Note: This instruction is provided to make fair-use backups only (for example if you can't transfer your legally obtained DRM protected .WMV, .ASF, .WMA files to your Apple iPod, Sony PSP, mobile phone, Pocket PC). Please also read the ToS of the site with DRM protected audio/video files to make sure that DRM removal is not prohibited.
About FairUse4WM 1.3
FairUse4WM 1.3 is a free DRM removal software that can strip copy-protection from Windows Media video (.WMV, .ASF) and audio (.WMA) files.
drmdbg and drm2wmv don't really convert your original audio/video actually, they just remove DRM header of the media file, so you get lossless conversion of DRM protected media files.
The latest version of FairUse4WM fu4wm13 fix-2. It works on Windows XP and Vista with Windows Media Player (WMP) 9, 10 and 11. Unfortunately WMP versions higher than v11.0.6000.6324 are not supported.
FairUse4WM 1.3 fix-2 should be capable of interfacing with both Windows Vista and Zune software versions. If it doesn't work on your Windows Vista, you may try to use FairUse4WM 1.3 2007-04-29 fix for Windows Vista by milOtis or install Windows XP onto virtual machine like VMWare or Microsoft Virtual PC.
If you have Windows XP or Vista with WMP with IBX v11.0.6000.6324 or higher you should roll back Windows Media Player to a previous version and install WMP with IBX version lower than 11.0.6000.6324 (all licenses will be lost).
Note: If you Rollback Windows Media Player to a previous version, you can LOSE all your LICENSE KEYS after that. Make sure your content provider allows you to re-acquire licenses.
At the first time you play any protected content after clean install, WMP will connect to Internet for individualization or security upgrade. Let it do it, then verify that IndivBox.key version in your C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM is lower than 11.0.6000.6324. Only this version of IndivBox.key will work perfectly to undrm protected media with FairUse4WM13 Fix-2.
Removing DRM from Windows Meida video (.WMV, .ASF) and audio (.WMA) files
Please also note that FairUse4WM can remove DRM from a single file only. If you wanna remove DRM protection from multiple files you may use
FairUse4WM Commander. FU4WM Commander is an external program that pretty much automates everything FU4WM can do. If you specify the location of your FU4WM executable and the folder your music downloads to, it will automatically search for all DRM'd tracks, and only return those inflicted with DRM. It then batch processes this list in FU4WM, deletes the original (or saves it if you so choose), and removes the annoying "[No-DRM]" tag FU4WM places at the front of the unDRM'd file.
Windows Media Player Individualization Process (required to use FairUse4WM)
IndivBox.key will be downloaded from microsoft server at the first time you try to play DRM protected media. Or if it is already downloaded before, then you should delete the DRM folder ( C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM ), 'coz IndivBox.key needs to be downloaded again. Please note that if you delete the DRM folder you will lose all your licenses!
By default, clean install of Windows XP will install windows media player 9, then when you attempt to play drm file for the first time, media player will ask you for a security upgrade.
After you have finished a security upgrade and IndivBox.key has been downloaded to your drm folder, please check what kind of version of IndivBox.key you have.
How to individualize your system for the first time?
1. Delete the DRM folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM (all licenses will be lost!!!)
2. Open up IE (it won't work in any other browser) and navigate to the following web-site: services.wmdrm.windowsmedia.com/indivSite
and click the "Upgrade" button. If it's grayed out, it's because you're not using IE.
If your IndivBox.key version is lower than 11.0.6000.6324, you will be able to un-DRM your media files with FairUse4WM 1.3 fix-2.
Updates of Windows XP and Windows Media Player
Automatic updates of Windows XP
Disable automatic updates of Windows XP. Turn update notification on, so that you know when new updates are available and can install them manually skipping the Windows Media Player updates.
Security component updates (despite how scary they look) are actually fine to install, as should be any update to your music store. Also, don't install Update 929399 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929399), as it will update your IBX as well.
