St. Louis County Library
powered by OverDrive®
Digital Home
My Account
My BookBag
Digital Help
eMedia at St. Louis County Library
Search for   in   in  Advanced Search

Main Content

Help - Troubleshooting - OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks

What follows are OverDrive MP3 Audiobook and OverDrive Media Console troubleshooting questions. Click the question to hear the question and answer. Each answer is followed by a back to top link that leads back to the list of questions.

What should I do if an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook does not completely download?

If you need to download an audiobook, or a Part of an audiobook, you can do so using the 'Download' option of OverDrive Media Console as follows:

  1. Open OverDrive Media Console.
  2. Locate the title in the 'Media Library', and select it.
  3. Click the 'Download' button.
    The 'Download' dialog box is displayed, and lists all of the Parts of the selected title.
  4. Locate the Part(s) you want to download, and place a checkmark to the left of the desired Part(s).
  5. Click the 'OK' button.
    The selected Part(s) begin to download; the download status is displayed in the lower-right hand corner of OverDrive Media Console.

Back to top

Instead of the audiobook I expected, I downloaded a file with the extension 'ODM'. Where is the OverDrive MP3 Audiobook?

The download of an ODM file is part of the OverDrive Media file download process, and precedes the download of the actual audiobook files. The steps taken to download the title vary by operating system…

  • On Mac, double-click the ODM file. OverDrive Media Console opens and prompts you to download the title. For instructions for setting OverDrive Media Console to automatically open ODM files, click here.
  • On Windows, double-click the ODM file. OverDrive Media Console opens and prompts you to download the title. If OverDrive Media Console does not open, follow the instructions below to manually set the file association for the ODM file type.

    If you have Windows 7 or Windows Vista®…

    1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Default Programs.
    2. Click 'Associate a file type or protocol with a program'.
      The computer lists the file types used on your system. It can take a few moments for the list to be available.
    3. Select '.odm' and click 'Change Program'.
    4. If OverDrive Media Console is not listed, select 'Browse' and scroll to the OverDrive Media Console folder.
    5. Select 'MediaConsole.exe' and click 'Open'.
      OverDrive Media Console should appear as a 'Recommended Program'.
    6. Click OK.
      Windows associates the ODM file type with OverDrive Media Console, so that OverDrive Media Console automatically handles ODM files going forward.
    7. Click 'Close' to close the Default Programs' dialog box.
    8. Double-click the ODM file you downloaded to launch OverDrive Media Console and download the audiobook Parts.

    If you have Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows 98SE…

    1. Open Windows Explorer.
    2. Go to Tools > Folder Options > File Types.
      The 'Folder Options' dialog box is displayed.
    3. In the 'Registered file types' box, find the entry for 'ODM'. Single-click the 'ODM' entry.
      The 'ODM' entry is selected.
    4. In the 'Details for "ODM" extension' box, click the 'Change' button.
      The 'Open With' dialog box is displayed.
    5. From the list of programs displayed in the 'Open With' dialog box, select 'OverDrive Media Console'.
    6. Click 'OK' to save the change and close the 'Open With' dialog box.
    7. Click 'OK' to close the 'Folder Options' dialog box.
    8. Double-click the ODM file you downloaded to launch the OverDrive Media Console and download the audiobook Parts.

Back to top

I had a problem while downloading a Part of an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook, and now I can't download that Part again. What should I do?

The steps taken to re-download a Part vary by operating system…

Note that downloads of Parts cannot be resumed from the point at which they were interrupted.

On Mac…

  1. Close OverDrive Media Console.
  2. Go to Documents > My Media > MP3 Audiobooks, and open the folder for the title that you are trying to download.
  3. Delete the file that corresponds to the incomplete Part.
  4. Open OverDrive Media Console.
  5. Select the title and click 'Download'.
    You should now have the option to re-download the Part.

On Windows 7 and Windows Vista…

  1. Close OverDrive Media Console.
  2. In Windows Explorer, go to Documents > My Media > MP3 Audiobooks, and open the folder for the title that you are trying to download.
  3. Delete the file that corresponds to the incomplete Part.
  4. Open OverDrive Media Console.
  5. Select the title and click 'Download'.
    You should now have the option to re-download the Part.

On Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP…

  1. Close OverDrive Media Console.
  2. In Windows Explorer, go to My Documents > My Media > MP3 Audiobooks, and open the folder for the book that you are trying to download.
  3. Delete the file that corresponds to the incomplete Part.
  4. Open OverDrive Media Console.
  5. Select the book and click 'Download'. You should now have the option to re-download the Part.

On Windows Mobile…

  1. Close OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile.
  2. In File Explorer go to My Documents > My Media > MP3 Audiobooks, and open the folder for the title you are trying to delete.
  3. Delete the MP3 file that corresponds to the incomplete Part.
  4. Open OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile.
  5. Select the title and click 'Download'.
    You should now have the option to re-download the Part.

On Android…

  1. Open OverDrive Media Console for Android.
    The title is displayed in the Library.
  2. Select the title.
    The 'Player' screen is displayed.
  3. Select Menu > Details > Parts.
    The title's Parts are displayed.
  4. Select the incomplete Part.
  5. Select the 'Delete' button.
    You are asked to confirm that you want to delete the Part.
  6. Select 'Yes' to delete the Part.
    You should now have the option to re-download the Part.

