Audiobooks for Windows Users

Windows users can make use of both audiobook formats in our NH Downloadable Books collection and transfer the audiobooks to a compatible player -- yes, even an iPod!

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MP3 Audiobooks for Mac Users

Windows Media Player Security Upgrade: All Windows Operating Systems

Update (11 March 2013): Some users are being prompted to re-upgrade their Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. If the instructions below do not work for you, check out these instructions from OverDrive's tech support team to reset your DRM on the computer. 

In order to download WMA (Windows Media Audio) audiobooks from our OverDrive collection, you *must* download the titles to a Windows computer and perform a Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. Over the years (and multiple Windows upgrades), I've found different tricks for getting a successful upgrade.

Standard Way to Get WMP Security Upgrade:

With most XP operating systems and, at times, Windows 7, the WMP Security Upgrade can be achieved by  opening the OverDrive Media Console (on a PC) >> Selecting the "Tools" menu >> Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. After clicking the "Ok" button to get the upgrade, the Window Media Player program will open and play a short file. You'll close WMP, saving the file (if desired, when prompted) and you're done.

When the Tools >> WMP Security Upgrade Doesn't Work:

There are times when using Windows 7 and Windows 8 that the upgrade won't work from the OMC program. In cases like this, open Microsoft Internet Explorer by right-clicking the icon from the desktop and "Run as Admin" (DO NOT try to use Firefox or Chrome), visit the following Microsoft site:

http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite/en/indivit.asp

• Click "Upgrade" (twice) and let the site connect to the Microsoft server.
• Open OverDrive Media Console and delete the old copy of the audiobook.
• Open Windows Explorer and verify that the title has been removed from the following folder: *C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\My Media\{name of book}
• Log into your OverDrive account and re-download the audiobook again.
• Of note: The Microsoft Website states that if you have trouble listening to the audiobook, restart your computer.

Windows 8 Error: Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing this file
Recently, a patron kept getting the following error message when trying to get the upgrade on his Windows 8 computer after following all of the above steps.

"Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing this file."

The solution is to turn off Internet Explorer's Protected Mode. Here are the steps:

From the "Settings" icon in IE >> Click on Internet Options >> Security tab >> Deselect "Enable Protected Mode." 

For helpful screenshots and more instructions, check out this excellent blog post:
http://blog.jongallant.com/2012/11/windows-media-player-overdrive-error.html#.UPQNPeTHVTI

Other Solutions:
There are rare instances in which the DRM folder on the computer must be reset. The instructions look daunting, but just follow them step-by-step and it's not bad to do.

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If you are using a Microsoft Surface RT tablet, it lacks the capability to get the WMP Security Upgrade or play WMA files. Read more.

Windows 7 and the WMP Security Upgrade

I've been itching to get my hands on a new Windows 7 computer (and now I've got five to play with!) to see what's really going on with the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade issue. (It's tough giving tech advice when it's all coming second hand.)

In summary: Try this first. If it doesn't work you'll have to read this whole post. ;-) 

Here's my experience: 

After successfully installing the OverDrive Media Console, I clicked the "Tools" menu and selected "Windows Media Player Security Upgrade." Nothing happens. (With XP and Vista, WMP opens and a file downloads, prompting you to play the file.)

Huh? Ok, then.

So I visited the DRM Reset Tool, as described in an earlier blog post and recommended by tech support. To be honest, my eyes started to cross and I did a lot of skimming to reach the part of the instructions where one should download the file and run it as an admin. I did that and it didn't make any different. Now, since I didn't try to play the test file, maybe I did something wrong. Meh. I decided to move on to another solution.

So instead of dealing with the DRM Reset Tool, I was able to get by on these old instructions. How about anyone else? Do these old instructions still work for you?

Note that you must use Internet Explorer to accomplish this task!

If this doesn't work for you, I've had luck taking a few extra steps involving renaming the DRM folder on the computer. Here's the trick, the DRM folder is oftentimes hidden.

How to show the DRM folder (hidden folders and files): 

• Open the Control Panel of your computer. 
• Search the Control Panel (upper right corner of the CP) for "Hidden Folders."
• Select "Show the Hidden Files, Folders and Drives."
• And deselect "Hide protected operating system files."
• The computer will yell at you. That's ok. Feel free to change back the settings when you're done.

(Sorry for the horrible "arrows" -- I miss SnagIt.)

 

Changing the DRM folder name:

You're done with that part. Now it's off to changing the name of the DRM folder on your computer. This folder is located in different places, depending on the operating system. Here's where to find the folder on Windows 7:

Right click on the colorful start button in the lower left-hand corner of the computer's screen.

Open Windows Explorer. (Yes, I'm old school.) Or -- ta-da -- even easier, click on the cute little folder icon on the bar at the bottom of your Windows 7 screen. (Duh!) 

You'll want: Computer >> OS (c drive) >> Program Data >> Microsoft >> Windows  >> DRM folder 

Or in other words:

• Look for the Computer on the left sidebar.
• Now, expand Computer (by clicking the triangle next to computer) to find OS. Click.
• Find Program Data folder. Click.
• Find Microsoft folder. Click.
• Find Windows folder. Click.
• Find the DRM folder.
• Don't open the DRM folder, instead, right-click on the folder. 
• Select "Rename."
• Call it "DRMold."
• Done with that. Feel free to go back over to the Control Panel and don't show the hidden folders and hide protected operating files. 

Now try the original instructions again. Don't forget to use Internet Explorer!

Now try the steps in this post once again. After you complete the steps, go back to the OverDrive Media Console >> Tools menu >> Windows Media Player Security Upgrade >> It should now give you a message that the upgrade is complete and this would be a re-upgrade.

I hope this helps!

Windows Media Player Security Upgrade & Windows 7

Windows 7 users are reporting higher than normal problems with obtaining the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. This is the error message:

"Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file."

Try following the instructions provided here:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/troubleshooting-wmp-upgrade.html

UPDATE: According to tech support, Windows 7 users should use the DRM Reset Tool, described in an earlier blog post.

What is the WMP Security Upgrade?
This is a necessary step for all Windows users to complete prior to downloading the first WMA audiobook. It gives your computer the right to download and open a protected file. (At least that's how I think of it working...) Without first upgrading the security you might get a message pertaining to not having the right to open the file. If you continue to try to download the file without having performed the WMP Security Upgrade three or more times, contact your local librarian for information on resetting your downloads.

Did this work for you? Let us know!

New DRM Reset Tool

There are times when the DRM on a Windows computer must be reset. There is a new tool available for Windows 7 users: The ResetDRM Tool.

You'll know the DRM must be reset on your Windows computer if you have successfully downloaded and transferred WMA audiobooks in the past, but suddenly receive an error like this:

A problem occurred in retreiving the Digital Rights Management machine identification. Error # OXCOOD2781

Contact Microsoft product support.

If you are using a different version of Windows or have trouble resetting the DRM, please contact your local librarian and ask them to contact OverDrive's technical support team on your behalf.