Global distributor of digital eBooks, audiobooks, music & video for library, school & retail--OverDrive Media Console™ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Download & Install OverDrive Media Console.

How can I get a copy of OverDrive Media Console?

OverDrive Media Console is a free download. To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click here.

Note that upgrading or uninstalling OverDrive Media Console will not affect any content that you have previously downloaded; all items in the 'Media library' will be maintained through either process.
What additional software do I need in order to use OverDrive Media Console?

To use OverDrive Media Console, you will need to have Windows Media® Player 9 Series (or newer) installed. Windows Media Player is a free download. To review system requirements and download Windows Media Player 9 Series (or newer), click here.

If you wish to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to an Apple device, you will need to have iTunes v7.6.2.9 (or newer) and QuickTime v7.4.5 (or newer) installed.

If you wish to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to a Zune® device using OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must have OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), Zune application v3.0 (or newer), and Zune device firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed. Before you can transfer OverDrive Audiobooks to a Zune using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must close any other program to which the Zune is connected.
What is the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade and how do I install it?
The Windows Media Security Upgrade is a process that must be performed before Microsoft® Windows Media Player will allow any DRM-protected files, such as OverDrive WMA Audiobooks, OverDrive WMA Music, or OverDrive WMV Video, to be played. A security measure, the security update identifies the copy of Windows Media Player with the computer on which the Player is being used. Publishers often require this sort of security in order to discourage the unlawful redistribution of digital content. You should only need to complete this upgrade one time.

The first time that you open OverDrive Media Console, OverDrive Media Console checks to see if you need to complete the security upgrade. If a security upgrade is needed, a message is displayed notifying you that in order to play protected content, you must first upgrade the security of Windows Media Player. Follow the instructions provided in the message to complete the security update.

Alternatively, you may install the security upgrade at any time. For instructions on completing the security upgrade at any time, click here
1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
  A dialog box is displayed, notifying you that Windows Media Player requires a security upgrade to play protected content.
3. Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
  Windows Media Player opens and the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box is displayed.
4. Click 'OK' in the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
  The 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed, indicating that you have installed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
5. Click the 'Play' button in the 'License Acquisition' dialog box to complete the upgrade.
  Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade.
6. Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'License Acquisition' dialog box. If desired, you can also close Windows Media Player at this time.
  You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
You may need to reinstall the security upgrade at a later time. For instructions on reinstalling the security upgrade at a later time, click here
1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
  A dialog box is displayed, notifying you of the current Windows Media Player security version and offering the option to re-upgrade.
3. To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
  Windows Media Player opens and, the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box is displayed.
4. Click 'Play' in the 'License Acquisition' dialog box dialog box to perform the upgrade.
  The 'License Acquisition' dialog box closes, and Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade. If desired, you can close Windows Media Player at this time.
  You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.

Download OverDrive Titles.

What OverDrive Media formats can I use with OverDrive Media Console?
The following formats are available for use with OverDrive Media Console...
- OverDrive WMA Audiobooks
- OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks
- OverDrive Music
- OverDrive Video
How do I download an OverDrive title?
1. After purchasing or checking out an OverDrive title, click on the 'Download' link for the title.
  OverDrive Media Console opens, and the 'Get Media' dialog box is displayed. The 'Get Media' dialog box allows you to specify the location to which the file(s) you download will be saved.
2. Click 'OK' to save the files to the default location or click the 'Browse...' button to specify a different location on your computer, then click 'OK'.
  The 'Download' dialog box is displayed. At the 'Download' dialog box, you can specify the Part(s) of the titles you want to download. By default, all available Parts are selected for download.
3. Use the checkboxes to indicate the Part(s) you want to download, and click 'OK'.
  The 'Download' dialog box closes, and the download begins. The progress of the download of each Part is displayed in OverDrive Media Console. The download may take several minutes, depending on the number of Parts selected, the size of the Parts, and the speed of the Internet connection.

Play & Navigate OverDrive Titles.

How do I play and navigate an OverDrive title?

In OverDrive Media Console, select the title you want to play, then click the 'Play' button. The OverDrive Media Explorer™ window is displayed, and the selected title begins to play.
How do I play a specific section of the title I downloaded?

