Anything better than Nero? 3

[dcloud]

About a year ago I bought Nero 6 Ultimate Edition online for burning DVDs for storage and converting my CD collection to mp3 format. Since then I had to reformat my computer and I lost my registration info. I have tried to contact Nero about this for almost three months now without one reply. To convert audio files off a CD you need a mp3 filter/plug-in and Nero charges for these plug-ins.

With my faith in Nero customer support rapidly disappearing I was wondering if anyone here had any previous experience with Nero (like me) and if anyone can recommend another burning/converting program (other than Nero)?

Thanks.

- dc

 

[cdogg]

Umm, besides emailing, did you try calling?

I found this number off of their site:
(818) 956-7551

The correct email address, by the way is:
US-CustomerService@nero.com

But before you email, this is the procedure you should follow which walks you through filling out a form:

http://ww2.nero.com/nero6/enu/Lost_Serial_Key.html

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[petermeachem]

cdex does a very adequate job of converting cd's to mp3's and doesn't cost anything. This is one download site

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/Cdex/

 

[rvnguy]

you need a mp3 filter/plug-in

Far as I know this is included with the XP OS to support Media Player ripping.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[dcloud]

Um, yes ... I did all three; form, e-mail, but that phone number has a charge of $1.00 per minute so that was not an option. I e-mailed the correct address, several times. I have since learned from other users that they have had the same problems contacting Nero.

rvnguy, I meant I needed a plug-in for Nero, and of course they charge for it.

I'm thinking of buying Winamp Pro. Winamp can burn and convert audio, and they are more reasonably priced (with better customer support).

- dc

 

[petermeachem]

Or you could do it for free as has been pointed out?

 

[cdogg]

Winamp can burn and convert audio

Are you looking for a replacement for Nero? If so, Winamp is not going to help you with burning DVD-Video. And with Windows Media Player in WinXP, Winamp's not even needed as others have pointed out.

For an all out alternative, Roxio's CD/DVD burning suite is an option. However, it's just as expensive and it would still involve paying for the services all over again.

As for standalone DVD tools (some freeware), the following links may give you ideas:

http://www.videohelp.com/tools

http://www.download.com/DVD-Tools/3150-7970_4-0.html

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[JimInKS]

We are mixed Mac and PC family and I just use the PC version of Itunes for managing our music. It imports/exports mp3's easily and also burns audio or mp3 cd's.

Audacity is an open source audio editor that I use. It has been perfectly stable. Audacity can also import / export mp3's using the LAME encoder (also free). I also believe that LAME can be used to batch convert files but I have never done this.

 

[dcloud]

cdogg, thanks for those links. I'm checking them out now. I also found a program called CDex, which has some pretty good reviews.

- dc

 

[dcloud]

I should mention I don't care about burning DVDs (movies or otherwise). I mentioned DVDs as the media I prefer to burn data on to (because you can store more on a DVD).

- dc

 

[alildevil]

As far as ripping audio CD's froma CD to mp3 I prefer dbpoweramp, its free and works great.

 

[dcloud]

I will try out CDex when I get the chance. alildevil, thanks for that info. I will also check out the dBpowerAMP. Thanks to everyone else for your responses and suggestions. I appreciate it.

- dc

 

[dcloud]

Here's an update ... I finally got an e-mail back from Nero Support. They sent me my original serial number. Unfortunately when I install Nero and insert the reg key when I'm prompted the program installs as Nero 6 Demo.

I went into regedit and looked for the serial number there under Ahead/Nero 6/Info, but there is no serial number just (value not set). And every time I start the program I am prompted for the serial number.

**sigh**

I am dreading writing Nero support again, considering how long it took to get a reply this time.

Any suggestions from you tech gurus?

Thanks.

- dc

 

[electronicsfreak]

Demo is the full program, it is a demo untill you enter the serial then it becomes the full version.

 

[dcloud]

Yes, I know that, but I have already entered the serial number and it is still operating as the "demo" program. That's what I'm asking for help with; why is it still a "demo" when I've already entered the serial number?

- dc

 

[electronicsfreak]

Remove the program otherwords uninstall it, delete its folder in program files. Download the link below run it to remove all leftover entries in registry from it. Reinstall it and then enter the serial.

http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Are you saying that it remains as a demo even though you have input the serial number when prompted?

Are there any 0's (numeric) or O's (alpha) in the serial number?
Have you tried 'cut-n-pasting' it from the email.

[Cheers]

 

[dcloud]

electronicsfreak, thanks for the link. I will run this program then do what you said. I take it you have used this program and it checks out ok? No spyware or anything? I will let you know what happens.

Blimey, I went into regedit and checked:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Ahead\Nero - Burning Rom\Info

In that folder for Default there is (value not set). I already tried modifying the string by inserting the reg key they sent me, but the program still operates as a deom version.

- dc

 

[electronicsfreak]

I have it on mine and have not ran into any problems with it.

 

[dcloud]

Ok, I uninstalled Nero 6, then deleted the folder from Program Files. Rebooted. I installed EasyCleaner, rebooted again, and then ran the Registry cleaner. I deleted every string that had Ahead (nero) in it. Rebooted again.

I then reinstalled Nero 6, and during installation I entered the serial number Nero support sent me. Unfortunately it is still running as a demo version, and prompts me for the serial number when I open the program.

I'm wondering if maybe it's the download from Nero? I went there and downloaded the latest version of the program.

Any other suggestions? Thanks for all your help so far. I appreciate it.

- dc