audio software Archives

Winsage

November 12, 2025

My new, new favorite deep Windows lore: in 2004 Microsoft got caught shipping Windows XP with audio files made using cracked software

Microsoft made an adjustment to its Bluetooth driver code for the Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 due to a ® symbol in the mouse's name causing issues. An archived article revealed that .wav files bundled with Windows contained a watermark indicating they were created using 'Sound Forge,' a professional audio software. 'DeepzOne,' a member of the Warez group Radium, co-founded the group in 1997 and was known for circulating a cracked version of Sound Forge 4.5. Microsoft denied using pirated software, claiming it had the necessary licenses, but the metadata referencing 'DeepzOne' remained. Despite the controversy, many users expressed indifference to the incident when it resurfaced in discussions.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows 11 audio issues confirmed in December

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold that restricted certain users from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to compatibility issues with Bluetooth headsets and speakers. The bug, acknowledged in December, primarily affected systems using Dirac audio improvement software, causing audio-related malfunctions. The incompatibility was linked to the software component cridspapo.dll. On September 11, 2025, Microsoft announced the removal of the update block for devices with Dirac audio software, allowing them to upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2. A new driver addressing the issue is available via Windows Update. However, upgrades remain blocked for devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers, SenseShield Technology code-obfuscation drivers, wallpaper customization software, and integrated cameras.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Ancient CD ripping tool updated for the first time in 16 years, now supports Windows 11

CD2WAV32 has been updated to version 4.00jp after 16 years, now fully compatible with Windows 11 24H2, with no support for earlier versions or other operating systems. The developer, Moroboshi Ramu, previously updated the software on Windows 7. Microsoft’s Media Player App has also been updated, allowing music ripping and supporting MP3 format as of 2023, but lacks WAV support. The Media Player App enables users to select audio formats like AAC, MP3, and FLAC, with adjustable quality settings from 96Kbps to 320Kbps for lossy formats. Users can rip CDs by inserting them and selecting the ‘Rip CD’ option, with ripped files automatically added to the music library.