B&N DRM problems and NO SOLUTION

Tieton · 12-08-2010, 12:50 PM

I own a Sony PRS950. I've ordered some DRM'd books from B&N only to find that I cannot open them, either on my reader or on my Mac desktop reader app.
The problem turns out to be in B&N's servers: they have my name wrong.
To open a DRM'd book I have to type in my name incorrectly, and my credit card number. It opens.
Trying to get B&N to correct my name in their servers has been a nightmare, from which I have to waken.
The problem is their computers but they claim to not be able to fix it.
Huh?
Another prime example of why DRM should be abolished.

edembowski · 12-08-2010, 01:04 PM

You're right, it should be abolished. Here's what you want to do to fix it:

- Google 'Apprentice Alf'. Get his plugins for Calibre and follow his directions
- Load the books onto your sony
- Make a new account on B&N. That will be MUCH easier than trying to get them to change the one you have.

geertm · 12-08-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tieton

I own a Sony PRS950. I've ordered some DRM'd books from B&N only to find that I cannot open them, either on my reader or on my Mac desktop reader app.
The problem turns out to be in B&N's servers: they have my name wrong.
To open a DRM'd book I have to type in my name incorrectly, and my credit card number. It opens.
Trying to get B&N to correct my name in their servers has been a nightmare, from which I have to waken.
The problem is their computers but they claim to not be able to fix it.
Huh?
Another prime example of why DRM should be abolished.

The name that is used to encrypt the books is the name you have registered in your B&N account. If you change the name in your B&N account, and than dowload your books again, the books will be encrypted with the new name.

The Sony e-readers do not support the B&N DRM, so you will not be able to read the books on your Sony e-reader (without removing the DRM).

boswd · 12-08-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tieton

I own a Sony PRS950. I've ordered some DRM'd books from B&N only to find that I cannot open them, either on my reader or on my Mac desktop reader app.
The problem turns out to be in B&N's servers: they have my name wrong.
To open a DRM'd book I have to type in my name incorrectly, and my credit card number. It opens.
Trying to get B&N to correct my name in their servers has been a nightmare, from which I have to waken.
The problem is their computers but they claim to not be able to fix it.
Huh?
Another prime example of why DRM should be abolished.

Do you have a BN near you? Most have a customer Service desk and should be able to help you out in person.

Tieton · 12-10-2010, 11:36 AM

I've already apprenticed myself to Alf. very handy.
I understand how DRM works; I think it's a bad idea from the get go.
My problem with BN is that they cannot change the information in their own servers and can't show me how to do it either. AND the "solutions" they did offer didn't work.
BN sells ePub formatted books. Should work just fine on a Sony: and they do, once you get past the blasted DRM
Nearest BN store is over 100 miles...
Thanks for the suggestions and pointers. I still think the problem is with DRM itself, and BN's implementation of same.
I DO recommend the DRM solutions advocated by my Master, Alf...

SCION · 12-10-2010, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tieton

I've already apprenticed myself to Alf. ...

Cute.

12-08-2010, 12:50 PM	#1
Tieton Member Posts: 19 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Sony	B&N DRM problems and NO SOLUTION I own a Sony PRS950. I've ordered some DRM'd books from B&N only to find that I cannot open them, either on my reader or on my Mac desktop reader app. The problem turns out to be in B&N's servers: they have my name wrong. To open a DRM'd book I have to type in my name incorrectly, and my credit card number. It opens. Trying to get B&N to correct my name in their servers has been a nightmare, from which I have to waken. The problem is their computers but they claim to not be able to fix it. Huh? Another prime example of why DRM should be abolished.

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12-08-2010, 01:04 PM	#2
edembowski Zealot Posts: 138 Karma: 372 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York, NY Device: Sony PRS-600, Nook Color, iPad	You're right, it should be abolished. Here's what you want to do to fix it: - Google 'Apprentice Alf'. Get his plugins for Calibre and follow his directions - Load the books onto your sony - Make a new account on B&N. That will be MUCH easier than trying to get them to change the one you have.

12-10-2010, 11:36 AM	#5
Tieton Member Posts: 19 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Sony	I've already apprenticed myself to Alf. very handy. I understand how DRM works; I think it's a bad idea from the get go. My problem with BN is that they cannot change the information in their own servers and can't show me how to do it either. AND the "solutions" they did offer didn't work. BN sells ePub formatted books. Should work just fine on a Sony: and they do, once you get past the blasted DRM Nearest BN store is over 100 miles... Thanks for the suggestions and pointers. I still think the problem is with DRM itself, and BN's implementation of same. I DO recommend the DRM solutions advocated by my Master, Alf...

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