com/HashTab.aspx)). reboot and check: when you search for thefive, their version numbers should coincide with the ones given in the video.
now search for the drm-dll's (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=32337&postcount=5) and check: their version numbers should coincide with the ones given in the video too.
double click on zune-x86.msi (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=32520&postcount=46); this will install Zune v4.8 without returning any 'installation complete!' message.
launch Zune by double clicking on zune.exe and spend some time in the Zune GUI fooling around (similar to the video); check the IBX version number (similar to the video):
compare which of the three possible scenarios coincides with yours:
case1: the IBX version has increased to 11.0.6001.8015. then you need to start over because something went wrong. this wont happen if you followed all steps painstakingly. if you're curious, you could check with indvpage if your system is a working DRM-environment but even if it were, this wouldnt help much because undrming under a working "high IBX" DRM environment is usually not possible (unless you have a good old blackbox-keys.txt..).
case2: the IBX version remains unchanged 11.0.5497.6285, and the file date&time has updated to your current local PC date&time (see video). then go to indvpage and press the Upgrade button, press F5, press the Upgrade button again, press F5, etc. (see video!). The IBX version remains unchanged (low = 11.0.5497.6285), and merely the file time(s) get updated (see video!!). It means that your system is a working "low IBX" DRM environment: your system is "Zune-ready". Congrats, you've reached aim1. You can go over to aim2.
case3: the IBX version remains unchanged 11.0.5497.6285, and the file date&time does not update to your current local PC date&time. something might be wrong. then go to indvpage. if the Upgrade button is unavailable and you cant press it, then something's definitely wrong. it means that your system is a non-working (low IBX) DRM environment. i guess you need to start over again, sorry.

quick instruction steps for aim2:
sign up for Zune subscription (Zune Music Pass), launch zune.exe, login, go to Zune Marketplace, download 1 track or album (192kbps WMA's)
go to C:\Documents and Settings\bratwurst\My Documents (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Documents)\ and delete the file blackbox-keys.txt if present
launch FairUse4WM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFD27vChhwc) (any version 1.3 is good, fix0, fix1, fix2, fix3, fix4, .. who cares?) and click on Recover Keys (see video), ..., ..., click Next:
drag'n drop the WMA's into the tool window, click Next, .., ..
tarah! the WMA's are undrmed and the tool doesnt report any error messages or problems. Perfect undrming job!!

hope this helpz :cool:

any ANONYMOUS forum user

09-29-2011, 07:25 AM

Great instructions, thanks for sharing.
Actually.. yours hardly differ from swooshycueb (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22288&postcount=4)'s posts. So good to know that the old/original instructions still work out!
The main difference between your set of steps and his is: Yours include check points. Very helpful.

Give it a try in safe mode
i get stuck already with step1@aim1
no matter what i try, i cant get deleted wmvcore.dll :p
Safe Mode didnt help..
Some files are protected by the Operating System :(

bratwurst

09-29-2011, 07:38 AM

If you fail to delete one or more of the 5 DLL's, then this is your problem. Not mine. And you lose, good-bye! :D
No, seriously. This is your problem. If you are too dumb to delete files from your system, then you are too dumb. Use Eraser (http://eraser.heidi.ie/) (this works for sure, and also read How to delete files protected by TrustedInstaller (http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/windows-7-how-to-delete-files-protected-by-trustedinstaller/) or else use Cedric's Unlocker (http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/)!) or call a RL friend of yours
Cedric's Unlocker worked best for me.
By the way, if you manage to delete all instances of thefive during a windows session with the help of Unlocker (and dont forget to empty the Recycle Bin), then in your next windows session (after a reboot) none of them will reappear. If some of them reappear, it simply means that you had not managed to delete all remaining instances of them.

Windows cannot generate/reproduce *.DLL files from air (=nothing)!!

So if, for any reason, some of thefive still reappear (after several reboots and after using Unlocker), then placebo is probably right and you are too dumb. ;)

placebo

09-29-2011, 08:44 AM

i will reinstall Windows to compare with your video results..

then placebo is probably right and you are too dumb. ;)
hehe. :D

here is some alternative blog/thread/post: Tutorial: Zune DRM removal / placebo (bit.ly/q5LSLB) !!! :eek:

placebo

09-30-2011, 04:30 AM

5. delete the complete contents of the DRM-folder (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891664)
bratwurst, your instruction steps are fine but not perfect (otherwise we wouldnt get 3 cases at the end, am i right?). your video is indeed amazing and i am able to reproduce the results (=i end up with case2 on a new Windows system) so i am here to reconfirm that it is very possible to prepare a Zune-ready system. :cool:

The step5 (Deleting the DRM-folder) is too radical, too destructive because it includes the deletion of the drmstore.hds file. This file, once it is 100% perfectly set in a WMP10-DRM-environment (with no corruption or whatsoever), is protected against "upgrade attacks" by WMP11-based Zune software. If you delete a good drmstore.hds file, just like that (as suggested by your instructions step5), you destroy a crucial part of the DRM environment and this will lead to case3 (http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/9306/snap1is.png): indvpage doesnt work anymore.

