Removing DRM from existing purchases

Question

Level 1

0 points

Removing DRM from existing purchases

Hi all,

I love iTunes, but could never stand the DRM that came bundled with purchases. Now DRM's been removed from music I'm loving it again. I've made half a dozen purchases already today and I'm delighted with how easily my existing MP3 software was able to convert the M4A files to MP3.

One question though, is there a way within iTunes to either re-download past purchases, or to remove DRM from purchases made before Apple stopped including DRM with music?

Thanks.

Lex.

Windows XP Pro

Posted on Jan 10, 2009 10:25 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

726,863 points

Jan 10, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Bradagan

One question though, is there a way within iTunes to either re-download past purchases, or to remove DRM from purchases made before Apple stopped including DRM with music?

Not without paying for either; upgrading the existing songs is much cheaper than purchasing them again. Apple pays the copyright holders a royalty for each iTunes Store download other than applications and album artwork.

(39861)

Reply

Answer 2

Bradagan Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 10, 2009 10:42 AM in response to Niel

Okay thanks... now how do I upgrade?

The help file in iTunes says: "If you already have iTunes Store purchases that are now available as iTunes Plus downloads, you may upgrade your existing purchases. To do so, visit the iTunes Store and follow the onscreen instructions."

The iTunes store has no obvious "upgrade" links, nor does the page for the artists who's songs I've purchased with the DRM.

Cheers for the response.

Reply

Answer 3

Niel

Level 10

726,863 points

Jan 10, 2009 10:47 AM in response to Bradagan

Okay thanks... now how do I upgrade?

Wait for an email saying the upgrade is ready.

(39863)

Reply

Answer 4

Jan 10, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Bradagan

Access the iTunes plus upgrade screen from either the right hand top in the store in the upper box or by clicking on the iTunes plus advert in the middle of the store screen near the free download screen.

If you have none of these links it may mean that none of your past purchases is currently available. The entire store will not be DRM free until near April, currently only close to 8 Million tracks are available, though I think new are still be added daily.

Reply

Answer 5

Bradagan Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 10, 2009 7:46 PM in response to Stuart Vandeventer

Okay, thanks for all the advice chaps.

Reply