Understanding licensed files

Licensed files are Windows Media files that are secured from random distribution by attaching a license that is required to play the file. Content providers such as recording companies can secure their files so that they are less likely to be illegally copied and redistributed. If you use Windows Media Player to copy tracks from a CD, the copies of those tracks have associated licenses. Windows Media Player cannot play licensed files without a valid license. The license is used to secure the file to the computer where the file was downloaded or created. Windows Media Player tracks the location of your licenses for you.

Note You should back up your licenses to a floppy disk periodically. If you reinstall or upgrade the operating system, your licenses could be lost. For more information about how to back up licenses, see Related topics.

The following rules apply to licensed files:

You can play licensed files until the license expires. You are informed of the terms when you acquire the license.
You can acquire a license for a file in two ways. When you download a licensed file from the Internet, you are directed to an Internet site to register for the license (in some cases a fee is required). The license is downloaded to your computer and applies only to the file you downloaded. License rights and license acquisition scenarios are entirely dependent upon the person or company that provided the file. When you use Windows Media Player to copy a track from a CD, a license is automatically issued for it.
You cannot copy and share licenses among different computers. If you copy a licensed file to another computer or give a copy of the file to another person, you must register the license for that computer as well.
You can use the Portable Device feature to copy licensed files and associated licenses to your portable device only if the license includes these rights.