It is okay/correct to reset the DRM environment (http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite/en/policy.htm) from scratch on a dirty WinXP-system (because all of us are on WinXP systems of different degrees of dirtiness) such that a single set of instructions would work for everybody (with no cases1, 2, 3!!!) but the plain and primitive deletion of the DRM-folder is harmful, destructive and does more bad than good.

Please revise this step after reading the following references:
You may be unable to play protected content after your computer hardware changes (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891664) (incl. *Fix it (http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/3580/snap1p.gif)*)
When you try use Windows Media Player 11 to play a digital rights management (DRM)-protected media file, the media may not play (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925705) (incl. *Fix it (http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/3580/snap1p.gif)*)
Error message when trying to sign in to or play content from the Zune Marketplace (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929642#ResetTheDRM) (incl. DRM Reset Tool (http://go.microsoft.com/FWLink?LinkID=105000) ResetDRM.exe (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=203950&clcid=0x409))
How do you manually reset the drm media rights? (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/how-do-you-manually-reset-the-drm-media-rights/dbe7f17f-ece0-4067-a9cf-36c015d7ab1f) (incl. DRM Reset Tool (http://go.microsoft.com/FWLink?LinkID=105000) ResetDRM.exe (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=203950&clcid=0x409))
Downloading Licences to play music files on my computer?? (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-sound/downloading-licences-to-play-music-files-on-my/36b39986-80ad-45a9-bea7-5de2315fa08d) (incl. DRM Reset Tool (http://go.microsoft.com/FWLink?LinkID=105000) ResetDRM.exe (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=203950&clcid=0x409))
Migration of DRM Licence fails (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-sound/drm-licence/45314280-c0cc-464f-ab14-572aabfd573d)

Let's note too that there are two (different?) indvpage url's and you may want to check them out both:
http://services.wmdrm.windowsmedia.com/indivSite/en/indivit.asp
http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite/en/indivit.asp

Your video demonstrates the case2 end state. It doesnt show how you got there. We'd love to see a video where you demonstrate the full path from a clean winXP to the end state of case2.. :cool:

any ANONYMOUS forum user

09-30-2011, 04:31 PM

Zune Music Marketplace Expands to Canada + New Changes to Zune Music Pass in the US / September 29, 2011 (http://zuneinsider.com/2011/09/29/zune-music-marketplace-expands-to-canada-new-changes-to-zune-music-pass-in-the-us/)

terrific link. see all the reactions (comments) and the links at the bottom. Zune is getting big and has many fans. It's now cheaper than Napster-To-Go beggar subscriptions (US$14.95) or Rhapsody Premier Plus (US$14.95)!!!

thanks bratwurst and placebo for your efforts. once the un'DRM environment is setup, Zune is much easier to plunder than Napster. (Rhapsody sucks. We all know it.)

my system is Zune-ready, thanks again!! :) :)

bratwurst

10-04-2011, 10:14 AM

okay, ive shot a new video.. maybe placebo you can publish its download link in the first post of this thread. it's rather long (~2 hours :eek:) and doesnt contain any trouble shooting because it is a safe way to get to case2 (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=32990&postcount=53) including the download time of the needed material. here the quick instruction steps for a WindowsXP-SP3 system (you may need to reboot in between) for overview, otherwise you get lost while watching the long video:

