C:\Python26\Tools\scripts>mobidedrm.py age.prc age2.prc "xxxxxxxxxx"
MobiDeDrm v0.01. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser
Removes protection from Mobipocket books
Usage: mobidedrm infile.mobi outfile.mobi PID


Just for giggles try:

python mobidedrm.py age.prc age2.prc "xxxxxxxxxx"

Also, can you run

python --version

and tell me what the results are?

BOb

I’m there! Many many thanks for your help and for pointing me in the right direction. Of course I wasn’t able to run python.exe (renamed python26.exe) from the …\scripts directory, but everything worked perfectly when I copied python26.exe to the …\scripts directory. I was able to dedrm a couple of books that I tried on a spare laptop.

Is it always necessary to invoke python.exe (not a big deal)?

BTW the Python version is 2.6.1

Is it always necessary to invoke python.exe (not a big deal)?

Not sure what you problem was. It shouldn't necessary be if the .py extension is probably associated to the python exe which should happen when you run the installer. If just looked like you weren't getting any parameters passed in.

BOb

I'm not sure myself. When I invoked python.exe I got an error message, and when I copied it to the scripts folder the problem disappeared. I also verified that .py is associated with python26. Weird.

This looks right. Is age.prc in the C:\Python26\Tools\scripts folder?

BOb
That should not matter. I have the program on a different drive then my C drive where Python 2.5.x is installed. And it works fine for me where I have it.

I'm running Windows XP Pro.

That should not matter. I have the program on a different drive then my C drive where Python 2.5.x is installed. And it works fine for me where I have it.


It certainly matters where the ebook file is. If you don't specify a path it is going to look in the current directory. And since that was the current directory based on the prompt that is where the book needed to be. Of course, you can specify the path to the ebook file in the parameter.

BOb

When I kept running into all these problems I copied the books to the ..\scripts folder to make life a bit easier. I don't think that there was ever a problem with paths; I had to invoke the python exe program even though the .py scripts are clearly associated with it.

This is not something that I'm planning on doing very often, and now I know the workaround I can cope. I would agree that it is untidy and I'm not 100% happy with it but life's full of compromises and this is a really minor one.

Thank you again for all help.

To decrypt such files, do the following changes in mobidedrm.py:


-temp_key = PC1(keyvec1, pid, False)
+temp_key = keyvec1
-if verification == ver and cksum == temp_key_sum and (flags & 0x1F) == 1:
+if verification == ver and cksum == temp_key_sum:

It can probably be made nicer but I guess you could keep two copies of the script.

So, in a case like this where it is a content encryption type, what PID do I use? I made the changes to the script, but it still requires that I enter a PID (e.g. python mobilededrm.py original.prc new.prc PID). I'm missing what I should enter for the PID.

Any valid PID. It's not used except in verifying its checksum.

So, in a case like this where it is a content encryption type, what PID do I use? I made the changes to the script, but it still requires that I enter a PID (e.g. python mobilededrm.py original.prc new.prc PID). I'm missing what I should enter for the PID.

I have had my Kindle for 24 hours and spent a good amount of time trying to use the Python kindlefix or mobidedrm scripts to remove DRM so I could use library books on my Kindle.

I have followed all of the script discussions, struggled understanding Python, continuously got syntax and ljust errors to the point where it waas pretty frustrating.

Just to try some other way to resolve this, I decided to use my XP based desktop, not my Vista based laptop. Of course, the kindlefix program worked immediately.

I am now able to read these library books on my kindle. The new issue is fixing some of the metadata that got corrupted in the conversion.

Just to try some other way to resolve this, I decided to use my XP based desktop, not my Vista based laptop. Of course, the kindlefix program worked immediately.

Yea, I realize my Mac directions probably went too far. It seems not all Macs have the folders I was using. I could make that easier too.

[post modified to remove instructions on Amazon's request]

I got all fancy setting it up to put it in your path and such.

Oh well.

BOb

So I've been trying for a couple of hours now to get this script to work.:(
I'm using WinXP Professional.
The output I get in the cmd line is:

C:\Documents and Settings\Mryse\mp>python mobidedrm.py 9780316053952_9780316053
952.prc feedingyourdemons.prc XXXXXXXXXX
python: can't open file 'mobidedrm.py': [Errno 2] No such file or directory


I tried it without python at the start, but then I get no such cmd error.
I have Python 2.6.1 Installed.

what am i doing wrong?:blink:

what am i doing wrong?:blink:

Apparently the py file is not in your current directory.

BOb

Apparently the py file is not in your current directory.

BOb
It is. That's why I don't get it. I renamed it mobidedrm.py and it is associated with python.

Nevermind! I did it! Thank you for responding.

I found something similar to this, yes.

I found something similar to this, yes.

Similar to what?:)

When dealing with Windows, turn on the display of file extensions so you can see that your files are properly named. You could have something like filename.py.txt and you'd see filename.py and think it's fine. So having file extensions turned off for registered extensions is a really stupid default. It is your computer and you should be able to see what the files are named.

When dealing with Windows, turn on the display of file extensions so you can see that your files are properly named. You could have something like filename.py.txt and you'd see filename.py and think it's fine. So having file extensions turned off for registered extensions is a really stupid default. It is your computer and you should be able to see what the files are named.
Yep, i noticed that, but renaming it did not work...I'm just not good in Windows. I had a mac before this and am now using Ubuntu.
Windows frustrates the hell out of me.

My 2 cents:
the best way to decompress a drm-free mobipocket ebook with hufdif compression is to use any2mobi that comes with caliber.
Just install caliber, and call any2mobi from any path:
any2mobi drm-free-ebook.prc
and you will get an uncompressed drm-free-ebook.mobi

if the resulting file is too big, you can try:
any2mobi --compress drm-free-ebook.prc
it will take more time, but you will get a smaller file that you can open of fbreader

Yep, i noticed that, but renaming it did not work...I'm just not good in Windows. I had a mac before this and am now using Ubuntu.
Windows frustrates the hell out of me.
If you can use Linix, there's no reason the command line should not be easy to use (IMHO).

My 2 cents:
the best way to decompress a drm-free mobipocket ebook with hufdif compression is to use any2mobi that comes with caliber.
Just install caliber, and call any2mobi from any path:
any2mobi drm-free-ebook.prc
and you will get an uncompressed drm-free-ebook.mobi

if the resulting file is too big, you can try:
any2mobi --compress drm-free-ebook.prc
it will take more time, but you will get a smaller file that you can open of fbreader
Why not use mobi2oeb to expand a Mobipocket eBook?

If you can use Linix, there's no reason the command line should not be easy to use (IMHO).

Well because of as per your own explanation, the automatic adding of invisible extension names for instance...If you don't now windows behaves like this it can cause a few hours of frustration. It did me.
Because like i explained, i am not really a windows user. Don't now that much about it.

The command lines in Linux and in windows aren't exactly the same, although the basic premise maybe is.

