Cracking copy-protected CDs

[worldofcm]

So I have a predicament that I thought some of you guys could help me out with...

I just got a CD that I would like to listen to - problem is I can't because it's copy protected and won't allow me to listen to it on my computer.  Here's the problem - I don't have a CD player to listen to it outside of my computer.

Do any of you know anything about cracking a copy-protected CD?  You guys know me well enough to know I don't do filesharing, so the notion that that is what I want it for flies right out the window.  I am also on an iMac.

Anyone?  Anyone?

[murlough23]

Do any of you know anything about cracking a copy-protected CD?

Yes. Hold the edges of the CD in both hands right above your kneecap, and then apply force downward.

NP: "Chronic", Sarah Jahn

[Josh Powell]

Try EAC (Exact Audio Copy)

It's generally pretty good at ripping copy protected CDs.

If it won't work.. let me know the title and I'll try to find the copy protection scheme it uses and an appropriate app to rip it.

AFAIK, every copy protection scheme has been cracked.. so it's all a matter of finding which protection scheme it's using, and then the app to un-protect it

Er, I just re-read your post and noticed you're on a mac. Forget EAC then.. its for PCs. Most copy protections don't work on macs.. so thats odd that you are having trouble. Are you trying to rip it in iTunes?

Anyhow, just post the title and I'll see what I can do.

Josh

[bloop]

Does it have directions to play it on a computer (i.e. "hold down shift")?

If that doesn't work, and Josh's suggestion is a bit too technical for you, this is as good a reason as any I've seen to do just a little internet leeching.  If you own it, you are certainly entitled to listenable (ok, hearable) music.

[worldofcm]

No directions.  Everytime I put it in the CD-Rom it says "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer."

When I put it in my PC and I open Free-Rip - it sees the data tracks but obviously won't let me rip data tracks as MP3s.

If I know of somewhere that has the CD to get through filesharing, I'm not opposed to it, since I own the CD already.

[worldofcm]

[murlough23]

What CD is it? If one of us has it, we could just zip it up for you and put it on FileFactory or whatever.

I'm actually suprised that they went to the trouble of making the copy protection work on a Mac. Other copy protection schemes I've heard about generally just "work" on Windows.

[Josh Powell]

He PMed me the CD.. none of us have it. (Damn pre-releases. )

worldofcm: If you have a PC.. did you try EAC with it?  http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

You can also (on your PC) try bloop's suggestion of holding down the shift key when you put the CD in.. but that may or may not work depending on what copy protection scheme the CD uses.