For ease of download and use, many OverDrive titles are divided into 'Parts', and Parts are then divided into logical sections (such as chapters for audiobooks). The beginning points of these logical sections are called 'MediaMarkers™'. Use Parts and MediaMarkers to skip directly to, and begin play at, a desired point in a title. Click on the desired Part to display associated MediaMarkers. Click the desired MediaMarker to start play at that point in the file.

Transfer OverDrive Media to Portable Devices.

To which devices can I transfer OverDrive Media?
Device support varies by media format. To review a list of known supported portable devices, click here.

General notes about support by format are as follows:
If you intend to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to a Zune device using OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), please note the following...
- OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks can be transferred to the Zune using the Transfer Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer).
- The Zune application v3.0 (or newer) must be installed.
- The Zune device must have firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed.
Which OverDrive Media formats can I transfer to an Apple device?

OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks may be transferred to Apple devices. Apple devices do not support DRM-protected OverDrive WMA Audiobooks, OverDrive WMA Music, or OverDrive WMV Video. OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks can be transferred to most Apple devices using the Transfer Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer). An exception is the iPod® Shuffle™; you will need to use iTunes to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to the iPod Shuffle.
What additional software do I need in order to transfer OverDrive Media to an Apple® device?
If you plan to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to an Apple device, iTunes v7.6.2.9 (or newer) and QuickTime v7.4.5 (or newer) are required. You can download QuickTime as part of the iTunes download.

If you want to use the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to an Apple device other than the iPod Shuffle, the setting 'Manually manage music...' must be enabled in iTunes before you can complete the transfer. For instructions on changing this setting, click here.
1. Connect the device to your computer.
2. If it does not launch automatically, open iTunes (v7.6.2.9 or newer).
3. In iTunes, locate the device in the left vertical navigation panel (under heading 'DEVICES'), and click the device.
  The 'Summary' screen is displayed.
4. If it is not already checked, place a checkmark next to option 'Manually manage music...'.
5. Click the 'Apply' button.
  The iTunes 'Summary' screen refreshes, and the changes are saved.
6. If desired, close iTunes.
Which OverDrive Media formats can I transfer to a Zune device?

OverDrive WMA and MP3 Audiobooks may be transferred to Zune devices. Zune devices do not support DRM-protected OverDrive WMA Music or OverDrive WMV Video.
What additional software do I need in order to transfer OverDrive Media to a Zune device?

To transfer OverDrive Audiobooks to a Zune using OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must have OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), Zune application v3.0 (or newer), and Zune device firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed. In this scenario, you must close any other program (such as the Zune application) to which the Zune is connected before attempting to transfer an OverDrive Audiobook to the Zune.
How do I transfer OverDrive titles to a portable device using OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer)?
1. Connect a portable player to your computer.
2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
  The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is displayed.
3. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Transfer Wizard and click 'Next'.
  The Transfer Wizard searches for a connected portable device.
  If the device is detected, the 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
4. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
5. Click 'Next' to begin transferring the file(s) to the device.
  When the file transfer is complete, the Transfer Wizard displays a 'success' message.
6. Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
  You can disconnect the portable device and enjoy the title on-the-go.
Note: Device support varies by format. To read more about which devices support which formats, click here.

Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to transfer media files to a memory card. Be sure to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer OverDrive media files from your PC to the Pocket PC.
How do I transfer OverDrive titles to a portable device using OverDrive Media Console v2.1?
1. Connect a portable player to your computer.
2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
  The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is displayed.
3. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Transfer Wizard and click 'Next'.
  The Transfer Wizard will search for a connected portable device.
  If the device is detected the 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  If the device is not detected, the Transfer Wizard will display a message stating that 'no portable players could be found.' Reconnect the device, and complete steps 1-3.
4. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
5. Click 'Next' to begin transferring the file(s) to the device.
  When the file transfer is complete, the Transfer Wizard displays a 'success' message.
6. Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
  You can disconnect the portable device and enjoy the title on-the-go.
Note: Device support varies by format. To read more about which devices support which formats, click here.

Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to transfer media files to a memory card. Be sure to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer OverDrive media files from your PC to the Pocket PC.
How do I transfer OverDrive titles to a portable device using OverDrive Media Console v1.x or v2.0 and Windows Media Player?
The steps taken to transfer OverDrive titles to portable devices using OverDrive Media Console v1.x or 2.0 and Windows Media Player depend on which version of Windows Media Player you have installed.