check your IBX version. it is the "high IBX" version, right? and currently you dont have any Zune subscription nor any (old) Zune account (login : pass), right?
first uninstall Zune (if it is present on your system), then downgrade your Windows Media Player to WMP9 (any version of WMP 9.00.00.???? is good!),
reset the DRM environment. as a last step, delete the full DRM folder contents! and dont visit the indvpages!!
go to BBC Iplayer TV webpage and download a video in the Windows Media format (*.WMV), it's FREE and DRM-protected!
play the *.WMV video from hdd with WMP9. this step will individualize your system automatically!
upgrade your Windows Media Player to (the highest version possible of) WMP10
play the *.WMV video from hdd with your WMP10+. this step will upgrade your security components automatically!
install Windows Media Format Runtime 11 Beta 2, and reboot
at this (latest) point, test FairUse4WM (http://all-streaming-media.com/remove-DRM-protection/FairUse4WM-freeware-DRM-removal-Windows-software-Strip-copy-protection-from-WMV-ASF-WMA-Windows-Media-Player.htm) on the *.WMV file ;)
visit the two indvpages and check if they are working (Press the Upgrade button, and refresh the page with F5 several times.); after that close/exit Internet Explorer
check your IBX version. it is the "low IBX" version, right? And the file date&time has been updated to your current time, right? Then you're on a working "low IBX" DRM-environment. The remainder is the default procedure:
install Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (if it isnt installed yet), then install Zune 4.8 (zune-x86.msi); launch zune.exe and observe how the IBX file date is updated to the current time. Play some 30sec preview songs and observe how the drmstore.hds grows a little in size. exit zune. launch zune, repeat the fooling around, exit zune, launch zune, repeat the fooling around, etc. Exit zune.
check your IBX version again. it is still the "low IBX" version, right? And the file date&time has been again updated to your current time, right? This confirms that you're on a working "low IBX" DRM-environment. Congratulations, your system is Zune-ready!
now sign up for Zune subscription FREE trial (feel free to use your old account if you have one), login, download some 192kbps *.WMA-albums/songs, and use FairUse4WM v1.3 (fix0, fix1, fix2, fix3, fix4, ... doesnt matter!) to undrm the songs. The DRM-protected Windows Media files (*.WMV, *.WMA) wont play :D in your customized Windows Media Player but the undrm'ed versions do!
From now on, dont tinker with the DRM Reset tools anymore and dont touch the running system: The system (WMP10+ & WMFR11beta2 & zune-x86.msi & low IBX) will remain stable. The following step16 on top is optional and serves demonstrational purpose only:
You can update your Windows Media Player (WMP10+) to WMP11 (beta, final, doesnt matter!) if you really want/need it for personal reasons :rolleyes:. As you could see so far, Zune doesnt require WMP11 nor WMP11beta. In fact, Zune hardly uses any WMP components but only some of its DRM-related *.DLL's, so Zune wouldnt and doesnt care if your Windows Media Player is WMP10, WMP11beta, or WMP11final. Of course, you cant install neither the original Microsoft full download package of WMP11final nor of Zune setup package (270MB)... because this would, too, install the latest/final version of Windows Media Format Runtime 11, which in turn will upgrade the IBX to the high IBX version. So here's what you can do without harming your working "low IBX" environment, any of the following three options is safe to perform:
If you want to end up with WMP11beta:
Simply install the full version of Windows Media Player 11 Beta 2. That simple!!
If you want to end up with WMP11final:
With Winrar, open the full version of Windows Media Player 11 (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=8163) and then extract the file called "wmp11.exe". Double-click on it: this will upgrade your WMP10+ to WMP11final.
If you want to end up with WMP11final:
You could do the above two in sequence: Install the full version of WMP11beta2, reboot the PC, install wmp11.exe (extracted from the full final version), reboot the PC, done.
It's interesting to note that the full Zune 4.8 setup package (270MB) (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21282&postcount=1) contains Windows Media Format Runtime 11 Beta 3, and not the final version. So the key Beta Version is indeed the 11 Beta 2, because the 11 Beta 1 is too DRM crippled and hardly works at all, the 11 Beta 3 upgrades to high IBX version, and the Final 11 upgrades to the high IBX version anyway.

The above set of instructions (16 steps! :eek: ) sounds like a long path to go. This is true only if you're not on a WinXP-SP3 system with the original (i.e. never upgraded from WMP9 and never downgraded back to WMP9) WMP9 installation and if you cant setup a UK proxy or UK vpn for the access to BBC downloads. I actually know several other (shorter) ways to get to "case2" but I am sharing in public only the above set of instructions because they dont involve any credit card ;) or registrations or subscriptions, are FREE and guaranteed to work in future. The only critical step (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showpost.php?p=33068&postcount=7) is step2, that's why the video does not start off with an intentionallly dirty WindowsXP-SP3 system but with a fresh Windows installation (+ installed Internet Explorer 8).

Check out the long video (feel free to post it on youtube or whatever) and post your questions (problems, troubleshooting, ..) regarding my set of instructions, thanks!