Well because of as per your own explanation, the automatic adding of invisible extension names for instance...If you don't now windows behaves like this it can cause a few hours of frustration. It did me.
Because like i explained, i am not really a windows user. Don't now that much about it.

The command lines in Linux and in windows aren't exactly the same, although the basic premise maybe is.

As a Linux or Unix user you have to install Cygwin to get a properly working shell in Windows. Otherwise you will get hit by these differences you mention.

Why not use mobi2oeb to expand a Mobipocket eBook?

Also, why not use the Python script MobiHuff.py (v.0.03)?

Also, why not use the Python script MobiHuff.py (v.0.03)?
Because mobi2oeb works better and is actively supported so if you find a problem, you can create a ticket for it to get fixed.

I downloaded the free sample of this dictionary (http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=24744). I tried opening it in FBReader and it said compression method not supported. Then I tried mobihuff.py and it said it's encrypted. Then I tried mobidedrm.py with igorsk's changes above and it said "invalid PID checksum" and created a 0-byte output file. I tried with versions 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.05 with no joy.

Is there any solution for decrypting this file? Note that it's a demo, I didn't give any PID to dowload it.

It sounds like it's got that strange no-pid encryption applied, so that only genuine mobipocket software can read it.

There is a way to change the decoding script to remove this encoding - it's mentioned up here somewhere. Essentially you need to use the base number in the script, unmodified by a PID.

I downloaded the free sample of this dictionary (http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=24744). I tried opening it in FBReader and it said compression method not supported. Then I tried mobihuff.py and it said it's encrypted. Then I tried mobidedrm.py with igorsk's changes above and it said "invalid PID checksum" and created a 0-byte output file. I tried with versions 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.05 with no joy.

Is there any solution for decrypting this file? Note that it's a demo, I didn't give any PID to dowload it.

It sounds like it's got that strange no-pid encryption applied, so that only genuine mobipocket software can read it.

There is a way to change the decoding script to remove this encoding - it's mentioned up here somewhere. Essentially you need to use the base number in the script, unmodified by a PID.

Yes, that's what I meant when I said "with igorsk's changes above". I modified the lines to read "temp_key = keyvec1" and the other one, and I did that with all the versions I mentioned, none of them worked. Did you tried it with this file?

OK, I just tried it. It worked fine here. With the changes to the script, you do still need to enter a PID in the command line, it just doesn't get used.

Yes, that's what I meant when I said "with igorsk's changes above". I modified the lines to read "temp_key = keyvec1" and the other one, and I did that with all the versions I mentioned, none of them worked. Did you tried it with this file?

OK, I just tried it. It worked fine here. With the changes to the script, you do still need to enter a PID in the command line, it just doesn't get used.

I must be doing something wrong then...

Just to make it clear, the changes are those in post #176 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=292071&postcount=176)? I've applied those changes to every version I have of the script and run it with:

$ python mobidedrm.py demo_DRAE.prc DRAE.prc 0000000000

(in a linux box, bash shell)
And all I get is:

MobiDeDrm v0.05. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser
Error: invalid PID checksum

and a 0-byte DRAE.prc. So, either I'm doing something wrong, or there is something weird in my system, or I don't have the right version of mobidedrm. Could you send me yours by PM?

MobiDeDrm v0.05. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser
Error: invalid PID checksum


I think you still have to provide a valid PID. It just isn't used.

BOb

Yes. Or tweak the python code a little more, which is left an an exercise for the reader.

I think you still have to provide a valid PID. It just isn't used.

BOb

I think you still have to provide a valid PID. It just isn't used.

Ah... so that's the trick... Yes, it seems to work now. I don't have my Cybook here now, so I couldn't check the PID, but I had entered it in the Fictionwise account ;)

Now I get an error with mobihuff.py, but that's a different matter.

I bought a prc ebook which is DRMed from mobipocket.com
I wish to deDRM it to eventually convert it to word doc so I can tweak it to my liking.
I have searched the forums for hours without much success.
I do not possess a kindle.
I have the python scripts.
I have verified the the book's pid matches my computer's pid as it should, verified with pid_checksum.py
When I run the command: python MobiDeDRM.py "a.prc" "b.mobi" "device_pid"
I get the error, no key found maybe pid is incorrect.

That is bs, the pid is correct.
So I am completly confused at this point.

I'm posting this here for anyone else who might encounter this issue with a Mobipocket formatted ebook:

I recently purchased a couple of eBooks that were in the mobipocket format and were DRM encrypted. When I ran Mobidedrm on the files, the books were not unencrypted, so I was puzzled. When I opened the books in Mobipocket Reader on my computer, I was prompted for a password. So these books were not only DRM encrypted, but also required a password every time I opened them on my computer, which was quite annoying.

Since I had to input a password every time I opened the books on my desktop I wondered how this would work on the Cybook.

Instead of copying the books directly to my SD card (which is my usual practice) I sent the books to my Cybook through the desktop Mobipocket software option (right click on the book and select "Send"), then the password was not required when I opened the books on my Cybook.

Apparently, sending the books to the Cybook strips the password requirement out of the file. When I copied the books back to my computer, the password was no longer necessary to open the books in Mobipocket Reader on the desktop. I ran Mobidedrm on those versions of the books and the books were unencrypted successfully.

I'm am curious... what is the password? Were you asked to enter a password somewhere when you bought them? How did you know what the password was?

This doesn't make much sense to me.

BOb

I'm am curious... what is the password? Were you asked to enter a password somewhere when you bought them? How did you know what the password was?

This doesn't make much sense to me.

BOb

When I bought the books, I was given a user name (my email address) and password (provided on the email receipt). I thought these would be used to access my online account with the bookseller, and in fact, I can view and redownload my books from the website with the user name and password.

But when I attempted to open the books in Mobipocket Reader on my computer, I was prompted for a user name & password there. Since the only username & password I had was the ones that were assigned when I bought the books, I used those and they worked. This is the first time I have purchased books from this vendor, so I'm not sure if I'll get a new password every time I purchase books from this vendor or if the same password will apply for any other books I'll purchase there.

Julie.. I see. So you are using the username/password to the store you bought the books at? What if you are not online? Are you saying you can't open the ebooks? Is this a new version of the reader software that you got recently? This only happens on some books, or all books?

Are you sure your Mobipocket PID of your PC is installed in the store? Some people have reported that they have changed sometime when reformatting a PC or other changes to the OS.

BOb

But when I attempted to open the books in Mobipocket Reader on my computer, I was prompted for a user name & password there. Since the only username & password I had was the ones that were assigned when I bought the books, I used those and they worked. Some stores give you the MOBI without adding your PID. The first time you open it, Windows MobiPocket Reader redownloads the "correct" version. This is only supposed to happen once. Are you opening the ebook by selecting the MOBI file in its opriginal directory, and if so is it in a directory other than the MobiPocket ebook directory (by default this is My Documents\My eBooks)? The copy in the MobiPocket ebook directory should contain your PIDs.