For Windows Media Player 11 instructions, click here.
1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
  Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title; do not stop playback.
2. Click the 'Sync' tab.
3. Select the 'Now Playing' list under the 'Playlists' heading on the left side of Windows Media Player.
4. Select the Part(s) you wish to transfer and drag them to the Sync list on the right side of Windows Media Player.
  When the Sync List is ready, ensure that the device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
  Windows Media Player begins to transfer the files to the device in the order that they appear in the 'Sync List'.
  This process may take a few minutes. You can follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the part name in the Sync List.
5. When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'.
  You can now disconnect the portable device and enjoy the title on-the-go.
For Windows Media Player 10 instructions, click here.
1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
  Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title.
2. You can stop playback at this point if you choose. Click the 'Library' tab.
  The Media Library will be displayed but the 'Now Playing List' should remain.
3. Do one of the following:
  - If you wish to transfer all Parts, ensure that the device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
    Windows Media Player will transfers the files to the device in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'.
    
    -OR-
  - If you wish to transfer a specific Part(s) to the device, you can remove Parts from the Sync List. Click on the unwanted Parts and press the 'Delete' key. Alternatively, you can right-click an unwanted Part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Sync List is ready, ensure that the device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
4. When the transfer is complete, the status field indicates 'Complete'.
  You can now disconnect the portable device and enjoy the title on-the-go.
For Windows Media Player 9 instructions, click here.
1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
  Windows Media Player opens.
2. Turn off skin mode, if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button.
  The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
3. Select the Part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s) .
4. Connect the device and ensure that it is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
5. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to copy the Part(s) to the portable device.
  Windows Media Player inspects and copies the file(s) to the device. This process may take a few minutes. You can follow Windows Media Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
6. When the transfer is complete, the status field in Windows Media Player indicates 'Complete'.
  You can now disconnect the portable device and enjoy the title on-the-go.
Note: Device support varies by format. To read more about which devices support which formats, click here.

Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to transfer media files to a memory card. Be sure to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer OverDrive media files from your PC to a Pocket PC.

Burn OverDrive Media to CD.

How can I tell if an OverDrive Audiobook or Music title may be burned to CD?
1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the desired title and click the 'Properties' button.
2. The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
3. Click the 'License' tab. (Note that if a 'License' tab is not displayed, the title is not digitally protected and can be burned to CD.)
4. 'License details' for the selected title are displayed, indicating whether or not the title may be burned to CD.
How do I burn an OverDrive Audiobook or Music title to CD using OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer)?
The steps involved in burning an OverDrive Audiobook or Music title to CD using OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer) vary by operating system:
- If you have Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000, you will need to use Windows Media Player to burn OverDrive Audiobooks or Music to CD. To view instructions for Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000 and Windows Media Player 9, click here.
  -or-
- If you have Windows XP or newer, you can burn OverDrive Audiobooks or Music to CD using the OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard. Burn a title to CD using Burn Wizard as follows:
  1. Place a recordable CD into your recordable CD drive.
  2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to burn and click the 'Burn' button.
    The OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard is displayed.
  3. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Burn Wizard and click 'Next'.
    The 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  4. In the 'Confirm' screen, select the Part(s) you want to burn by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
  5. Click 'Next' to begin burning the first file to CD.
    The Progress screen is displayed. You can click 'Cancel' at any point while the OverDrive Media Console 'prepares' the file. However, it is not possible to cancel the process once the file starts burning to CD.
  6. If you have selected more than one Part to burn to CD, the Burn Wizard will prompt you to enter a new CD for each Part. When all Part(s) have been successfully burned to CD, the Burn Wizard displays a 'success' message.
  7. Click 'Finish' to exit the Burn Wizard.
Note: If you need information about burning to CD in previous versions of OverDrive Media Console, click here.

