Napster

[tomijon]

I was a member of Napster but now I have been denied access to the search/library facility. I tried to re-register with different details etc
but I recieved a message quoting my previous user name denying access.
Is there a way to clear all reference to Napster from my p.c so they don`t have a record of my previous membership?.
Many Thank`s. Tom.

[Paleo Pete]

I think the information you're referring to is in Napster's database, not on your computer. Removing everything related to Napster probably would not make a difference.

If it is related to something on your computer my guess would be it's either in the registry or an .inf file somewhere.

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[Dan Mitchell]

I'm not sure if this is your difficulty, but I know Napster places a "cookie" in your windows/temp/cookies file, and possibly in the windows/cookies file as well. Delete any such cookies and then try re-registering using all new info. In fact if you don't use anything like online investments etc., for which you need cookie data, and if you don't care that some sites may not recognize you at login (which sounds like your *problem* with napster) you can just delete the entire contents of these and any other cookie files. There may be other cookie files on your system as well, depending on browser. I know Netscape has a cookie file in the user/{name} directory. You might also check this for napster references in a text editor. Delete any such references and resave the file . I suggest setting all such files to read only after clearing them, again unless you need cookies for something, which few people do.

I'd be very curious to know if this does in fact solve your particular Napster problem, please report back either way. I'm guessing this is your trouble.

BTW, what exactly caused you to be barred? Did you refuse to share files & just keep downloading?????? Shame on you http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Dan

[This message has been edited by Dan Mitchell (edited 05-27-2001).]

[tomijon]

I tried all the things you Guys sujested only to get the same message at the end of registration "access denied due to copyright infringement" ,this
goes on to explain that an injunction has been brought against me by the
Barbara Orbison music company for allowing files of certain Roy Orbison tracks to be shared(Maybe I should have kept them to myself as you implied). Anyway the top and bottom is somehow Napster seem to know who I am regardless of what bogus info I suply!.
Would I be able to download the program on another p.c and then access it on mine?.
Regards, Tom.

[AwARe]

Tom,

I don't think you're in all that much trouble "yet" really.....
But if I could make a recommendation, Maybe its time to get away from Napster for a bit "before" you find yourself in trouble....

I don't know "all" the details of this, but Im fairly certain that Napster is legally required to "deny" you access after you have been "found out" as someone xferring copywrited materials over the internet.....

I believe that Lars from Metallica was the first one to start this. He spent a weekend with some help from others, where they searched for people doing such things, and then took action against napster which ended in the above mentioned requirement imposed on Napster.........

So far as I know "currently", this is only action taken against Napster....
Be smart dont push your luck and find another way..........
At some point this may change and you may find yourself in a situation you'd much rather not be in.....

[Dan Mitchell]

Tom-Very interesting. If you have removed all cookie info, the situation opens up a broader issue of how a server can id someone *other than* via a cookie. As far as I am aware, without a cookie all the server can tell in the way of user ID is your IP address (can also id your operating system and a couple other anonymous details). On the other hand, the napster program is in effect a stand alone browser which only connects to their site, so it's certainly conceivable they have an alternate cookie-like file on your pc which ids you as cookies do. I'm guessing downloading the software on another pc to place on the first one will not eliminate this file, if it exists, but you could try it. I'm assuming you've uninstalled the original copy. This doesn't always remove everything, the new installation is likely to retain the old info (as happens often when you attempt to re-load time limited shareware). Out of curiosity I did a text search on my pc of a napster id I have and found 4 cab files & 3 registry enteries containing it. In particular, there's a registry entry under napster which contains the ID, e-mail address etc I gave them. You could try deleting this info (be careful about modifying registry entries, though eliminating something totally in a "napster" directory probably won't effect anything else, but you've been warned http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif )

Let me know if this works if you try it.

Dan

[AwARe]

EDIT: There are lots of other ways to get MP3's on the internet.....Why get them through Napster when "everyone is looking"? makes no sence.....

[Dan Mitchell]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AwARe:
Tom,

I don't think you're in all that much trouble "yet" really.....
But if I could make a recommendation, Maybe its time to get away from Napster for a bit "before" you find yourself in trouble....

Probably good advice, although since Tom's in Britain the threat is likely limited. I've used Napster a couple times and frankly, between the long download times, general lower-than-cd quality of the mp3s and the fact that many of them are truncated and don't contain the entire tune, I haven't used it in some time. Still, a challenge's a challenge http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Tom, you might try posting to alt.music.mp3 for more suggestions/alternatives.

Dan

[tomijon]

Thank`s` again Guys,
I think it`s` time to look elsewere for mp3 music but, I still think it`s
a pain in the arse that Napster Can somehow ID me when I have removed all visible signs of them.
If there are other similar services on the net could you post the addy?.
Regards, Tom.

[kayden azagthoth]

If there are other similar services on the net could you post the addy?.

Well, I'm glad you asked! Finally, something I know I can answer!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I've recently found two services to share MP3's--along with other types of files--and they have both proven to be worthy of use.

One is www.bearshare.com (http://www.bearshare.com) and the other is www.iMesh.com (http://www.iMesh.com) (don't know if the links will work but...)

I've found iMesh is a little easier to use.

Good luck with your hunting!


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And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd

[psabi]

tom

Dan had some excelent points about editing your registry and what is "left behind" even after you uninstall software.

If they are tying you to an IP address, you can attempt to get another one. When using most ISP's, they will often assign you an IP address (DHCP) and often times you will have the same IP if it doesn't get reassigned after you go offline. Basing this on dial-up, you can type winipcfg and choose "release all". Then disconnect and reconnect. More than likely, you will be assigned a new IP. This may help give you a new "identity" as far as napster is concerned.

Unfortuneately, if they are "labelling" you somehow by your MAC address, that is hard-wired by the manufacturer and can't be changed. Not without installing a new adapter, or in essence going thru enough trouble that I suggest you look for mp3 at an alternate location...


-Pete

[tomijon]

I tried both addresses but, only Bearshare worked, (Boy did it work)
I downloaded a program called WinMX that was featured and it`s FANTASTIC,
as good as Napster if not better, Many Thanks.
Also I used the winipcfg method sujested by Pete to log on and, will do so
everytime as a safeguard from Bigbrother,Thanks Pete.
Regards, Tom.

[oilypennys]

hi now youved tried the rest what about reeboot unless u got gigs and gigs to lose?

[tenjumin]

I've heard that napster already have copyrights. I'm downloading mp3's at Mirc. I think that's the best way to get good music you like. Try download Mirc chat at www.mirc.com (http://www.mirc.com) then connect to undernet server, and try these channels #mp3tunes, or #mp3freedom. Just type on the channel @find (music title) then copy it then post. there in just 10 min you have your song.

[MARKBLACK]

Hi tomijon, i'm wondering how this access denied came about I know I use to use napster but lately songs are now not avaiable so maybe this is what you mean by access denied i'm unsure maybe trying to upgrade to another version of napster will help.



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