Defunct MSN Music has a DRM controversy on its hands
Found on CNet News on Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Microsoft will no longer "support the retrieval of license keys for the songs you purchased on MSN Music or the authorization of additional computers," the company said in an e-mail to former MSN Music customers.
What the announcement means is that former MSN Music customers will risk losing their music libraries if they try to transfer songs to unauthorized computers or swap operating systems after Aug. 31.
Another alternative is to burn songs to CDs and rerip. This means the loss of sound quality but offers more peace of mind.
Right from the start, when the overhyped DRM was forced down the throat of customers, people pointed out that it was a flawed effort of the industry to extend control into your private life. Now those who made the mistake to trust the industry are faced with the consquences. They decided to aquire their music legally, and now they will be left with nothing. Of course, your music will still play in September, but from then on you will not be able to change your hardware or reinstall without losing everything you've paid for.