:)

drfsupercenter

10-06-2011, 11:44 PM

Well, I'm a bit confused here.

When I individualize (either from the site, or in WMP itself) using WMP9, it works but nothing will play, it just refuses my license.

When I install WMP10, the version found on this site in upload links, as soon as I individualize it, it becomes IBX 11.0.6001.8015. Even though it's WMP10. I tried the whole iPlayer thing, had to get a proxy to do it... same thing.
It's like Microsoft forcibly updates the entire IBX structure.

Am I doing something wrong or is this happening to everybody? I'm using VMWare and literally every time I install XP SP3 and update WMP to version 10, or 11 beta, or ANYTHING - it updates the IBX. So it can't have been something else that was installed before.

Please help, I can't really live without my DRM stripping machine!!

bratwurst

10-07-2011, 07:13 AM

hi. i'd like to help (and i am very able to do so) but your posting doesnt contain all the details necessary to do troubleshooting and thus is frustrating, irritating and time-wasting. so i am wasting my time by writing this post with the many questions:
When I individualize (either from the site, or in WMP itself) using WMP9, it works but nothing will play, it just refuses my license.
works? (what works, what doesnt work, if you say "nothing" a few words later?)
nothing? (what files are you trying to play?)
refuses? (screenshot please.)
When I install WMP10, the version found on this site in upload links, as soon as I individualize it, it becomes IBX 11.0.6001.8015. Even though it's WMP10. I tried the whole iPlayer thing, had to get a proxy to do it... same thing.
It's like Microsoft forcibly updates the entire IBX structure.
this is most likely due to the high version number of wmVcore.dll. i assume that it's 11.00.00.xxxx, instead of 10.00.00.xxxx. The point is: if you have a clean WMP10 installation, *none* of your DLL's will begin with 11.xx.xx.xxxx.
So what's the version of you wmvcore.dll?
Am I doing something wrong or is this happening to everybody? I'm using VMWare and literally every time I install XP SP3 and update WMP to version 10, or 11 beta, or ANYTHING - it updates the IBX.
okay, i cant speak for Windows7 and VMWare but on WinXP sp3, microsoft will not forcibly upgrade your IBX version --- That's the whole point of this Zune thread!!!!!!!!!!
Again, what are the version numbers for all other relevant DLL's:
wmp-dll's (http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/4406/snap22p.gif) and drm-dll's (http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7260/snap21.gif) ?

They are all located in C:\WINDOWS\system32\*.dll, on a WinXP system.

So it can't have been something else that was installed before.
If you are really on a 100% fresh installation of WinXP-sp3, then the IBX will never get upgraded to the high IBX version; this is what i found out through numerous tests. And with just WMP10 installed on top of the 100% fresh installation of WinXP-sp3, Microsoft wont upgrade to high IBX either. But, as soon as you install full version of WMP11 (beta1, beta2, beta3, final, doesnt matter), the IBX can get forcibly upgraded to high IBX version ... and this will depend on the current history&contents of the DRM-folder (and also of registry values).

question:
Have you ever been able to play the BBC iplayer TV wmv files?

After all, it may be VMWare as primary reason why your IBX gets forcibly upgraded... and the set of instructions were given for WinXP, and not for Win7withWinXPmode or for Win7withVMWarewithWinXP. You've seen my video. Everything works as described.

next time i will ignore posts by users who dont detail from the very beginning (their 1st post/request for help in this thread) what exactly they have been trying to do, what exactly they have already tried to do, what exact system they are on, what exact DLL-versions they are on, and other relevant details. my help/support task is to ANSWER you folks' questions and NOT TO ASK YOU questions, got it??! :rolleyes:

placebo

10-07-2011, 08:21 AM

@drfsupercenter
bratwurst is right. provide much more info and detail on your system so that all of us can examine and analyze why your system ..etc..

@bratwurst
Thanks for the revision of your original set of instructions. The 16 steps are very helpful and work for me perfectly well! Are you working on an updated video? I havent received any link (PM) from you yet!! :confused:

drfsupercenter

10-07-2011, 02:09 PM

Alright, I'll just make a video to make this easier, so I can show you exactly what I'm doing.

