How to Convert Song to Different File Format

By eHow Computers Editor

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Before you can convert a song file to another format, you need to know where you will be using it the most. If you are going to listen to your song on a portable media device, you will need to make sure it works with your version of windows. Often, these devices will come with their own conversion program. You will need files of a high bit rate (128 or more) as the programs usually lower the bit rate when they convert the song, thus hurting the quality of the song. The higher the bit rate, the better the resulting file will be.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Windows Media Player
Windows XP or Vista
CD
Portable device that supports your new format

Step1

Decide which format you will use. The two formats we will cover are mp3 and wma. Most versions of windows support both formats and it is easy to convert from one to the other.

Step2

Insert a CD and start Windows Media Player. If it doesn't start automatically, click the tab that says rip. Right under the rip tab is an arrow that will let you pick from several choices.

Step3

Choose the More Options selection. Be sure that the copy protect music option is turned off, otherwise you will not be able to convert the resulting file.

Step4

Enter your choices in the format area and bit rate area.

Step5

Click the start rip button and wait while media player converts your CD into a manageable set of files.

Step6

Export your media to your device. This is where having a Windows Media Player compatible device comes in handy, as Windows Media Player 11 will have a section in the library that will allow you to transfer files from your library onto your device. If this is not an option for you, open My Computer and click on your device. Sometimes there are folders for audio or sounds. If this is the case, then put your media in those folders; otherwise just put them in the root directory.

Tips & Warnings

File types of .mp3 are supported by most devices
File types of .wma usually provide better bit rates thereby yielding higher quality
Do not change .mp3 or .wma in the file name as this will render your file useless and will not convert it.