There are many ways to convert FLAC files to MP3 in Windows. Which one is the easiest though? Well there is a web site that will convert almost anything, including those formats. It’s very easy, but it’s also very slow. It converts only one file at a time.

For faster conversions, your best bet is to do the following:

1. Download and install dBpoweramp.

2. Download and install the FLAC codec for dBpoweramp.

3. Click Start > Programs > dBpoweramp Music Converter > dBpoweramp
Batch Converter

4. Select the folders where your FLAC files are located. Then check the files you wish to be converted. Click Convert after they are all selected.

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Now that iTunes is offering movies, you may want to consider setting parental controls within iTunes.

1. Click Edit > Preferences in Windows, iTunes > Preferences in Mac,

2. Click the Parental Control tab.

3. Set the criteria for what will be password protected from your kids.

4. Click the lock to set a password. Enter your Windows or Mac password for the account with admin rights.

5. Click OK then OK again when done.

By default, iTunes has an option when you right click on a song to Convert Selection to AAC. This format isn’t friendly with some music players. What if you want to convert the music to MP3 format? Well here’s how to enable the Convert Selection to MP3 option in iTunes.

1. In iTunes, click on the Edit > Preferences.

2. Click the Advanced tab.

3. Click the Importing tab.

4. On the Import Using menu, select MP3 Encoder click OK.

Now the option to Convert Selection to MP3 will be available when you right click on an music track.

Need to extract the music files off of your iPod to your PC? I located a handy tool that will take all of the music files from your iPod and convert them into MP3 format. It will also copy your video files as well.

The tool is called iPodExtract. I prefer it because it has a very simple interface. Just select your iPod drive, then select where you want the files to go. Please note that the iPod must be enabled as a hard drive before using this tool.

How to enter Rescue/Recovery Mode on the Creative Labs ZEN Touch, Xtra, NX, USB 2.0 or Firewire MP3 player.

1. Ensure the unit is detached from the computer and powered off.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Hold down the Play/Pause button while inserting a paper clip into the Reset hole.

4. Hold the Play/Pause button until the Rescue Mode screen appears.

You will then have the option to Clean up, Format, Reload OS / Firmware or Reboot.

Ever been cruising along in your Dodge Omni, listening to your iPod in your car using an FM Transmitter and then all of a sudden your tune by Green Day gets interrupted by Garth Brooks?

Radio interference can be annoying when it comes to using your iPod in the car. I learned this tip from DL.TV that has helped me a great deal with this problem. Sirius provides a Frequency Finder on their web site where you can search radio stations in your area that are safe to use Sirius Satellite Radio with. You can also use this tool for your iPod, Zune or other music player FM Transmitter.

I bought all the useless Verizon VCAST software thinking I could easily make my MP3’s into ringtones. This was not the case. For ringtones, I would be forced to buy from the VCAST store. I found a way around this though and started making my own ringtones for my LG VX8300 phone. I am told this hack or workaround will work with most LG or Motorola phones on Verizon’s network.

First you have to find the music file you wish to use. I use the Google MP3 Hack to find MP3’s. There are also other ways of getting MP3’s. Oh, and to cover my ass, please know that there are copyright laws, so be sure not to use any songs that are illegally ripped, so be sure only to use legal MP3 files. Uh hu! So, moving on… I have my MP3 file, I just need software to make it so it will fit in my phone. I use Audacity 1.3 for Windows in this example. It’s totally free and a painless applications to use. Download and install Audacity here. After you’re done with that, download the lame_enc.dll file. Save and extract the lame_enc.dll file to your Desktop because Audacity will need it later.

1. Open your MP3 file using Audacity (File > Open). Ringtones typically need to be 30 seconds or less, so we need to trim your MP3 down to the right size. Highlight a 30 second or less chunk of the song. I always like to use the first 30 seconds of the song, but you can use any 30 second chunk of it.

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How to block or unblock another Zune device from sending you pictures and music.

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How to perform a hard reset on an iPod shuffle.

On both the 1st and 2nd generation iPod Shuffle, you can perform a hard reset on it by powering it down for 5 seconds then powering it back on. Also be sure you do not have the device attached to your computer or any other device while doing this. This is the only thing that can be done to reset it.

For more information see Apple’s document on resetting the iPod Shuffle here.

How to turn off your Zune device.

The device will then shut off.

You get an error: “The software you are installing for this hardware: Zune has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP” when trying to install your Zune.

Other suggestions are available at Microsoft’s web site.

How to change your background on your Zune device.

3. Select APPLY AS BACKGROUND.

How to reset your Zune device if it is not responding.

Press back and up at the same time. This should reset the device. You may also need to plug it into a power source. Also make sure the hold switch on the top of your Zune device is set to “off” while you are performing these steps.

Change the name that is displayed for your Zune Device.

5. After you disconnect your Zune device, the new device name will appear in the Community twist on a Zune device.

When you try to create a new Zune Tag, you receive the following error message:

Ensure that the tag you are using does not contain any of these.