How do I convert AAC music files to MP3?

Q I had a first-generation iPod Nano that was stolen. I am unable to replace it with another iPod so I have bought a cheaper MP3 player. This new player cannot play the AAC files from my iTunes collection nor is it recognised by iTunes. Is there a way to convert my collection?

Andrew Bould

A The good news is that Windows Media Player can convert AAC music files into MP3 (or WMA if you prefer) when it is copied to your music player. The bad news is that this process won’t work if the AAC files have any digital copy protection.

Synchronising the device will take a little longer, but Windows Media Player will keep a copy of the converted files so you won’t have to keep converting the file.

Start Windows Media Player and insert your mobile music player. Click on the Sync tab and then select your device if several are on offer. Windows Media Player will synchronise memory cards and USB memory keys so the music player may not be the only device displayed.

In Windows Media Player 12 (Windows 7), click on the icon with a box and green tick on the right-hand side of the screen.

In other versions of Windows Media Player Select the name of the player and then Select Settings. Double-click on the entry for the music player in the Devices section and then on the Quality tab in the window that appears.

Make sure the option ‘Convert music, pictures, videos and TV shows as required by this device (recommended)’ is selected and then click OK twice.

Now you can drag and drop your chosen albums onto the music player and they will be converted automatically.

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