When the MOBI servers went down a couple of years ago there were a few reports of MOBI ebooks that did not work because they always "called home". These seem to have been bugs, I don't think MOBI ebooks are typically configured this way.

I bought a prc ebook which is DRMed from mobipocket.com Is this your first DRMed MOBI? Make sure it opens with Windows MobiPocket Reader, and then use the WMR PID in mobidedrm. If you don't have another MOBI ebook to try, perhaps the version of Python is incorrect. One that is known to work is Python 2.6 or 2.6.X (Python 3.X won't work). Note that you should to need to start the command line with "python", because when Python is installed script.py is recognized as a Python script and run by Python automatically.

Password encryption is different from DRM encryption but uses similar approach (AFAIR decryption key is derived from the password instead of the PID). Mobidedm won't decrypt such files as it doesn't know how to handle them.

I have used mobidedrm to unencrypt many eBooks for many months now and have done so with no problems whatsoever. These two books I purchased from a bookseller I had never used before and this is the first time I have encountered this issue. My computer is running Mobipocket Reader, version 6.2 build 608.

The books were encrypted AND they had a password. The only way I could get mobidedrm to work was by sending the books to my Cybook and then by copying them back to my computer (as I described). Maybe this is something unique with this particular vendor. (http://www.ebookmall.com/)

But when I attempted to open the books in Mobipocket Reader on my computer, I was prompted for a user name & password there. Since the only username & password I had was the ones that were assigned when I bought the books, I used those and they worked. This is the first time I have purchased books from this vendor, so I'm not sure if I'll get a new password every time I purchase books from this vendor or if the same password will apply for any other books I'll purchase there.

I've had this same thing happen at Books On Board.

I've had this same thing happen at Books On Board.
Do you remember which publisher the books were from?

Do you remember which publisher the books were from?

No, it was a long time ago and I don't think it has anything to do with the publisher. It's a 'feature' of the newer versions of Mobi Reader where you don't need to register a PID with stores. I know there was a post from someone having a similar problem with a book from Diesel (fixed now because they added the ability to manually enter PIDs on their site).

BoB explains it like this...
When you buy a MobiPocket Reader (PX) eBook through BooksOnBoard, Mobipocket Reader 6 automatically recognizes most devices, avoiding the need to always keep track of PIDs. If, however, you use a device that is not recognized by MobiPocket Reader 6, such as an eBookMan or have a Mac, Linux system or other devices not supported in the latest Mobipocket version, you can still use them with Mobipocket Reader 6 but will need to manually configure the PIDs for your devices.
...apparently some stores aren't letting you manually enter a PID.

...apparently some stores aren't letting you manually enter a PID. There does seem to be a way to do this at eBookMall (http://www.ebookmall.com/mobi-device-manager/), although they don't make it easy to find (Mobipocket FAQs (http://www.ebookmall.com/knowledge-collection/mobipocket-faq.htm)).

The real question, though, is why the password is required more than once per ebook.

There does seem to be a way to do this at eBookMall (http://www.ebookmall.com/mobi-device-manager/), although they don't make it easy to find (Mobipocket FAQs (http://www.ebookmall.com/knowledge-collection/mobipocket-faq.htm)).

The real question, though, is why the password is required more than once per ebook.

Well, I think I figured that part out....When I disconnected my laptop from the internet and then opened up the book in Mobipocket Reader, I was not prompted for my login and password. Seems that if there is an internet connection, opening the book prompts a search on the website for information about the book. If I open the book with no internet connection, I see a quick message about "no internet connection found" (or something like that) and then the book opens.

Hmm... I bought three books from thebookgap.com, and they don't ask for a PID for downloading, either. To open the books, I only needed to provide my password for one book, once. To decrypt them, I just used the PID for the Mobipocket Reader on my pc, and it worked fine.

I'm new to this forum. I just bought a Cybook Gen3 and only after I got it learned that you have to enter the devices PID or use the Mobipocket Reader, which I suppose does it for you, to download books.

Frankly, it ticks me off quite royally to think that I can only load books to one reader! :angry: (I'm probably not alone there.) A number of questions spring up:

1. What happens when I want to change readers? Or when mine breaks? Or when Mobipocket is replaced by something else?

2. I'm used to lending books (real books) to friends. Why can't I do this with Mobipockets (Or other prooprietary formats)?

I read on this site

http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2006/06/11/ebook-weekly-prc-pdb-imp-lit-double-u-tee-eff-what-do-all-these-letters-mean/

that you can save the files to 4 different readers, but have no idea how to go about that. It also says you can delete a device and add another, without more explanation.

Why are the ebook manufacturers trying to make things so complicated? Ok, ok, I know... the bottom line. Their bottom line.

1. If your new reader supports DRMed Mobipocket files, you go back to where you bought your books, enter the PID from your new device, and re-download all your books. Of course, it's possible that by the time you want to do this the store will be gone, or will no longer be offering those books for re-download. (e.g. see Fictionwise and OverDrive Mobipocket ebooks.)

2. You can't do that with DRMed eBooks. After all, publishers don't want you lending books to friends. They might enjoy the book so much they'll buy others by the same author. :-)

Why are they doing this? Because most book publishers haven't got a clue about digital stuff, ebooks and DRM. They're like the music business of five years ago - insisting on DRM on everything. Note that all the main music stores now sell all DRM-free music. Unfortunately we don't have anyone badgering the book publishers to get DRM free yet, like Apple did with the music businesses.

Some (smaller) publishers do understand. The prime example is Baen Books, who've been releasing inexpensive drm-free eBook versions of /all/ their output for ten years or so. Great if you like SF/Fantasy. http://www.webscription.net/


I1. What happens when I want to change readers? Or when mine breaks? Or when Mobipocket is replaced by something else?

2. I'm used to lending books (real books) to friends. Why can't I do this with Mobipockets (Or other prooprietary formats)?


Why are the ebook manufacturers trying to make things so complicated? Ok, ok, I know... the bottom line. Their bottom line.

that you can save the files to 4 different readers, but have no idea how to go about that. It also says you can delete a device and add another, without more explanation. There is typically a help page at the site where you bought your MOBI ebooks explaining this. Each DRMed MOBI file has "slots" for 4 PIDs, and it will only display the ebook using MobiPocket reader software on the devices with those PIDs.

Since this is a mobidedrm thread, I assume you have already found out that it is relatively easy to strip the DRM from your MOBI ebooks. They can then be read on any device supported by mobipocket, and even by 3rd party readers like FBReader. Finally they can be shifted to other ebook formats, e.g. via Calibre. Some countries have laws that appear to make circumventing DRM illegal, however it often isn't clear if this applies to circumvention of DRM for personal use on ebooks you paid for.

Some countries have laws that appear to make circumventing DRM illegal, however it often isn't clear if this applies to circumvention of DRM for personal use on ebooks you paid for.

Could you tell me please what countries? With references if at all possible?

I've seen this statement many times, but have never seen a list of countries nor any documentary evidence.

