Can't re-acquire licences: Which DRM removal tool/procedures for my situation?

[FenVale]

Hi,
I've been reading the instructional threads but am still a bit fuzzy on which are right for my situation. If someone could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

I'm running Win XP Pro which I stupidly allowed to "upgrade" to WMP 11.

I have some (legit) .wmv files which I bought a few years ago and which now won't play ("you do not have the rights to play this file. Go to the content provider's Web page ......").

The rights owner I bought the videos from refuses to help: says he no longer offers the videos in this format, his tech people who set up the DRM are long gone, and he's not supporting his customers. So the WMP 11 recommended route of re-acquiring/reinstalling licenses seems like a dead end? I paid for permanent rights to the files but there's no practical way of enforcing my rights with this idiot.

My goal is to get WMP 11 off my machine, and remove the DRM from the legit files that I paid for. I've backed up every file I've ever had but don't know where the licenses reside, if it even works that way. (I thought I read that DRM licenses can be implemented in different ways.)

Can I solve this problem using freeme2 or fairuse4WM, or do these require that I be able to play the DRM-protected files? Could I at least restore the ability to play these files by uninstalling WMP 11 and reinstalling 10, as per milOtis 's steps, or have the licenses been screwed up? Do I follow the "individualization" steps to deal with WMP 11?

Thanks for helping me understand the sequence.

You can't use DRM removal software before you get working licences.

You need to return your OS to the state where it was able to play DRM protected files. I think you can do it only if you have backed up your OS as an image. Hopefully System restore can help you to return to the restore point where you can play the files.

[FenVale]

Thanks SR

I had Automatic Update turned on in Windows. Does anyone happen to know which update # would have installed WMP11 or otherwise marked the point where the working videos stopped playing?

Assuming I can manage to roll back, using System Restore, to a point where the files were still readable, which lossless DRM removal tool would be the best option to use? Thnx.

You can try multiple Restore points. You can return to any of them including the latest one later on.

The best programs to use are FairUse4WM or freeme2 + drmdbg

[FenVale]

Oh crap -- I just found out that that the .iso disk image of my hard disk before WMP 11 can't be used because the media is corrupted, and meanwhile, Windows System Restore doesn't go back far enough (only 'til May 09 - still after the point at which the DRM licenses fell prey to WMP 11).

I assume that I'm screwed? I couldn't just do a clean install of an earlier Windows with WMP 9 and bring back the .wmv files because their DRM licenses still won't install if used?

Sigh.

Originally Posted by FenVale

I assume that I'm screwed? I couldn't just do a clean install of an earlier Windows with WMP 9 and bring back the .wmv files because their DRM licenses still won't install if used?

After installing Windows you need to individualize it. Even after installing the same OS onto the same PC you will get a different IBX key.

Originally Posted by FenVale

Oh crap -- I just found out that that the .iso disk image of my hard disk before WMP 11 can't be used because the media is corrupted.

You can try to repair the media.