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Update FAQs.md 

a few suggestions, including update to address https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues/20#issuecomment-1016476313
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@ -9,12 +9,12 @@ DRM ("Digital Rights Management") is a way of using encryption to tie the books
When your ebooks have DRM you are unable to convert the ebook from one format to another (e.g. Kindle KF8 to Kobo ePub), so you are restricted in the range of ebook stores you can use. DRM also allows publishers to restrict what you can do with the ebook you've bought, e.g. preventing the use of text-to-speech software. Longer term, you can never be sure that you'll be able to come back and re-read your ebooks if they have DRM, even if you save back-up copies.
## So how can I remove DRM from my ebooks?
Just download and use these tools, that's all! Uh, almost. There are a few, uh, provisos, a, a couple of quid pro quos.
Just download and use these tools, that's all! Uh, almost. There are a few, uh, provisos, a couple of quid pro quos.
* The tools don't work on all ebooks. For example, they don't work on any ebooks from Apple's iBooks store.
* You must own the ebook - the tools won't work on library ebooks or rented ebooks or books from a friend.
* You must not use these tools to give your ebooks to a hundred of your closest friends. Or to a million strangers. Authors need to sell books to be able to write more books. Don't be mean to the authors.
* Do NOT use Adobe Digital Editions 3.0 or later to download your ePubs. ADE 3.0 and later might use a new encryption scheme that the tools can't handle. While major ebook stores aren't using the new scheme yet, using ADE 2.0.1 will ensure that your ebooks are downloaded using the old scheme. Once a book has been downloaded with the new scheme, it's IMPOSSIBLE to re-download using the old scheme (without buying it again).
* Do NOT use Adobe Digital Editions 3.0 or later to download your ePubs. ADE 3.0 and later might use a new encryption scheme that the tools can't handle. While major ebook stores aren't using the new scheme yet, using ADE 2.0.1 will ensure that your ebooks are downloaded using the old scheme. Once a book has been downloaded with the new scheme, it's IMPOSSIBLE to re-download using the old scheme (without buying it again). (Note: macOS Catalina and newer will not run ADE 2.0.1; however you can still use these tools with ADE 3.0 and later provided the ebook vendor is still using the old encryption scheme.)
But otherwise, if your ebook is from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble or any of the ebook stores selling ebooks compatible with Adobe Digital Editions 2.0.1, you should be able to remove the DRM that's been applied to your ebooks.
@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Verify the one of the following cryptographic hash values, using software of you
* SHA-1: 7AB9A86B954CB23D622BD79E3257F8E2182D791C
* SHA-256: 28DC21246A9C7CDEDD2D6F0F4082E6BF7EF9DB9CE9D485548E8A9E1D19EAE2AC
You will need to go to the preferences and uncheck the auto update checkbox. Then download and install 1.17 over the top of the newer installation. You'll also need to delete the KFX folders from your My Kindle Content folder. You may also need to take further action to prevent an auto update. The simplest wayis to find the 'updates' folder and replace it with a file. See [this thread] (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283371) at MobileRead for a Script to do this on a PC. On a Mac you can find the folder at ~/Library/Application Support/Kindle/ just delete the folder 'updates' and save a blank text file called 'updates' in its place.
You will need to go to the preferences and uncheck the auto update checkbox. Then download and install 1.17 over the top of the newer installation. You'll also need to delete the KFX folders from your My Kindle Content folder. You may also need to take further action to prevent an auto update. The simplest wayis to find the 'updates' folder and replace it with a file. See [this thread] (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283371) at MobileRead for a Script to do this on a PC. On a Mac you can find the folder at ~/Library/Application Support/Kindle/. Make the 'updates' folder read-only or delete it and save a blank text file called 'updates' in its place.
Another possible solution is to use 1.19 or later, but disable KFX by renaming or disabling a necessary component of the application. This may or may not work on versions after 1.25. In a command window, enter the following commands when Kindle for PC/Mac is not running:
@ -46,9 +46,9 @@ PC Note: The renderer-test program may be in a different location in some Kindle
#### Macintosh
`chmod -x /Applications/Kindle.app/Contents/MacOS/renderer-test`
Mac Note: If the chmod command fails with a permission error try again using `sudo` before `chmod` - `sudo chmod` [...]
Mac Note: If the chmod command fails with a permission error try again using `sudo` before `chmod` - `sudo chmod` [...] This only works on Kindle for Mac 1.19 thru 1.31. It does NOT work with 1.32 and newer.
After restarting the Kindle program any books previously downloaded in KFX format will no longer open. You will need to remove them from your device and re-download them. All future downloads will use the older Kindle formats instead of KFX although they will continue to be placed in one individual subdirectory per book. Note that books soudl be downoad by right-click and 'Download', not by just opening the book. Recent (1.25+) versions of Kindle for Mac/PC may convert KF8 files to a new format that is not supported by these tools when the book is opened for reading.