Regards, Alex

Could you tell me please what countries? With references if at all possible? There is an overview in Wikipedia: Digital rights management (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Rights_Management), although it is US and Europe centric. The DRM laws all stem from the WIPO Copyright Treaty, which means that it will become illegal in many more places over time. The issue of anti-circumvention exemptions (e.g. for personal use) is murky, even inside the US where "fair use" is well established and there is currently an explicit exception for some ebooks (DMCA: Anti-circumvention exemptions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMCA#Anti-circumvention_exemptions)).

I read on this site

http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2006/06/11/ebook-weekly-prc-pdb-imp-lit-double-u-tee-eff-what-do-all-these-letters-mean/

that you can save the files to 4 different readers..

Now I looked at the Mobipocket site at

http://www.mobipocket.com/en/buy/TermsTrade.asp?Language=EN

and their terms very explicitly state

"You admit and you accept that the product or the service bought is exclusively readable on the PDA corresponding to the PID you registered on the Site at the inscription moment."

For me, this is definitely a sort of bovine fecal matter with which nobody should have to put up!

As to the method for removing protections from these files, I have got lost in all the supposed hints to how to do it or where to look for it. Users should not have to put up with such fecal matter, but I guess I'm preaching to the choir, a habit of mine.

Thanks for your comments, tho. Any other assistance will definitely be appreciated.

There is an overview in Wikipedia: Digital rights management (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Rights_Management), although it is US and Europe centric. The DRM laws all stem from the WIPO Copyright Treaty, which means that it will become illegal in many more places over time. The issue of anti-circumvention exemptions (e.g. for personal use) is murky, even inside the US where "fair use" is well established and there is currently an explicit exception for some ebooks (DMCA: Anti-circumvention exemptions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMCA#Anti-circumvention_exemptions)).

Thanks, Wallcraft. That's most helpful, and I'll check it out. But unless I see something explicit there I'll remain of the opinion that it is legal for me to remove DRM on files I have bought and use only on my own computer or ebook reader.

Regards, Alex

Now I looked at the Mobipocket site at

http://www.mobipocket.com/en/buy/TermsTrade.asp?Language=EN

and their terms very explicitly state

"You admit and you accept that the product or the service bought is exclusively readable on the PDA corresponding to the PID you registered on the Site at the inscription moment."



I still don't see how that prevents you from removing DRM on ebooks you intend to use on the device which you registered with them. Or if one wants to be really picky the terms do not apply to ereaders other than PDAs.

Regards, Alex

I need help. I'm in NO WAY computer literate enough to understand at least 75% of this thread. I have some files, they are called "palm database files" with a .pdb extention. I have a SONY505. I have tried to do the following:

python - mobidedrm - the error it gives me is "invalid PID checksum"
*I was very careful to type everything just the same as I typed it the last time I did this (I took a printscreen of it) - so what am I doing wrong?

python - ereader2html - the error it gives me is "No such file or directory"
*Again, I was very careful to type everything in just the same as the last time I did it, but nothing seems to be working.

I've got 9 files that are these PDB files and I can't get them to work. I've tried using the ABC converter to convert them to HTML so that I can use calibre to conver them to LRF for my sony505 but that just converts them into gobbledegook that I can't read.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me.

.pdb files can be almost anything, but if they're ebooks they're /probably/ eReader file.

So eReader2html is what you want. If you're getting "No such file or directory" you're not entering the parameters correctly. Copy the /exact/ command line you're using into a message here, and someone can probably point out your error.


I need help. I'm in NO WAY computer literate enough to understand at least 75% of this thread. I have some files, they are called "palm database files" with a .pdb extention. I have a SONY505. I have tried to do the following:

python - mobidedrm - the error it gives me is "invalid PID checksum"
*I was very careful to type everything just the same as I typed it the last time I did this (I took a printscreen of it) - so what am I doing wrong?

python - ereader2html - the error it gives me is "No such file or directory"
*Again, I was very careful to type everything in just the same as the last time I did it, but nothing seems to be working.

I've got 9 files that are these PDB files and I can't get them to work. I've tried using the ABC converter to convert them to HTML so that I can use calibre to conver them to LRF for my sony505 but that just converts them into gobbledegook that I can't read.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me.

I have some files, they are called "palm database files" with a .pdb extention. There are several ebook file formats with a .pdb extension, see Wiki: PDB (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/PDB) for details.

It isn't usual to see MOBI ebooks in a .pdb file, so these are probably not MobiPocket files. If they have DRM, they are probably eReader files (which use a credit card number as their key if that strikes a bell). The easiest way to tell is to open the file with an editor and look for a sting not at the start but near the start (on the 1st line) of the file. If it is an eReader file this will be PNPdPPrs. If so, try reading Ereader2Html (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27979) and posting in that thread if you have problems. You will need to remember the credit card number used for the DRM though. If it is not an eReader file, let us know what kind it is (i.e. what string you found, and if it is in the wiki's PDB list) for more help.

Hi Guys,

Im totally lost now, I was successfully stripped the DRM from secure mobi before with using mobidedrm v.5, I tried with FW's Free Securemobi Around The World in 80 days.

Today, I just purchased World Without End, then tried to strip the DRM to be put to my 505, it got the Invalid PID Checksum. I can read the file on my PC Mobireader just fine.

Then I redownloaded Around The World in 80 days, it was working fine before, but now it got the same error (Invalid PID Checksum), but I still can read it fine with PC Mobireader.

I double recheck the PID on FW and my PCMobireader, nothing changed, it's the same. I checked with pid_checksum.py, it was correct.

Any help is greatly appreciated, since I just feel like that I was throwing away $18 for World Without End if I cant put it on my 505.

Thank you

EDIT 1 : It suddenly working fine again, I totally have no idea :blink:

EDIT 2 : DUHHHH, Finally found the reason, I put spaces on the output file name :rofl:

Please pardon the noob, this is my second try in stripping DRM.

C:\Python25>python.exe ereader2html.py JRWard=LoverAvenged.pdb BOOK/ "Diana Stout" CCNUMBER

error: incorrect ereader version 10 (error 1)

I'm not sure why this isn't working. I am to the point where I want to email someone the files and have them fix them for me. But I know, I know, teach a man to fish...

error: incorrect ereader version 10 (error 1) I think this means that the ebook is DRM-free, from eReader File Format (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Ereader#File_Format): bytes: 0-2
content: compression
comments: Specifies compression and drm. 2 = palmdoc, 10 = zlib. 260 and 272 = DRM

Unfortunately, it is harder to get a clean format shift of DRM-free eReader than DRM-ridden eReader at present. However, Calibre 6.0 will import DRM-free eReader files and a beta of this is due out soon.

I'm jealous of you who are discussing how to use python. I still can't find the bloody scripts! I've fallen on something called pastebin which just wants me to install some sort of pasteit program. What the Sam Hill is that? Other sites want me to download via a torrent. Now my understanding of a torrent is that I have to let others download the same stuff from my computer and I sure as you-know-what do not want to open my computer to others, so maybe I've misunderstood that too.

I've also fallen on links that lead to nowhere, of course.

Can anybody give me a recipe or at least a hint?

Frustration, frustration, frustation. :eek:

Can anybody give me a recipe or at least a hint?

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43816&p=413080

I have just discovered something on my Kubuntu JJ system which might do the affair, Ktorrent. But I can't find a torrent site I can use without signing up and paying. :angry: I thought this stuff was supposed to be free! What gives?

I still can't find the bloody scripts! I've fallen on something called pastebin

The best place to start to look for copies of the MobiDeDRM python script is in the responses to DarkReverser's Weblog. The latest version is 0.05, which came out in December, so start with responses since then.

Pastebin is a site for posting source code. Typically you click download and you get a text (.txt) file. For a python file you would rename from .txt to .py. Under Windows, make sure you are seeing the filename extension. After the renaming the file should be identified as a python script (yellow and blue icon).

I can't get the Prt Sc key to work. Here is a copy and paste of the screen.


C:\Python26\Tools\scripts>mobidedrm.py age.prc age2.prc "xxxxxxxxxx"
MobiDeDrm v0.01. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser
Removes protection from Mobipocket books
Usage: mobidedrm infile.mobi outfile.mobi PID

C:\Python26\Tools\scripts>mobidedrm age.prc age2.prc "xxxxxxxxxx"
'mobidedrm' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

C:\Python26\Tools\scripts>mobidedrm002.py age.prc age2.prc "xxxxxxxxxx" MobiDeDrm v0.02. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser
Removes protection from Mobipocket books
Usage:
mobidedrm infile.mobi outfile.mobi PID

C:\Python26\Tools\scripts>mobidedrm002.py age.prc age2.prc xxxxxxxxxx
MobiDeDrm v0.02. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser
Removes protection from Mobipocket books
Usage:
mobidedrm infile.mobi outfile.mobi PID

C:\Python26\Tools\scripts>

Ok, how on earth do you get to C:\Python26\Tools\scripts in the python command line?

Never mind, I was using the wrong command line. I think I got it.

The best place to start to look for copies of the MobiDeDRM python script is in the responses to DarkReverser's Weblog. The latest version is 0.05, which came out in December, so start with responses since then.

Pastebin is a site for posting source code. Typically you click download and you get a text (.txt) file. For a python file you would rename from .txt to .py. Under Windows, make sure you are seeing the filename extension. After the renaming the file should be identified as a python script (yellow and blue icon).

Look for the link in the January responses, or PM me and I'll try to find it again and send you a link. And when you download the file, make sure you do as the previous poster stated and change it to the .py extension. Also, I after I ran the script through Python, I had to change the name of the file to mobidedrm (instead of the number it downloaded as) for the script to work to convert my ebooks (otherwise I got a "mobidedrm isn't a command message" or somesuch message).

I hope this makes sense.

I think you'll find that it helps to use the magic incantation f31e88df6; or googling the incantation might help.

Regards, Alex

This guy usually has good scripts posted:

http://darkreverser.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/new-blog/

This guy usually has good scripts posted:

http://darkreverser.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/new-blog/

So far as I can tell the version offered on the blog is the 02; googling the incantation above will get you the 05 version.

Regards, Alex

I got through recently with f16546831 and will try tonight.

I all I want for Christmas is to be able to use them on my iPhone (since I recently switched from Mobile Windows at the behest of my wife).

After trying trying and trying, finally I got it.

I wuold like to share my experience:

I am using winxp, have some drmed-ebooks which I can read by mobilepocket reader on my PC.
First, I tried the newest version of mobidedrm.py (I mean ver. 05). And it didn't work, I indicated "invalid PID number" or "invalid PID checksum" over and over. Even when I try to follow your advices (somethings like put in single quote, cut off the 2 last number etc...).

I also tried to modify the ver. 02 code as pdurrant adviced. But it didnot help. Actually, it indicated some errs at the line I added.

So, I returned to use the original of ver. 02. It worked well.

And I noted that I'd had a stupid mistake before I succeeded.

If you change the file name (say mobidedrm02.py) I have to change the command also. In this case (mobilededrm02.py) you have to use the command "mobidedrm02 inputfile.prc ouputfile.prc PID" instead of "mobidedrm inputfile.prc outputfile.prc PID".

If you just follow the instruction (like me ever done), "mobilededrm ..." then you will got the same error over and over.

Thanks all of you for many advices and exciting feelings.

After some research and a lot of reading I figured I would give it a go. I THOUGHT I finally figured it out. I was able to strip(using Python) and convert a prc file using Calibre but when I opened it, bits and pieces were missing. A sentence here and a sentence there. All looked fine until you start to read. So instead of continuing to play around with it I though I would ask what I did wrong. Any Suggestions?

Yes, you can read the original book. For me, the only book with that problem was because the original had the same problem.

It's just possible that you might see something like this if you weren't using the 0.06 version of MobiDeDRM. But I'd expect the problem to be more a few characters here and there, rather than whole sentences.

Check the original and see if it has the same problems.

After some research and a lot of reading I figured I would give it a go. I THOUGHT I finally figured it out. I was able to strip(using Python) and convert a prc file using Calibre but when I opened it, bits and pieces were missing. A sentence here and a sentence there. All looked fine until you start to read. So instead of continuing to play around with it I though I would ask what I did wrong. Any Suggestions?

The best place to start to look for copies of the MobiDeDRM python script is in the responses to DarkReverser's Weblog. The latest version is 0.05, which came out in December, so start with responses since then.

Pastebin is a site for posting source code. Typically you click download and you get a text (.txt) file. For a python file you would rename from .txt to .py. Under Windows, make sure you are seeing the filename extension. After the renaming the file should be identified as a python script (yellow and blue icon).

I just checked pastebin.com and, if you search for mobidedrm it comes right up

It's just possible that you might see something like this if you weren't using the 0.06 version of MobiDeDRM. But I'd expect the problem to be more a few characters here and there, rather than whole sentences.

Check the original and see if it has the same problems.

Nope, That is not the problem. I have already read the book. I was trying to convert it because I was wanting to switch my PC files to a hand held device that requires a different format. Its all very strange and I can't seem to figure it out. Maybe I'm not using the correct version of MobiDeDRM as I wasn't aware there was more then one.

I reimplemented huff/cdic compression in Python, using a few tricks to speed it up. It runs about 25x faster than mobihuff.py on my machine.

While I was at it, I also:

* implemented support for uncompressed and Palmdoc-compressed .mobi files
* wrote a correct version of trailing data support
* avoided keeping the whole document in memory, massively reducing memory usage (~10MB vs ~183MB on my largest test file)

http://www.mit.edu/afs/user/m/y/mycroft/mobiunpack.py

PLEASE NOTE that this program is only for decompressing unencrypted Mobipocket files. It does not do anything with DRM.

Interesting, but your link gives me a 404

He's also got a new thread with a correct link.