Also, the problem with the iPlayer videos is that I live in America and need to use a proxy to get the licenses... and since the proxy I'm using (through FoxyProxy) requires a login, it won't let me individualize with it. Here's a file that I've had for years and usually use to individualize my systems, can somebody look at it and see if it does the same as the iPlayer files?

http://www.sendspace.com/file/3tt0o8

It's a music video that I got off of MTV.com back before they used Flash videos. It has DRM, but the license is free and will always work fine provided your system is individualized. I'm asking because I don't want somebody to assume that this video is causing the problem or anything :P
(I did download one from BBC, but I have to use a proxy and it ends up just sitting there saying "storing license" for 20 minutes before I have to forcibly close it and nothing happened.)

bratwurst

10-07-2011, 02:32 PM

c'mon dude, you didnt answer any of the question, especially the list of DLL-versions on your system?

your posts frustrate me! :D

http://mtv.global.man.entriq.net/services/WMLicense
yeah, on a Winxp with full WMP11 your WMV file upgrades to high IBX. let'see if i can use it in my set of instructions instead of the BBC crap. thanks for share. might be valuable/useful!

drfsupercenter

10-07-2011, 06:25 PM

s6o5OHNc5Xo

There you go.

Though something weird, apparently you can no longer individualize WMP9 systems anymore. It just gives an error about the service being offline... :eek:

So yeah, I don't know what, if anything, I'm doing wrong, all my DLL's were "virgin" 9.0 versions, yet my DRM mysteriously made itself 11...

--EDIT--

I tried another VM (I have a 'virgin system' of XP SP3 that I just clone whenever I want to test things) and installed WMP10 in a way that made my wmvcore have the same version 10 as the rest of them. Still gave me the newest IndivBox.

--EDIT 2--

I tried installing those three Windows Updates (again, on a fresh system) before individualizing. Still gives me the newest IBX. It seems that the wmvcore.dll only stays at version 9 if I attempt (and fail) to individualize the system while still on 9 - if I install 10 without playing anything DRM on 9, it updates on first go.

bratwurst

10-07-2011, 08:31 PM

ok dude, THANKS A LOT FOR THE VIDEO (your time and efforts), appreciated, great job!
ok here some points:

1. install WMP10 again (=just double-click on the setup.exe again!!) and then reboot. then wmvcore.dll will be 10.00.00.xxxx version.

2. you did NOT do any DRM-resetting. There are at least 3 DRM-resetting tools available (see a few posts above in this zune thread). fire them off all! and AGAIN delete the contents of the DRM-folder.

3. then, when you visit ALT1 and or ALT2 of the indvpage, your system will produce the low IBX version (= 11.0.5497.6285).

4. the keypoint failure in your video then has to be your video (because my set of instructions specifically refer to BBC, and not MTV), but let me keep you posted on this. i will test it with my HDD images tomorrow, no problem.

Several components of the DRM environment influence the generation of the IBX version: it's your installed DRM-dll's and most notably the wmvcore.dll file, but also the EXISTING contents of the DRM-folder (that's why "the history", 16 steps!!!, is important), and of course the DRM license server itself, plus the wma/wmv media you're trying to play (offline).

Zune server is trimmed to upgrade your IBX to the high IBX, and apparently the MTV-video connects to a server which tries to upgrade to high IBX as well.

okay, while i am asleep, you can try the following proxy for the BBC WMV files:
http://securitykiss.com (install the client and launch it. set UK ip address!)

With it, download the BBC file from this thread:
_http://stream-recorder.com/forum/can-anyone-download-and-play-bbc-iplayer-t10163.html

Then start anew (with HDD image, in your VMware) with FRESH winxp-sp3 installation (with its original wmp9). and try again (for the last time) the 16 steps; step1 and step2 fall flat, thanks God.

Being able to play the BBC video offline (with wmp9, then wmp10) is the crucial step in my set of instructions. Just let us know how it goes. (and forget your MTV video!!!)

my video should be uploaded within a few days (sorry for the delay. i've been busy watching the full series of Breaking Bad, all seasons).

Thanks again for the youtube video. Great job.

--EDIT 2--

I tried installing those three Windows Updates (again, on a fresh system) before individualizing. Still gives me the newest IBX. It seems that the wmvcore.dll only stays at version 9 if I attempt (and fail) to individualize the system while still on 9 - if I install 10 without playing anything DRM on 9, it updates on first go.
Wrong observation/conclusion. the wmvcore.dll file is an installed file (and sometimes WMP10 has to be installed twice to make sure that it is installed) and will not be changed or exchanged by use of indvpage or playing files. OKAY, STOP. Forget your MTV video. Use only ALT1 and ALT2 (not ALT3!) of the indvpages.
Your video shows that on your system the two indvpages DO NOT work. THEY SHOULD WORK!! (Try to use the drmreset.exe's and delete the DRM-folder. CLOSE ALL INSTANCES OF WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER. Then launch ie8 (not ie6 or ie7. you need ie8!!!) and visit ALT1 of indvpage. THIS WILL WORK!