After restarting the Kindle program any books previously downloaded in KFX format will no longer open. You will need to remove them from your device and re-download them. All future downloads will use the older Kindle formats instead of KFX although they will continue to be placed in one individual subdirectory per book. Note that books should be downloaded by right-click and 'Download', not by just opening the book. Recent (1.25+) versions of Kindle for Mac/PC may convert KF8 files to a new format that is not supported by these tools when the book is opened for reading.
#### Decrypting KFX
Thanks to work by several people, the tools can now decrypt KFX format ebooks from Kindle for Mac/PC. In addition to the DeDRM plugin, calibre users will also need to install jhowell's KFX Input plugin which is available through the standard plugin menu in calibre, or directly from [his plugin thread](https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291290) on Mobileread.
@ -59,18 +59,18 @@ It's quite possible that Amazon will update their KFX DeDRM to prevent DRM remov
Thanks to jhowell for his investigations into KFX format and the KFX Input plugin. Some of these instructions are from [his thread on the subject](https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283371) at MobileRead.
## Where can I get the latest version of these free DRM removal tools?
Right here at github. Just go to the [releases page](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/releases) and download the latest zip archive of the tools, named `DeDRM\_tools\_X.X.X.zip`, where X.X.X is the version number. You do not need to download the source code archive. This will get you the forked version by noDRM. If you want to download the original version by Apprentice Harper, go to [this page](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/releases) instead.
Right here at github. Just go to the [releases page](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/releases) and download the latest zip archive of the tools, named `DeDRM\_tools\_X.X.X.zip`, where X.X.X is the version number. You do not need to download the source code archive. This will get you the forked version by noDRM. If you want to download the original version by Apprentice Harper, go to [this page](https://github.com/apprenticeharper/DeDRM_tools/releases) instead.
## I've downloaded the tools archive. Now what?
First, unzip the archive. You should now have a DeDRM folder containing several other folders and a `ReadMe_Overview.txt` file. Please read the `ReadMe_Overview.txt` file! That will explain what the folders are, and you'll be able to work out which of the tools you need.
First, unzip the archive. You should now have a DeDRM folder containing several files, including a `ReadMe_Overview.txt` file. Please read the `ReadMe_Overview.txt` file! That will explain what the files are, and you'll be able to work out which of the tools you need.
## That's a big complicated ReadMe file! Isn't there a quick guide?
Install calibre. Install the DeDRM\_plugin in calibre. Install the Obok\_plugin in calibre. Restart calibre. In the DeDRM_plugin customisation dialog add in any E-Ink Kindle serial numbers. Remember that the plugin only tries to remove DRM when ebooks are imported.
# Installing the Tools
## The calibre plugin
### I am trying to install the calibre plugin, but calibre says "ERROR: Unhandled exception: InvalidPlugin: The plugin in u’[path]DeDRM\_tools\_6.8.0.zip’ is invalid. It does not contain a top-level \_\_init\_\_.py file"
You are trying to add the tools archive (e.g. `DeDRM_tools_6.8.0.zip`) instead of the plugin. The tools archive is not the plugin. It is a collection of DRM removal tools which includes the plugin. You must unzip the archive, and install the calibre plugin `DeDRM_plugin.zip` from a folder called `DeDRM_calibre_plugin` in the unzipped archive.
### I am trying to install the calibre plugin, but calibre says "ERROR: Unhandled exception: InvalidPlugin: The plugin in '[path]/DeDRM_tools_10.0.2.zip' is invalid. It does not contain a top-level init.py file"
You are trying to add the entire tools archive (e.g. `DeDRM_tools_10.0.2.zip`) instead of the plugin. The tools archive is not the plugin. It is a collection of DRM removal tools which includes the plugin. You must unzip the archive and install the calibre plugin `DeDRM_plugin.zip` inside the unzipped archive.
### I’ve unzipped the tools archive, but I can’t find the calibre plugin when I try to add them to calibre. I use Windows.
You should select the zip file that is in the `DeDRM_calibre_plugin` folder, not any files inside the plugin’s zip archive. Make sure you are selecting from the folder that you created when you unzipped the tools archive and not selecting a file inside the still-zipped tools archive.
@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ If the book is from Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac and you think you are doing
There are several possible reasons why only some books get their DRM removed.
* You still don’t have the DRM removal tools working correctly, but some of your books didn’t have DRM in the first place.