Note: Many OverDrive audio titles (Audiobooks and Music) can be burned to CD, but OverDrive Video titles cannot be burned to CD or DVD.
I have Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000. How do I burn an OverDrive Audiobook or Music title to CD using Windows Media Player 9?
1. If you are running Windows Media Player in 'Skin Mode', switch to 'Full Mode'.
2. Select the 'Media Library' tab.
  The 'Media Library' screen is displayed.
3. On the 'Media Library' screen, click the 'Add' button, and select 'Add Folder...'
  The 'Add Folder' dialog box is displayed.
4. In the 'Add Folder' dialog box, browse to the location of the title you wish to burn to CD and click 'OK'.
  The default location for OverDrive titles is My Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title of book].
  Windows Media Player 9 imports the title.
5. Select the Part(s) you wish to burn and right click.
6. Select the 'Copy to CD or Device' option.
  The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen is displayed.
7. Check the box next to the Part name to be burned.
8. Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right-hand pane of Windows Media Player.
9. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right-hand corner of Windows Media Player to add the Part to the list of files to be burned to disc.
  Windows Media Player inspects, converts, and temporarily copies the file in preparation for burning.
  When the burning process is complete, the status field indicates 'Complete'.
10. You can eject the disc and enjoy the title on CD. Repeat steps 7 though 10 as needed for each Part you wish to burn to CD.
How do I burn a WMA audiobook or music title to CD using OverDrive Media Console v2.1 and Windows Media Player?
The steps taken to burn a WMA audiobook title to CD using OverDrive Media Console v2.1 and Windows Media Player depend on which version of Windows Media Player you have installed.

For Windows Media Player 11 instructions, click here.
1. In Windows Media Player 11, click the arrow under the 'Library' tab, and select 'Add to Library...'.
  The 'Add To Library' dialog box appears.
2. Click the 'Add...' button.
  The 'Add Folder' dialog box appears.
3. In the 'Add Folder' dialog box, browse to the location of the OverDrive titles and click 'OK'.
  For Windows Vista® users, the default location is Users > [username] >Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title].
  For Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 SE users, the default location is Documents and Settings > [username] > My Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title].
4. Windows Media Player 11 imports the title.
5. Select the 'Burn' tab.
6. Select the Part you wish to burn from the Library and drag it to the Burn list on the right side of Windows Media Player.
7. Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right-hand pane of Windows Media Player.
8. Click the 'Start Burn' button.
  Windows Media Player inspects, converts, and temporarily copies the file in preparation for burning.
  When the burning process is complete, the status field indicates 'Complete'.
9. You can now eject the disc and enjoy the title on CD.
For Windows Media Player 10 instructions, click here.
1. If you are running Windows Media Player in 'Skin Mode', switch to 'Full Mode'.
2. Select the 'Library' tab.
  The 'Library' screen is displayed.
3. In the bottom left corner of the 'Library' screen, click the 'Add to Library' button and select 'Add Folder…'.
  The 'Add Folder' dialog box appears.
4. In the 'Add Folder' dialog box, browse to the location of the OverDrive titles and click 'OK'.
  For Windows Vista users, the default location is Users > [username] > Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title].
  For Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 SE users, the default location is Documents and Settings > [username] > My Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title].
  Windows Media Player 10 imports the title.
5. Select the Part you wish to burn from the Library and drag it to the Now Playing list on the right side of Windows Media Player.
6. Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right-hand pane of Windows Media Player.
7. Click the 'Start Burn' button.
  Windows Media Player inspects, converts, and temporarily copies the file in preparation for burning.
  When the burning process is complete, the status field indicates 'Complete'.
8. You can now eject the disc and enjoy the title on CD.
For Windows Media Player 9 instructions, click here.
1. If you are running Windows Media Player in 'Skin Mode', switch to 'Full Mode'.
2. Click the 'Add…' button, and select 'Add Folder...'
  The 'Add Folder' Dialog box appears.
3. In the 'Add Folder' dialog box, browse to the location of the OverDrive titles and click 'OK'.
  For Windows Vista users, the default location is Users > [username] > Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title].
  For Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 SE users, the default location is Documents and Settings > [username] > My Documents > My Media > [Format of the title] > [Title].
  Windows Media Player 9 imports the title.
4. Click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button.
  The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen is displayed.
5. Select the Part(s) you want to burn to CD by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s) .
6. Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right- hand pane of Windows Media Player.
7. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right-hand corner of Windows Media Player to add the Part(s) to the list of files to be burned to disc.
  Windows Media Player inspects, converts, and temporarily copies the file in preparation for burning.
  When the burning process is complete, the status field indicates 'Complete'.
8. You can now eject the disc and enjoy the title on CD.