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61986

http://www.mit.edu/afs/athena/user/m/y/mycroft/mobiunpack.py

Interesting, but your link gives me a 404

I am receiving the following error message for one book:

Error: invalid encryption type: 0

Can anyone tell me what this means? I have had some good success before this so not sure what this means. Thanks in advance for any guidance provided.

I think it means the book isn't encrypted.

I am receiving the following error message for one book:

Error: invalid encryption type: 0

Can anyone tell me what this means? I have had some good success before this so not sure what this means. Thanks in advance for any guidance provided.

Error: invalid encryption type: 0 This ebook is DRM-free, just rename it from .azw to .mobi.

Note that most DRM-free ebooks now have the following under Product Details: Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

The books is already in mobi format, however, when I put it on my K2, it does not open the book.

The books is already in mobi format, however, when I put it on my K2, it does not open the book. If you were doing something like mobidedrm book.prc book.mobi PID, then book.mobi probably got created but it will be zero length. In this case, put the original book.prc on your Kindle.

I just checked pastebin.com and, if you search for mobidedrm it comes right up

Sweet! Version 0.06 is up there.

Can anyone tell me what the message "string output out of range" means when using mobidedrm?

I have several books that I purchased that won't de-drm, so I can't put them onto my Sony to read. If pressed I suppose I could read them off my computer, but that would suck.

-Marcy

Can anyone tell me what the message "string output out of range" means when using mobidedrm? There were several reports of this error with version 0.02, but not with recent versions.

it isn't working on my mac.

Strange - unlike the ePUB scripts the mobipocket scripts work fine on a Mac inside the Terminal. Actually it is even better then Windows since the Mac comes with Python pre-installed.

What exactly did you type into the Terminal.

BTW: I have not tied it yet but there is a new mobiDeDrm007 which can be used as a calibre plug-in. Now that sounds promising for all those with a terminal phobia.

Ok no direct links but a look at the www.mobipocket.com Forum Index » Suggestions (http://www.mobipocket.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=9) might be helpful. Thinking that the thread has been started "Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:41 am" and is still on-line....

Martin

Calibre plug-in? Neat.

Calibre plug-in? Neat.

It is. Wish there was one for pfd and epub, as well. Hint, hint

Calibre plug-in? Neat.

It is. Just make sure you add the right PIDs. I got a K2, and read some of the 0s as Os. I figured if it wasn't right, I wouldn't get a PID. Well, I did, but it wasn't until Calibre started importing as AZW, that I realized I had the wrong PID. It is useful to try the PID with mobidedrm6, first.

It's just possible that you might see something like this if you weren't using the 0.06 version of MobiDeDRM.

Thanks! I needed the upgrade.

Thanks! I needed the upgrade.

I've found that there's even a problem with 0.07 and some Mobipocket books, resulting in extra or wrong text every so often. Hopefully there'll be a 0.08 along shortly to fix those. (Specifically, Mobipocket v5 files that don't have trailing data entries, event though the header is 0xE8 long.)

[edit] And I've received notification (I get emailed when there are new comments) that there's is a new version of the code linked from the Dark Reverser's weblog comments.

This one seems to be a combined stand-alone script /and/ calibre plug-in.

It is. Just make sure you add the right PIDs. I got a K2, and read some of the 0s as Os. I figured if it wasn't right, I wouldn't get a PID. Well, I did, but it wasn't until Calibre started importing as AZW, that I realized I had the wrong PID. It is useful to try the PID with mobidedrm6, first.

Awesome, thanks for the tips.

v0.09 is out now (7 Jan 2010)... :eek:

None of the new versions of mobidedrm work on my drm files. Just an old version of .02 does. Any help with compiling the calibre plugin with the old .02 version? Thanks.

None of the new versions of mobidedrm work on my drm files. Just an old version of .02 does. Any help with compiling the calibre plugin with the old .02 version? Thanks.

The calibre plugin is not a different program. It is a different startup procedure inside the same program:


if not __name__ == "__main__":
from calibre.customize import FileTypePlugin

class MobiDeDRM(FileTypePlugin):

name = 'MobiDeDRM' # Name of the plugin
description = 'Removes DRM from secure Mobi files'
supported_platforms = ['linux', 'osx', 'windows'] # Platforms this plugin will run on
author = 'The Dark Reverser' # The author of this plugin
version = (0, 0, 7) # The version number of this plugin
file_types = set(['prc','mobi','awz']) # The file types that this plugin will be applied to
on_import = True # Run this plugin during the import


def run(self, path_to_ebook):
of = self.temporary_file('.mobi')
PID = self.site_customization
data_file = file(path_to_ebook, 'rb').read()
ar = PID.split(',')
for i in ar:
try:
file(of.name, 'wb').write(DrmStripper(data_file, i).getResult())
except DrmException:
# Hm, we should display an error dialog here.
# Dunno how though.
# Ignore the dirty hack behind the curtain.
# strexcept = 'echo exception: %s > /dev/tty' % e
# subprocess.call(strexcept,shell=True)
print i + ": not PID for book"
else:
return of.name

def customization_help(self, gui=False):
return 'Enter PID (separate multiple PIDs with comma)'

if __name__ == "__main__":
print "MobiDeDrm v0.07. Copyright (c) 2008 The Dark Reverser"
if len(sys.argv)<4:
print "Removes protection from Mobipocket books"
print "Usage:"
print " mobidedrm infile.mobi outfile.mobi PID"
else:
infile = sys.argv[1]
outfile = sys.argv[2]
pid = sys.argv[3]
data_file = file(infile, 'rb').read()
try:
file(outfile, 'wb').write(DrmStripper(data_file, pid).getResult())
except DrmException, e:
print "Error: %s" %


Question is: how much work would it be to patch the startup code into the older versions.

Martin

Question is: how much work would it be to patch the startup code into the older versions.


Well, hardly any work. But it's the wrong question. t

The right question is why is this person having problems with later MobiDeDRM?

There are /lots/ of files that 0.02 doesn't handle correctly. I thought that with 0.09 we'd finally tied down just when Mobipocket files have trailing data flags or not. I haven't come across any on which it fails.

Well, hardly any work. But it's the wrong question. t

The right question is why is this person having problems with later MobiDeDRM?

There are /lots/ of files that 0.02 doesn't handle correctly. I thought that with 0.09 we'd finally tied down just when Mobipocket files have trailing data flags or not. I haven't come across any on which it fails.

v0.09 seems to work OK, but I've only used it a few times. I suppose I could go back and re0try it on all those archived DRM files? :eek:

v0.09 seems to work OK, but I've only used it a few times. I suppose I could go back and re0try it on all those archived DRM files? :eek:

I wouldn't bother until we find out whether or not this is operator error.

I totally need so much help I have over 100 ebooks I bought that I want to read on ipod touch if someone can email with help I download everything I need and read so much but I'm getting a error
bash: mobidedrm02.py: command not found.......