If you are still having problems with particular books, you will need to create a log of the DRM removal attempt for one of the problem books. If you're using NoDRM's fork, open [a new issue](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues) in the GitHub repo. If you're using Apprentice Harpers version, post that logfile as a comment at Apprentice Alf's blog or in a new issue at [Apprentice Harper's github repository](https://github.com/apprenticeharper/DeDRM_tools/issues).
If you are still having problems with particular books, you will need to create a log of the DRM removal attempt for one of the problem books. If you're using NoDRM's fork, open [a new issue](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues) in the GitHub repo. If you're using Apprentice Harper’s version, post that logfile in a new issue at [Apprentice Harper's github repository](https://github.com/apprenticeharper/DeDRM_tools/issues).
## My Kindle book has imported and the DRM has been removed, but all the pictures are gone.
Most likely, this is a book downloaded from Amazon directly to an eInk Kindle (e.g. Paperwhite). Unfortunately, the pictures are probably in a `.azw6` file that the tools don't understand. You must download the book manually from Amazon's web site "For transfer via USB" to your Kindle. When you download the eBook in this manner, Amazon will package the pictures in the with text in a single file that the tools will be able to import successfully.
@ -145,10 +145,10 @@ You have found a Print Replica Kindle ebook. This is a PDF in a Kindle wrapper.
If you use the Kobo desktop application for Mac or PC, install the Obok plugin. This will import and remove the DRM from your Kobo books, and is the easiest method for Kobo ebooks.
## I registered Adobe Digital Editions 3.0 or later with an Adobe ID before downloading, but my epub or PDF still has DRM.
Adobe introduced a new DRM scheme with ADE 3.0 and later. Install ADE 2.0.1 and register with the same Adobe ID. If you can't open your book in ADE 2.01, then you have a book with the new DRM scheme. These tools can't help. You can avoid the new DRM scheme by always downloading your ebooks with ADE 2.0.1. Some retailers will require ADE 3.0 or later, in which case you won't be able to download with ADE 2.0.1.
Adobe introduced a new DRM scheme with ADE 3.0 and later. Install ADE 2.0.1 and register with the same Adobe ID. If you can't open your book in ADE 2.01, then you have a book with the new DRM scheme. These tools can't help. You can avoid the new DRM scheme by always downloading your ebooks with ADE 2.0.1. Some retailers will require ADE 3.0 or later, in which case you won't be able to download with ADE 2.0.1. (Note: macOS Catalina and newer will not run ADE 2.0.1, so if the book vendor requires 3.0+, these tools will not work for you.)
## I cannot solve my problem with the DeDRM plugin, and now I need to ‘post a log’. How do I do that?
Remove the DRMed book from calibre. Click the Preferences drop-down menu and choose 'Restart in debug mode'. Once calibre has re-started, import the problem ebook. Now close calibre. A log will appear that you can copy and paste into a comment at Apprentice Alf's blog, or into a new issue at Apprentice Harper's github repository.
Remove the DRMed book from calibre. Click the Preferences drop-down menu and choose 'Restart in debug mode'. Once calibre has re-started, import the problem ebook. Now close calibre. A log will appear that you can copy and paste into [a new issue](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues) in NoDRM’s GitHub repo. If you're using Apprentice Harper’s version, post that logfile in a new issue at [Apprentice Harper's GitHub repository](https://github.com/apprenticeharper/DeDRM_tools/issues).
## Is there a way to use the DeDRM plugin for Calibre from the command line?
See the [Calibre command line interface (CLI) instructions](CALIBRE_CLI_INSTRUCTIONS.md).
@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ Support for LCP DRM removal was included in the past, but Readium (the company w
## I’ve got the tools archive and I’ve read all the FAQs but I still can’t install the tools and/or the DRM removal doesn’t work
* Read the `ReadMe_Overview.txt` file in the top level of the tools archive
* Read the ReadMe file for the tool you want to use.
* If you still can’t remove the DRM, create a new [GitHub issue](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues). If you are using Apprentice Harper's original version and not this fork, you can also ask in the comments section of Apprentice Alf's blog or create a new issue at Apprentice Harper's github repository. If you do report an issue in any of the GitHub repositories, please report the error as precisely as you can. Include what platform you use, what tool you have tried, what errors you get, and what versions you are using. If the problem happens when running one of the tools, post a log (see previous questions on how to do this).
* If you still can’t remove the DRM, create a new [GitHub issue](https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues). If you are using Apprentice Harper's original version and not this fork, you can also create a new issue at Apprentice Harper's github repository. If you do report an issue in any of the GitHub repositories, please report the error as precisely as you can. Include what platform you use, what tool you have tried, what errors you get, and what versions you are using. If the problem happens when running one of the tools, post a log (see previous questions on how to do this).
## Who wrote these scripts?
The authors tend to identify themselves only by pseudonyms: