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How to Change WMA Files to MP3 Files on Vista

MP3 is the most supported audio file format in digital music players. However, some sites offer songs in the WMA format, which is not as compatible. Thankfully, converting WMA files to MP3 in Vista is easy and can be accomplished in minutes with any number of free programs.

Things You'll Need

  • iTunes, Free MP3 WMA Converter or FreeRIP (see Resources section)
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Instructions

  1. Using iTunes

    • 1

      Open iTunes. Click "Edit" and "Preferences."

    • 2

      Under the "General" tab, click on the "Import Settings" button.

    • 3

      Next to "Import Using," select "MP3 Encoder." You can also change your audio quality preferences in this menu by clicking next to "Settings." When you're done setting your preferences, click "OK."

    • 4

      Create a playlist and drag the WMA files you want converted into it. Select all of the files, click on the "Advanced" menu and click "Create MP3 Version." iTunes will automatically create MP3 copies of the WMAs. The new MP3s are stored by artist name in your iTunes library folder. If the WMA files did not have an artist name then iTunes will create an "Unknown Artist" folder and store them there.

    Using Free MP3 WMA Converter

    • 5

      Download and install Free MP3 WMA Converter (see Resources section). Start the program after installation is complete.

    • 6

      Drag the files you want to convert into the "Files to Convert" section.

    • 7

      Click on the drop-down menu next to "Output Format" and select "MP3." You can also change your output directory and select your audio preferences if you want.

    • 8

      Click on the "Convert" button and Free MP3 WMA Converter will automatically create MP3 copies of the files you want converted and place them in the directory you specified.

    Using FreeRIP

    • 9

      Download and install FreeRIP Basic (see Resources section). Run the program after installation is complete.

    • 10

      Click on the small triangle next to the first icon in the toolbar and select "Converter" in the drop-down menu.

    • 11

      Click "File," "Settings" and "Options," and click on the "Output" tab.

    • 12

      Next to "Default Encoding" there is a button with three periods on it. Click on that button and select "MP3" from the menu that appears. In this screen you can also choose your output directory and change the sound quality settings if you like. After making your changes, click "OK."

    • 13

      Drag the files you want to convert into the white space on the left side of the program window.

    • 14

      In the toolbar there is a button that looks like a CD with a play button next to it. Click on the small triangle next to that button and select "Convert selected tracks to MP3" from the drop-down menu. FreeRIP will now convert the files you selected and save them to the directory you specified.

Digital Music

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