changing files from aac to mp3

Yes, you can use iTunes to do the conversion, per this guide:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1550

You also have the option of buying songs in MP3 format in the first place, e.g. from Amazon MP3.

If itunes isn't working for you, you may try MPEG Streamclip and Isquint or get a third-party mp3 converter software to try too

ed2345, the article you referenced (from 2008) does not apply to the current version of iTunes (v11). It is not possible to convert M4A/ACC files to MP3 unless they are iTunes Plus purchases. Yes, that is as absurd as it's sounds.

So yes Claire, you've been 'had' like the rest of us. At this point your options are to re-buy it elsewhere, use some 3rd party conversion software (that's likely riddled with viruses, especially if it's free), or steal it by downloading a torrent or similar mechanism.

I've been able to convert all the music that I've purchased from iTunes over the past 4 to 5 years to MP3

King_Penguin, I have too ... until iTunes 11 and a recent store purchase. Go buy a track from the iTunes store now that isn't "iTunes Plus" (no, like others, I don't know how to identify them, except perhaps that they are $1.29USD per track instead of $.99USD, but I'm not sure) and convert it to MP3 using iTunes 11. Let us know how you get on.

I've just confirmed a work-around using the following steps with iTunes 11.0.1 (12). These steps worked for me on 2 albums that were not letting me convert to MP3 since they aren't iTunes Plus songs.

1. Create a playlist of the songs on the album
2. Burn the playlist to disc (yes, a physical CD)
3. Import the CD into iTunes using MP3 import settings

I didn't think iTunes would allow burning the songs to disc if it wouldn't allow converting them to MP3, but it did. Not sure how long this will last (or how long the absurdity of not being able to convert M4A/ACC files to MP3 will last), but give it a shot.

donsmith44 wrote:

ed2345, the article you referenced (from 2008) does not apply to the current version of iTunes (v11).

Yes, you are correct. The version updated for iTunes 11 can be found here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12367

The only difference is that the Create command is now under File instead of Advanced. The method of setting the format in Preferences is unchanged.