Zune Marketplace features music in both DRM-protected WMA and DRM-free MP3 formats. In most cases, when you buy a song you get it as an MP3. Sometimes, though, your song will arrive as a WMA file. Got a question about what that means for you and your collection? Check out About Media Usage Rights, and see answers to some of the most common questions about the differences between WMA and MP3 songs on Zune below.
What’s the difference between buying a song as a WMA and buying one as an MP3?
While the sound quality between MP3s and WMAs is comparable, WMAs, such as those found in Zune Marketplace, are digital-rights-managed, while MP3s are DRM-free.
You may copy MP3 files as many times as necessary for your personal, non-commercial use. We are currently unable to replace MP3 songs that you delete or lose. For this reason, we highly recommend that you back up your MP3s by burning them onto a CD. WMA files may also be burned onto a CD, but you may only burn the exact same playlist a maximum of seven times.
Why would I want to buy an MP3 music track instead of a WMA?
If you prefer DRM-free content, then the MP3 is the file format you'll want to choose.
How can I see the format of a particular song?
MP3s are marked with an icon displaying their status as MP3s. You can also right-click on a particular song in your collection and select Properties.
I bought a song while I was out and about with my Zune. How can I add it to both my home and my office computer?
If you're using smart sync, simply connect your Zune to your computer and sync it.
Follow these steps if you've configured Zune software for manual sync:
- Connect your Zune to your computer.
- In Zune software, click the player icon and select Music.
- Drag your purchased song to the computer icon. Sync starts immediately.
For more information, see Sync Your Zune to Another Computer.
Can I download MP3 songs as part of my Zune Pass?
MP3s can be downloaded as part of your 10 monthly song credits, and for purchase. Songs available as part of your Zune Pass collection are in the WMA format, whose DRM enables the subscription feature.
How do I restore my purchased songs?
If you get an error message that says you're missing the media usage rights for a song that you bought or downloaded from Zune Marketplace in the WMA format and you had the rights before, you can restore them by following these instructions .
Since we can't replace lost or deleted MP3s, you can restore those from a CD backup. If there's a problem with an MP3 right after you buy it, please contact customer support.
To review your purchase history, see Account Settings, Purchase History in Zune software.
Can I re-download my purchased WMA songs as MP3s?
No, but you can restore your WMA song purchases up to four times after their initial download.