I'm so lost sucks butt:(
PLEASe please help me

nkphoto@telus.net

I totally need so much help I have over 100 ebooks I bought that I want to read on ipod touch if someone can email with help I download everything I need and read so much but I'm getting a error
bash: mobidedrm02.py: command not found.......

I'm so lost sucks butt:(
PLEASe please help me

nkphoto@telus.net

Where do you have mobidedrm script? What OS? You might need to type ./mobidedrm02.py because the current folder isn't automatically in the path.

BOb

Hi I have snow leopard
right now I have the script and ebook that I'm using to figure this out on my desktop, where would u like me to put it, I'll do what ever to figure it out

also, I was wondering which script to use theres so many of them, and what version of python? I downloaded both for mac, but the site recommended the 2.6.4... not the 3.....
and when u write the stuff in the python thing do I put spaces? like
"mobidedrm02.py name of ebook...... ??
email nkphoto@telus.net

There is a new DRM stripper for Mobipocket ebooks out on the web. It's written in Python, and it works.

It's just over two years since the Dark Reverser first posted his MobideDRM script, and just over 21 months since I started buying DRMed Mobipocket books because of it.

Eeekk.. The Dark Reverser's work has meant I've spent over $1600 on ebooks in the last 21 months!

Oh... working it out, that's just under $18 a week. And so far this year, I have been reading books at a cost rate of about $15/week. So I suppose I haven't been too wildly extravagant.

So - three cheers for the Dark Reverser!

Hi I have snow leopard
right now I have the script and ebook that I'm using to figure this out on my desktop, where would u like me to put it, I'll do what ever to figure it out

If you want to do it through ADE you have to install the Sony Library software in order for ADE to recognize the reader and allow you to copy books to it from within ADE.

Oh and yes, the reader has to be registered to the same Adobe ID that you have your Mac registered to or the ebooks won't work on the device. Of course, this won't keep the device from being recognized.

BOb

> also, I was wondering which script to use theres so many of them, and
> what version of python? I downloaded both for mac, but the site
> recommended
> the 2.6.4... not the 3.....
> and when u write the stuff in the python thing do I put spaces? like

If you are on a Mac you already have python (it comes already installed on Mac OS X) installed and do not need to do anything from that perspective.

Next, your best bet is to go do a google search for "Apprentice Alf Blog" and read it as well as look for a link to a specific set of "tools".

Grab version 1.5 of that set of "tools", and unzip it (simply double-click in Mac OSX or run the unzip command in Terminal).

Inside are graphical user interface tools along with the other scripts you might need. You open the folder for the type of book you would like to work with, and double click on the specific *.pyw program you want inside and they will prompt you for the information needed and will run the command line scripts for you.

If you run into trouble, you can ask either on the aforementioned blog or do a google search for "Reverser New Blog" and ask your questions there.

On this forum, you are not supposed to ask for help with these things and we are not allowed help you by posting detailed instructions or to post direct links to the tools that work with files of this type.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

KevinH

I think PilotBob thinks you want to decode ePub ebooks, not Mobipocket ebooks. Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is of no help with mobipocket ebooks.

If you want to do it through ADE you have to install the Sony Library software in order for ADE to recognize the reader and allow you to copy books to it from within ADE.b

I think PilotBob thinks you want to decode ePub ebooks, not Mobipocket ebooks. Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is of no help with mobipocket ebooks.

Yes sorry... got this thread confused with another...

BOb

I think PilotBob thinks you want to decode ePub ebooks, not Mobipocket ebooks. Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is of no help with mobipocket ebooks.

In a parallel reality they are :eek:

I have to say thanks to pdurrant, for all your help and the many emails it all works great love it!!

I can read again! :)

thanks

I think PilotBob thinks you want to decode ePub ebooks, not Mobipocket ebooks. Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is of no help with mobipocket ebooks.

Definitely not :o

Hello.
Im having problems getting mobidedrm to work on 2 books
it used to work on other books, im not sure what is going on.

When i run the script, it says:
Decrypting. Please wait... done
Encryption successfully removed

I've tried every version i could find of mobidedrm and i always get the same message, but when i try to use the mobihuff, mobiperl, or open the book in any other way, i cant. in mobihuff i get the message: book is encrypted, run mobidedrm first.

any tips?

I am having a problem de-DRMing my .prc books. I thought it was possible to use mobidedrm for this. The format I am using is the following (from the python directory):

mobidedrm.py inputfile.prc outputfile.mobi PID

I get an error response - "Error: invalid file format"
The PID I use works fine with .azw files - I also tried using the PID from my PC's mobipocket reader but I get the same error.

Can anyone help me with this or is it not possible to de-drm .prc files?

.prc files might not be Mobipocket files. See the wiki (http://wiki.mobileread.com/).

I am having a problem de-DRMing my .prc books. I thought it was possible to use mobidedrm for this.

I get an error response - "Error: invalid file format"

I am having a problem de-DRMing my .prc books. I thought it was possible to use mobidedrm for this. The format I am using is the following (from the python directory):

mobidedrm.py inputfile.prc outputfile.mobi PID

I get an error response - "Error: invalid file format"
The PID I use works fine with .azw files - I also tried using the PID from my PC's mobipocket reader but I get the same error.

Can anyone help me with this or is it not possible to de-drm .prc files?

Are you sure you have the correct PID for those eBoosk that are not working? Are you sure they are DRM infected?

Calibre won't read them, it tells me they are DRM'd.

The books can be read on my Kindle with no other conversion necessary so I think that should make them .mobi files since Kindle can read mobi. Mobipocket reader can also read them.

I am using python 2.5.2.2 Do I need to be using a more current version?

Calibre won't read them, it tells me they are DRM'd.

The books can be read on my Kindle with no other conversion necessary so I think that should make them .mobi files since Kindle can read mobi. Mobipocket reader can also read them. These are probably "content encoded" MOBI files. These are encrypted, but don't have a PID. They can be read by any official MOBI reader but not by 3rd party readers.

The mobidedrm script is supposed to handle such files, since version 0.10. A good source of up to date info on such tools is Apprentice Alf's Blog.

I wonder if these books are in the OLDER Mobi format (TEXtREAD); many of the tools do not seem to work on those.

If you open the file in notepad, do you see the signature TEXtREAD or BOOKMOBI within it?

Yes - It says TEXtREAd. Does that mean it can't be de-DRM'd? or that I have to use another method?

I also appear to have mobidedrm v 0.05 - do I need to upgrade? It de-DRM's my .azw files just fine.

Yes - It says TEXtREAd. Does that mean it can't be de-DRM'd? or that I have to use another method?

I also appear to have mobidedrm v 0.05 - do I need to upgrade? It de-DRM's my .azw files just fine.

Use the latest MobiDeDM. Early versions may give occasional garbled characters in the decoded file.

It's faintly possible that if you changed TEXtREAd to BOOKMOBI using a hex editor that the decode might work. But try this on a copy! I'm not optimistic though.

I'll see if I can find a current version of Mobidedrm and give that a try then.

