when downloading files they are always in mp3 format- i cannot play them on any other player (eg windows media player) or burn them onto discs- any help to change the format please!

This sounds a bit strange. You're saying that WMP won't play or burn any MP3 files. I know that WMP has problems with some MP3 files but far from all.

You could try searching the web for a codec pack, but you should try first to see if the files are playable. Try downloading this player and see if it works first

www.videolan.org

BTW does the player in Limewire play the files ?

There are free converters out there but why take a file that probably allready has a little loss in quality and make it into e.g. .wma and have more loss in quality. If you choose to do that please do not share the converted files

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...o+*+converter+

it works fine with limewire- il try all the files on wmp- but most dont play

You could try downloading a codecpack for windows

Found one here that supports LAME MP3 which is probably what you need

Haven't tried it myself so have no idea how or if it works or if it contains more than codecs

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Nimo_Codec_Pack.htm

Just download the latest version of WMP 10 or WMP 11 Beta or Winamp.

its fixed now, i changed the files that were abe to play on WMP