This problem occurs when the software is downloaded from an external site that has repackaged the software incorrectly. The problem you`re experiencing is caused by a distribution file that has a time out date of February 1st, 2004. You may install the below file, which includes the correct build of the file with no time-out.

http://www.mystikmedia.com/download/setup_blazemp.exe

Unfortunately, a major inconvenience with the WMA format at present is that many files are protected (locked) with Digital Rights Management (DRM). As far as we know, protected WMA files cannot be "converted" (with any software) since it is illegal to circumvent Microsoft`s protection on the format. Some WMA files are intentionally protected (such as those purchased from online music stores), while others are automatically protected upon creation by the producing software, such as Windows Media Player. For the latter, you can disable the feature in the Windows Media Player options, but your already converted files will not be changed. Of course, all files converted from CD using Blaze Media Pro directly as not protected.

Blaze Media Pro provides a solution to capture DRM protected WMA files and save to MP3, WAV, OGG, or unprotected WMA files. Click here for more information.

It is also recommended that you close as many other programs and background processes that start automatically with Windows as possible when recording/editing. Furthermore, be sure that you have the temporary data path set to the drive with the most available disk space possible in the audio editor`s configuration settings.

Conversion output quality is affected by two factors: CD-ROM drive and system processing power. For best conversion performance:

1. Avoid simultaneously running other applications which would drain the CPU`s power (graphics programs, scanners, other compressors, etc.)
2. Avoid simultaneously running other applications which are writing to the hard drive
3. Certain configurations which cause the operating system to crash, such as low memory or several open windows, will also affect the quality of conversion output

The first step is to ensure you are running the appropriate ASPI manager. There are a number of ASPI managers available that will not support digital CD conversion from all types of CD-ROM drives. The ASPI manager shipped with Windows 95/98 should work properly. If you have installed a disk drive, SCSI controller, or CD-ROM drive which has updated the ASPI manager on your system, you may have a newer version, but one that does not support digital CD conversion from your drive. In this case, you should reinstall the appropriate ASPI manager for the version of Windows you are running.
There are a number of possible obstacles when converting from CD, including minute scratches or physical damage to the CD for a particular track, internal vibration of your CD-ROM drive, interruptions with multiple networked PCs, attempting to convert from an enhanced CD, as well as a variety of other possibilities.

A bigger problem can often be your CD-ROM drive itself. About 25% of the drives currently on the market do not support digital audio extraction. Depending on what the source of the problem is, you may find that all recording is affected or that only a few tracks from certain CDs present problems.

Many of the drives that do support digital audio extraction have poor seeking accuracy that results in audible artifacts in the conversion output. During the conversion process, drive-seeking errors (jitter) may cause clicks, pops, scratches or skips to be heard in the output file. To eliminate or minimize this effect, experiment with the Copy Mode setting to determine which configuration produces the best result on your system. You may access this option by selecting the Configure command from the CD Converter`s File menu. Conversion time may take longer with a different option selected, but the jitter may be minimized depending on which setting your drive utilizes. Some drives will produce excellent sound quality without changing this setting. We recommend you try all available configurations to determine which is best for your drive if you`re experiencing problems.

There is no standard or optimal setting since every system is set up differently. Fine-tuning is often a matter of trial and error. Always remember to avoid running any applications in the background while converting. This includes any pre-installed applications that may have come on your PC.

Speed fluctuations are most often caused by the computer`s processor not being able to keep up with the conversion process. Because Blaze Media Pro performs all recording and encoding in one step (for maximum speed and quality), it demands more processing power than an encoder by itself.
If you have limited processing power and have had better results encoding using a two-step method of creating MP3/WMA files, try first converting from CD to WAV format and then encoding to MP3 format with the WAV to MP3 conversion feature of Blaze Media Pro.

Skipping is usually caused either by jitter or accuracy problems when the drive is seeking data. They can be aggravated by degraded system performance.

Try to defragment your hard disk regularly and avoid running programs that use a lot of system resources when running Blaze Media Pro. To defragment a drive, double click on `My Computer` icon on your desktop, right-click on the drive (C, D etc…) you`d like to defragment, click on `Properties/Tools` and choose `Defragment Now`. Depending on the size of your hard drive, this may take several hours. It`s best not using your computer during this time.

Unfortunately, the same qualities that make a CD-ROM great for a portable computer make it very difficult to obtain acceptable output quality from CD conversion.

It is quite possible that from this drive, you may never produce a clean conversion, and if possible, you may want to perform your conversions on a desktop system instead, using your laptop solely for playback.

Unfortunately, not all CD players can handle CD-R discs. When creating custom CDs to play in your home or car stereo system, be sure to purchase CD-R discs, and check the insert before buying to ensure they are designed for audio track content. This will greatly increase the ability to play on various CD player types.

In general, avoid generic CD-R discs, as they are the least likely to work in a home or car stereo.

Minimum: Intel® Pentium® class 800MHz processor or better; 1 GB RAM; 50 MB hard drive space; 4x CD-ROM drive or better; Sound Blaster-compatible sound card and speakers/headphones; SVGA or higher color video display card (minimum resolution 800x600); Internet connection for CDDB access, ordering, and support.

Recommended: Intel® Pentium® II class 2 gHz MMX or better; 2 GB RAM or more; 50 MB hard drive space; 12x CD-ROM drive or better; Sound Blaster-compatible sound card and speakers/headphones; CD-R or CD-RW drive (for creating audio and/or data CDs); 16-bit color video card; Internet connection for CDDB access, ordering, and support. For audio and video editing of large files, more RAM may be required.

Be sure that you are running the current version of the software after purchasing. You may download the current version of the software from the Blaze Media Pro web site.

If you were running a previous major version when you purchased the software and provided the Product ID, once the current version is installed, email your new Product ID to [email protected] with a brief explanation of what occurred, and we will prompt;y provide the correct information.

Otherwise, if you are having any other problems, feel free to contact us for assistance.

There are two common reasons for issues such as this. Firstly, the CD-ROM volume may be zero or muted. Secondly, there may be no or an incorrect audio connection between the CD-ROM drive and sound card.

• Check the CD Volume
  1. Double click on the speaker icon in the lower-right hand corner of your screen (beside the time display)
  2. In the Volume Control Dialog that appears, you will need to confirm that the mute box for CD is unchecked and the volume level is set to an audible value.
• Check the audio cable
  1. Turn off the computer and remove the case (ensure you take appropriate precautions for static electricity such as an antistatic wrist strap).
  2. Check for a cable (normally with three or four wires - red, white, and black) that connect to the sound card and the rear of the CD-ROM drive.
  3. If no lead is present, you will need to purchase one and install it.
  4. The wires in the cable are generally wired as follows: Black-Earth (G), Red-Right Stereo Signal (R), White-Left Stereo Signal (L).
  5. From the back of the CD-ROM drive, the order is R-G-G-L.
  6. When this is wired correctly, replace the case and restart your computer.