Maybe i forgot to mention that you need Internet Explorer 8 (and not the original IE7, IE6 or lower!).

placebo

10-07-2011, 09:18 PM

It just gives an error about the service being offline... :eek:
Confirmed. "The security upgrade cannot be performed because the server is not available. Try again later."-error message. I hope this is a temporary problem with the Microsoft indvpages and the other DRM license servers (BBC, MTV, ..). As long as the DRM servers are down, we cant do any kind of testing.

Maybe Microsoft is reading this thread and acting accordingly? :rolleyes:

drfsupercenter

10-07-2011, 09:34 PM

Personally I think there's just something weird going on, somewhat like a forced upgrade - that makes it so you either can't play DRM protected videos or you'll have the newest IBX version.

iTunes did something similar back in the days of JHymn, you needed version 4.9 for the program to work, so they basically forced you to upgrade to version 6. If you were on 4.9, it would "mysteriously" error until they changed it to a message saying "you need to upgrade".

drfsupercenter

10-08-2011, 12:34 AM

So I just tried an entirely new installation (I installed XP SP3 in a brand new VM, installed IE8 and nothing else, then installed WMP10 twice)

Went to alt1 of that indivbox site... still gives me 11.0.6001.8015. I think MS is now forcibly upgrading everybody to that version, because no matter what I do I cannot get an older IBX... :eek: :confused:

any ANONYMOUS forum user

10-08-2011, 07:13 AM

Maybe Microsoft is reading this thread and acting accordingly? :rolleyes:

(yes, we are)

:D

Scott6

10-11-2011, 12:08 AM

Yea anything I do gets me 11.0.6001.8015.

Clean XP, WMP10, all v 10. dlls, (Including Core). There is not IBX file in my DRM folder. The second I play anything that needs a licenses(that ridin_Full video) Boom! 11.0.6001.8015.

Hell, I pay for the Zune-pass monthly with no plans on stoping... but I want it on 4 devices... Wife's ZHD, Kids ZHD, my Phone7, and my ZHD. (Yes I still use my ZHD as I have docks, in the car, work, living room, and zK350)

any ANONYMOUS forum user

10-11-2011, 11:16 AM

Avoid M$ malware software, services, gadgets,... using DRM, and stay out of trouble. Don't risk losing your legally purchased music collection! Request DRM-free services everywhere!

placebo

10-11-2011, 11:49 AM

okay, i guess the times of mass-downloading and mass-unDRMing of files by Napster (http://all-streaming-media.com/downloadable-audio-and-video/Napster-free-music-service.htm), Zune, Kazaa, MusicMe and Rhapsody are over, but there are still other fine services (http://stream-recorder.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9) from where you can **ea* the songs and full albums. Some of them stream in 192kbps MP3 (e.g. RDIO, WE7, (SIMFY)), in 256kbps MP3 (e.g. PLAYME), or in 320kbps MP3 (e.g. GOOM, ********), if you dont want to waste your time with audio/sound recording streams by SPOTIFY or DZR.

Some people like Spotify and Deezer. But if you're into "recording from soundcard", then i'd rather sign up for Napster or Zune, download the 192k wma's and convert the DRM-protected wma's with foobar2000 (or any other player which can playback DRM-protected wma's like Winamp). Recording from soundcard, e.g. with Replay Music (http://all-streaming-media.com/record-audio-stream/Replay-Music-record-any-web-radio-station-or-streaming-music-service.htm) is the least practical method to secure legally purchased music and not recommended by me ;)

drfsupercenter

10-11-2011, 06:02 PM

Scott6

10-11-2011, 08:06 PM

If you're just doing music, I recommend SoundTaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm). Yes, it's lossy, but if you can't decrypt it, then it actually works pretty well, I used to use that program way back before I discovered lossless ways of doing it. (You could convert it to a much higher bitrate, like 320kbps mp3, and essentially not lose any quality)

thats what im worried about with sound taxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm) and Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm), is the quality.

What is the lossless way? how about a hint, ill do the research.

EDIT: Ohh Lossless is the removal of DRM vs re-recording (stream?) Like FairUse4WM (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/FairUse4WM-freeware-DRM-removal-Windows-software-Strip-copy-protection-from-WMV-ASF-WMA-Windows-Media-Player.htm)

drfsupercenter

10-12-2011, 12:33 AM

Right. Lossless would be decrypting the file.