I'm not sure I'm computer savy enough to use a hex editor but I may give it a try if the Mobidedrm doesn't work. I have a lot of (apparently textread) .prc's.

Thanks for the help.

From all I have read changing the string in the file will NOT make a difference; the decoding will still fail.

Mobidedrm 0.16 isn't able to remove the drm either so I'm off to investigate hex editing.

Thanks again to everyone.

Mobidedrm 0.16 isn't able to remove the drm either so I'm off to investigate hex editing.

Thanks again to everyone.

Rather than editting the file, just change the script. You will find at one point where it compares data from the PRC to decode to BOOKMOBI; change that comparison to compare to TEXtREAD (or what ever the exact case was).

Yes - It says TEXtREAd. Does that mean it can't be de-DRM'd? or that I have to use another method?

I also appear to have mobidedrm v 0.05 - do I need to upgrade? It de-DRM's my .azw files just fine.


TEXtREAd does not have DRM but is a different format slightly. It can be read by MobiReader but some other readers and converters may not work with it.

Dale

I have been able to remove the DRM from my TEXtREAd .prc files and convert them to DRM free .mobi files using pdbshred (and microsoft word and Calibre).

Now I just need to figure out how to remove DRM from .tpz files and I'll be totally DRM free.

There's something out there for the .tpz files, too. I thought it was on the same blogs as the ePub stuff...

These are probably "content encoded" MOBI files. These are encrypted, but don't have a PID. They can be read by any official MOBI reader but not by 3rd party readers.

The mobidedrm script is supposed to handle such files, since version 0.10. A good source of up to date info on such tools is Apprentice Alf's Blog.

I purchased a few hundred mobi (.prc) books many years ago and can't get them into Calibre 0.7.35 (that will ecentually get to my new Kogn ebook reader). These files all read fine using Mobipocket reader, are encrypted but have no PID. I've scanned these posts over the past week and can't find anything definitive or that works.

What I have done so far-

I've downloaded and run mobidedrm (0.5) with the PC's PID (god knows what I am supposed to use!) and I get "Invalid encryption: type 1".

I also can't seem to get modedrm (using _plugin.py in zip file) into Calibre: It says "No valid plugin found". I've checked and re-checked the file and it looks ok to me.

Finally, in frustration, I seek expert help!

I purchased a few hundred mobi (.prc) books many years ago and can't get them into Calibre 0.7.35 (that will ecentually get to my new Kogn ebook reader). These files all read fine using Mobipocket reader, are encrypted but have no PID. I've scanned these posts over the past week and can't find anything definitive or that works.

What I have done so far-

I've downloaded and run mobidedrm (0.5) with the PC's PID (god knows what I am supposed to use!) and I get "Invalid encryption: type 1".

I also can't seem to get modedrm (using _plugin.py in zip file) into Calibre: It says "No valid plugin found". I've checked and re-checked the file and it looks ok to me.

Finally, in frustration, I seek expert help!

Encryption type 1 is an earlier (pre-2003 at least) form of encryption than is used for current mobipocket and kindle ebooks.

I don't know of any tool that will decrypt them.

Is there any chance of re-downloading them? New downloads might have newer encryption.

Hi,

I think if you look in MobiPerl source archive you can find an older tool called pdbshred that can handle these early books. Grab the Mobiperl source and look for a pdbshred.zip file inside. In it you should find a windows pdbshred.exe file that according to others does work on those books. If you are a Mac OSX user and need pdbshred, pm me.

KevinH

Thanks PD and Kevin. Appreciate any help I can get.

I looked at the MobiPerl downloaded source and can't see any reference to pdbshread. Then emailed publisher (Performance Quest) but don't hold out much hope for support for the library of books (~2,000!) I purchased in 2004. At least they still exist, but looks like they have morphed into a mobile device service.

Any clues about not being able to plug mobidedrm into Calibre 0.7.35?

Any clues about not being able to plug mobidedrm into Calibre 0.7.35?

I'd suggest de-zipping and re-zipping it. Some services (or browser/service combinations) seem to add an erroneous CR/LF at the end of zip files, which upsets the Calibre unzipper.

I'd also suggest that the latest k4mobidedrm plug-in in from the large toolset is a better idea. (See Apprentice Alf's blog for details.)

I've downloaded and run mobidedrm (0.5) with the PC's PID (god knows what I am supposed to use!) and I get "Invalid encryption: type 1". I suggest trying the stand alone mobidedrm from the tools_2.4 bundle. I'm afraid that pdurrant is correct that this DRM is not supported, but version 0.05(?) is pretty old - so it is worth trying the latest version.

I suggest trying the stand alone mobidedrm from the tools_2.4 bundle. I'm afraid that pdurrant is correct that this DRM is not supported, but version 0.05(?) is pretty old - so it is worth trying the latest version.

Thanks Wallcraft and pd. Appreciated. Got 2.4_bundle mobidedrm (1.3) and still got-

MOBI header version = 2, length = 220
Error: cannot decode Mobipocket encryption type 1

Also tried pdbshred and managed-

Invalid offset 1182 (49e) ? octets 5
Decompress failed on block #1 (-1)!

Bummer.

Hi leebel,

FYI, this is now an experimental version of a new mobidedrm program for type 1 encrypted files that may/should work with your books. Please pm me for details.

KevinH


Thanks Wallcraft and pd. Appreciated. Got 2.4_bundle mobidedrm (1.3) and still got-

MOBI header version = 2, length = 220
Error: cannot decode Mobipocket encryption type 1

Also tried pdbshred and managed-

Invalid offset 1182 (49e) ? octets 5
Decompress failed on block #1 (-1)!

Bummer.

Hi leebel,

FYI, this is now an experimental version of a new mobidedrm program for type 1 encrypted files that may/should work with your books. Please pm me for details.

KevinH

You and Paul have been TOTALLY AMAZING in your support. All I can say is a huge thank you! Also my appreciation (and a donation) to Kovid Goyal for Calibre! What an amazing community.

Can't wait to get the updated tools plugged into my system and get the remaining (legally purchased) ~ 2,000 .prc files into a more user-friendly format.

Lee

You and Paul have been TOTALLY AMAZING in your support. All I can say is a huge thank you! Also my appreciation (and a donation) to Kovid Goyal for Calibre! What an amazing community.

Can't wait to get the updated tools plugged into my system and get the remaining (legally purchased) ~ 2,000 .prc files into a more user-friendly format.

Lee

A tweaked version of MobiDeDRM yet to be released has been able to deal effectively with "Type 1 default encryption in a BOOKMOBI file with a version 2 MOBI header." These were old prc files I purchased many years ago. Another string to the bow.

A lesson for beginners like me regards the MobiDeDrm plugin to Calibre: I assumed icorrectly, that prc books in question in Calibre had to be converted. Not so! I had to delete the books from the library and then add them in and the plugin did the rest.

BTW: Performance Quest (the publisher) didn't repond to my emails.

Thanks again to Paul and Kevin for their advice (and perseverence) to help a newcommer to the digital book world.