Understanding licensed files
Licensed files are Windows Media files that have been secured from random distribution by attaching a license that is required to play the file. Content providers such as recording companies may choose to secure their files so that they are less likely to be pirated. If you use Windows Media Player to copy tracks from a CD, the copies of those tracks have associated licenses. Windows Media Player cannot play licensed files without a valid license. The license is used to secure the file to the computer where the file was downloaded or created. You do not have to worry about the location of your licenses, Windows Media Player tracks this for you. When dealing with licensed files, you should know that:
- You can play licensed files until the license expires. You will be informed during license acquisition of the terms of the license.
- There are two ways you acquire a license for a file. If you are downloading a licensed file from the Internet, after you download the file you are directed to a site where you register for the license (in some cases a fee may be required). The license is then downloaded to your computer and it applies only to the file you downloaded. License rights and license acquisition scenarios are entirely dependent upon the person or company that provided the file. If you are using Windows Media Player to copy a file from a CD, when you copy a track, a license is automatically issued for that file.
- If you copy a licensed file to another computer or give a copy of the file to another person, registration must occur on that computer as well. You cannot copy and share licenses among different computers.
- Use the Portable Device feature to copy licensed files and associated licenses to your portable device. However, the rights included in the license must allow for transfer to a portable device.
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