But since that doesn't seem to be possible anymore, at least with most music services like Zune and Napster, the only real option is a lossy method - of which SoundTaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm) is quite great. Think about it: your source file is 192kbps WMA... if you save it to 320kbps that's almost DOUBLE the quality, so you shouldn't really have any issues.

placebo

10-12-2011, 10:38 AM

SoundTaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm)? never heard of it before. so do you sincerely and really recommend it (instead of conversion with Winamp or foobar)?

then i will have a look at it and consider buying it.
i certainly like tools which directly support "our purpose (http://stream-recorder.com)".

Thanks for the great tip!
Other tools similar to soundtaxi are:
Audials Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm), and
Aimersoft DRM Music Converter (formerly: Daniusoft Digital Music Converter)

...none of which i have personally tested.

drfsupercenter

10-12-2011, 10:51 AM

Winamp and foobar can play encrypted WMA? I didn't think they could.

The only other method I knew of (and keep in mind, this was back in like 2006 before FairUse4WM (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/FairUse4WM-freeware-DRM-removal-Windows-software-Strip-copy-protection-from-WMV-ASF-WMA-Windows-Media-Player.htm) was created) was to burn the track to a CD, then re-rip it. But obviously with stuff like Zune Pass, you can't do that if the license doesn't allow it.

(I've only dealt in Wal-Mart music downloads back then, they were all 128kbps encrypted WMA. They then changed to mp3, like Amazon (http://all-streaming-media.com/links/amazon.php) did, and a few months ago just shut the store down alltogether since Amazon was beating them sales-wise)

SoundTaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm) does (or at least DID, back in 2006) support WMA and unlike having to play it through the sound card and record the output, it somehow can directly convert it to other formats. So if you can't decrypt it, I'd say that's the next best option since conversion will sound better than recording, at least IMO.
Not quite sure if the program even works anymore, I'll try it myself and see LOL

--EDIT--

I have used Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm) too, that program *does* record through the sound card, in fact what it does is make a "fake" sound card that can play the audio back at 4x speed rather than real-time. It still basically records it though. How do I know SoundTaxi doesn't record it? It only takes like 15 seconds to convert a 4-minute song :D

drfsupercenter

10-12-2011, 11:13 AM

Alright, I downloaded the trial, made a temporary Zune Pass account and yeah, it does indeed work.

It appears to be a bit slower than I remember, perhaps now they HAVE to record the file? Like Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm), it actually does install its own proprietary driver. When it's doing the actual conversion, it uses some "Media Protected Framework" by Microsoft, I don't see a WMP running anywhere, so I'm not quite sure how it works (and since it's not free, perhaps that's the idea? ;) )

The trial only lets you do up to 90 seconds, which is a bit annoying. I actually did pay for the software back in 2006, but I seem to have lost all my emails from back then so I can't find my serial :(

Maybe someone here wants to buy a copy and license it to "Stream Recorder Forums?" :rolleyes:

So yeah, I definitely recommend using Soundtaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm) - just go into settings and tell it to use 320kbps instead of 170ish, and you should be set. It claims to be able to convert videos too, I haven't actually tested that out - but if it's anything like Tunebite, it actually plays the video and records your screen, it's just automated, quite a waste of CPU if you ask me.

placebo

10-12-2011, 01:25 PM

I have used TuneByte too, that program *does* record through the sound card, in fact what it does is make a "fake" sound card that can play the audio back at 4x speed rather than real-time. It still basically records it though. How do I know SoundTaxi doesn't record it? It only takes like 15 seconds to convert a 4-minute song :D
hmm. thanks for the test and info!
i will test all four programs (Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm), Soundtaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm), aimersoft drm music converter, winamp) more seriously when i am on a napster or zune subscription again. if any of the four uses recording techniques (from soundcard or soundboard), i will uninstall it from hdd. i hate sound recording! ;)

lossless drm stripping would be the best method. after that comes lossy conversion (with no soundboard involved). yeah, foobar doesnt play drm-protected wma's, sucks. winamp.. i think it does (see wikipedia). but i hate winamp too. so. :D

so drf, we're not sure if soundtaxi does actual conversion (similar to foobar type of conversions) or merely soundboard recording? argh.

