[Conversion Plugin] KFX Input

[madelonw]

Of late I have seen no real updates to the KFX/KFX-ZIP situation. Every Kindle book added to Calibre (I am currently using Calibre 9.2.1, and I update every time an update is announced.) is now in KFX-ZIP format.

I use Calibre, to which I have added a number of columns, for tracking the books I read and especially those I read for review. The onboard reader allows me to open, read, and search books. I can't do any of those things if everything is in an unreadable format.

I am also noticing the new Pages feature cranks away on the KFX-ZIP books until it gives up and just puts 'error' in the column. What a waste of CPU time.

The issue is KFX-ZIP.

The issue is not counting pages, or any other function of Calibre.

I repeat—The issue is KFX-ZIP.

Not everyone who reads this thread is a programmer. I am not a programmer. I do have enough experience with computers to follow instructions on configurations and the like.

A clear explanation of the status of deDRMing KFX-ZIP is what is needed here.

[DNSB]

The current status?

DRM is not removable from the current K4MAC app.

DRM is removable from K4PC (2.7.1 and older) however a lot more hoop jumping is needed. For K4PC 2.8.0 I've never bothered to try since from what I've read, even more hoop jumping is needed


DRM is not removable from a Kindle ereader with a firmware version higher that 5.18.5 which would be the 11th generation and newer devices that have updated.

For Kindles from the 5th generation PW1 and older, you can remove DRM and get a azw3 file or mobi for those that do not support azw3/KF8. However many of the older Kindles did not have WiFi and can't be used to download books so this is pretty much limited to the 4th and 5th generation.

For Kindles from the 6th to 10th generation, you can remove DRM and get a KFX file.

For many people on MobileRead, the answer seems to be making any book purchases that are available from other vendors from those vendors.

Please note that I suspect this is close to the limit of the information you can receive on this topic at MobileRead.

[texasnightowl]

What DNSB said. ^

Plus refer to the Dealing with Kindle ebooks sticky thread: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=361503

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by madelonw

Of late I have seen no real updates to the KFX/KFX-ZIP situation. Every Kindle book added to Calibre (I am currently using Calibre 9.2.1, and I update every time an update is announced.) is now in KFX-ZIP format.

An import of a Kindle book resulting in KFX-ZIP is usually indicative of a DRM removal failure. This plugin does not perform DRM removal. Help with dealing with those failures should be requested at the site where you obtained the DRM removal plugin.

Originally Posted by madelonw

I am also noticing the new Pages feature cranks away on the KFX-ZIP books until it gives up and just puts 'error' in the column. What a waste of CPU time.

I doubt the cost is very high, but if you are concerned you should raise the issue with the developer of calibre.

Originally Posted by madelonw

Not everyone who reads this thread is a programmer. I am not a programmer. I do have enough experience with computers to follow instructions on configurations and the like.

A clear explanation of the status of deDRMing KFX-ZIP is what is needed here.

Unfortunately DRM removal has potential legal ramifications, especially for US residents due to the DMCA. Because of this MobileRead's policy is to not allow detailed instructions or assistance with DRM removal. The sites hosting DRM removal plugins are the places for that.


Some general comments:

DRM removal is a moving target, especially for Kindle books. Amazon is aggressive in updating their DRM in order to block its removal. Over time the process has become more constrained and complex.

Producing DRM removal techniques takes work. The developers of DRM removal software who make it freely available are under no obligation to put in the extra time and effort needed to make the process as simple as possible. Those who want this capability have to meet them part way and make the effort to learn how to do it. Ask for help at the hosting site if you do not understand something.

As an alternative some sites sell DRM removal software. Those are often repackaged versions of free software with a nicer user interface. Because they are commercial products there is often more emphasis on making them easy to use for beginners.