Stream Recorder

10-12-2011, 02:52 PM

hmm. thanks for the test and info!
i will test all four programs (Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm), Soundtaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm), aimersoft drm music converter, winamp) more seriously

See also:
Lossy DRM removal software: SoundTaxi, Tunebite, NoteBurner, freeTunes, MuvAudio
http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/

we're not sure if soundtaxi does actual conversion (similar to foobar type of conversions) or merely soundboard recording? argh.
Both Tunebite (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/TuneBite-Convert-DRM-protected-WMV-M4P-M4V-video-WMA-AAC-M4B-AA-music-audio-books-preserving-ID3-tags.htm) and Soundtaxi (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/SoundTaxi-Convert-DRM-protected-music-from-Windows-Media-Player-iTunes-Napster-Yahoo-Music-Rhapsody.htm) record from a virtual sound card. They allow you to record faster than in real time, but this causes problems for some users.

As for Daniusoft Digital Media Converter (http://undrm.info/remove-DRM-protection/Daniusoft-Digital-Media-Converter-Convert-copy-protected-WMA-WMV-M4A-M4V.htm), they claim the following:
Hook is another new and more complicated technology which can be used to remove the DRM from protected WMA files. Compared to recording process, these sorts of programs have much higher conversion speed, but it’s hard to make it support some DRM formats with new and lofty encrpytion tachniques.
The only problem is that Aimersoft, Daniusoft and other Wondershare brands are promoted by spam. I don't even want to try anything promoted by spammers.

Scott6

10-12-2011, 09:08 PM

Think about it: your source file is 192kbps WMA... if you save it to 320kbps that's almost DOUBLE the quality, so you shouldn't really have any issues.

Hua? Im new to this DRM stuff, and not about to both re-recording junk, ill just deal with it since I plan on keeping my ZPass.

but 192WMA is = to 320MP3, and even if it wasnt, how would you better quality form something thats not there to begin with. You can only go one way with compression.

drfsupercenter

10-12-2011, 11:46 PM

but 192WMA is = to 320MP3, and even if it wasnt, how would you better quality form something thats not there to begin with. You can only go one way with compression.

No, see, here's the thing. Encoding a file, even if it's to the same format (e.g. WMA to WMA, or mp3 to mp3) is going to lose quality. Even if you take a 192kbps mp3 and re-encode it as a 192kbps mp3, you are going to be losing bits of data.

Hence why a lossless method (as in, decrypting the file) is the most preferred. But seeing as how we can't do this anymore:

The reason I say to use 320kbps is because it's much higher than the source. Yes, you are right, you can't have quality that wasn't there to begin with. But, you can LOSE quality that was there to begin with, so we'd want to save as high a quality as possible.

Technically, if you were to convert your WMA files to WAV (or even something lossless like FLAC or WMA Lossless), you would essentially have the exact same quality. But at a size increase, something like 20-30MB per song instead of 4-8.

The only problem is that Aimersoft, Daniusoft and other Wondershare brands are promoted by spam. I don't even want to try anything promoted by spammers.

I can't comment on the first two, but I do recall using a program called Wondershare PPT2DVD... it did exactly what it said, it converted some PowerPoint presentations into DVD files that I could burn. It worked fine for me.
Granted, I didn't actually buy it, I *ahem* obtained it elsewhere, so I can't comment on their actual website. But the software did work, if that means anything to anybody.

Scott6

10-16-2011, 10:17 PM

So I have played with a few..

Aimersoft DRM Media converter seems very good. In my initial tests, I was surprised to find that wen I tell it convert my 192WMA files form Zune to 192WMA(9) the files sizes were mostly exact when done, only a few were off by .01mb. I could not tell the difference in quality over my ATH-AD900 cans. both on amp, and off the sound card (crudy x-Fi with oAmp upgrades, cap upgrades and some shielding.) It was slow.... but I was able to leave it in the background while doing other stuff, and it did not effect the encoding quality. I noticed it looses the sound track number on the tag. but its in the filename so who cares.. This doesnt matter to me anyway, my ditgial playback devices dont care when im on shuffle.

Audials (http://all-streaming-media.com/record-video-stream/Audials-One-audio-video-stream-downloader-recorder-converter.htm) 8, I did not like for every major reason. Interface was horrid. The multiple sound card thing got the job done faster, but if I was doing anything else on the PC, the songs would get pops and skips in them (NOT GOOD!) Yea it was fast as hell. But who cares about speed when quality is sacrificed. (just like encoding video with cuda... blaaa) It did keep all the tag info 100%.

BTW: I gave up on lossless audio a long time ago, its to much of a pain to deal with getting. And CDs are too expensive. East to get WMA192 is my file of choice.

Audio/video stream recording forums > Media file management > Removing copy-protection (like DRM, AACS) > [Tutorial] Zune DRM removal

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