Back to top

When I try to download an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook, I receive the error message 'Unable to open the specified OverDrive Media file', followed by a file path. What should I do?

This error typically indicates that your browser's temporary Internet files are too full to process the download. This can be corrected by clearing the temporary Internet files from your web browser as follows…

On Windows…

If you are using Internet Explorer 8.0…

  1. Launch Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to Tools > Internet Options.
    The 'Internet Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. On the 'General' tab, click the 'Delete…' button under the heading 'Browsing history'.
    The 'Delete Browsing History' dialog box is displayed.
  4. In the 'Delete Browsing History' dialog box, uncheck all of the check boxes except for 'Temporary Internet files'.
  5. Click the 'Delete' button.
    Your browsing history is deleted.
  6. Click the 'OK' button to close the 'Internet Options' dialog box.
  7. Attempt to download again.

If you are using Internet Explorer 7.0…

  1. Launch Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to Tools > Internet Options.
    The 'Internet Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. On the 'General' tab, click the 'Delete...' button under the heading 'Browsing history'.
    The 'Delete Browsing History' dialog box is displayed.
  4. Click the 'Delete files...' button.
  5. Click the 'Yes' button to confirm the deletion of the temporary Internet files.
  6. Click the 'Close' button to close the 'Delete Browsing History' dialog box.
  7. Click the 'OK' button to close the 'Internet Options' dialog box.
  8. Attempt to download again.

If you are using Internet Explorer 6.0…

  1. Launch Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to Tools > Internet Options.
    The 'Internet Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Click the 'Delete Files' button.
    The 'Delete File' dialog box is displayed.
  4. Check the 'Delete all offline content' box.
  5. Click the 'OK' button to confirm the deletion of the temporary Internet files.
  6. Click the 'OK' button again to close the 'Internet Options' dialog box.
  7. Attempt to download again.

If you are using Firefox 2.0 (or newer)…

  1. Launch Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select the 'Privacy' option.
    The 'Privacy' options are displayed.
  4. Under the 'Private Data' heading, click the 'Clear Now…' button.
    The 'Clear Private Data' dialog box is displayed.
  5. Check option 'Cache' and ensure that the other checkboxes are not checked.
  6. Click 'Clear Private Data Now' to delete the temporary Internet files.
  7. Click 'OK' to close the 'Options' dialog box.
  8. Attempt to download again.

On Mac…

If you are using Safari 3.0 (or newer)…

  1. Launch Safari.
  2. Go to Safari > Empty Cache.
    You are prompted to confirm that you want to proceed.
  3. Select 'Empty'.
    The files are deleted.
  4. Attempt to download again.

If you are using Firefox 1.5 (or newer)…

  1. Launch Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools > Clear Private Data.
    The 'Clear Private Data' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Check the 'Cache' option.
  4. Click 'Clear Private Data Now'.
    The files are deleted.
  5. Attempt to download again.

On Windows Mobile…

If you are using Internet Explorer on Windows Mobile [Pocket PC (Touch screen)]…

  1. Launch Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select the 'Memory' tab.
  4. Click 'Delete Files'.
    The files are deleted.
  5. Click 'OK' to close the Options dialog box.
  6. Attempt to download again.

If you are using Internet Explorer on Windows Mobile [Smartphone (Non-Touch screen)]…

  1. Launch Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to Menu > Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select the 'Memory' tab.
  4. Select 'Temporary Files' and click 'Clear'.
    A message will prompt you to confirm that you want to delete temporary files.
  5. Select 'Yes'.
    The files are deleted.
  6. Select 'Done' to close the 'Options' dialog box.
  7. Attempt to download again.

On Android…

  1. Launch Android Browser.
  2. Select Menu > More > Settings.
    The 'Settings' screen is displayed.
  3. Under 'Privacy Settings' select 'Clear cache'.
    You are prompted to confirm that you want to proceed.
  4. Select 'OK'
    The files are deleted.
  5. Attempt to download again.

Back to top

I tried to transfer an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to an Apple® device, but I got an error reading 'An error occurred while attempting to transfer "Title"'. What should I do?

To transfer titles to an Apple device, the iTunes setting 'Manually manage music…' must be enabled for the device before you can complete the transfer. Adjust this setting as follows…

  1. Connect your device to your computer.
  2. If it does not launch automatically, open iTunes.
  3. In iTunes, locate your device in the left vertical navigation panel (under heading 'DEVICES'), and click your device.
    The 'Summary' screen is displayed.
  4. If it is not already checked, place a checkmark next to option 'Manually manage music…'.
  5. Click the 'Apply' button.
    The iTunes 'Summary' screen refreshes, and the changes are saved.
  6. If desired, close iTunes.

On the Mac, when using the Transfer Wizard to transfer audiobooks to the iPod shuffle, you will need iTunes v8.1.0.52 (or newer). If you prefer to use an older version of iTunes, you will need to transfer using iTunes. To download iTunes, click here.

Back to top

Can I change the point from which OverDrive Media Console starts playing titles?

Most versions of OverDrive Media Console allow you to choose how titles begin playing. OverDrive Media Console for Mac does not support this functionality.

The following options are available…

  • Option 'Automatically resume from most recently played point' sets OverDrive Media Console to begin play of titles at the point in the title where you either clicked 'Stop' or exited OverDrive Media Console while the title was playing. Note that this is the default setting for OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer), OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, and OverDrive Media Console for Android.
  • Option 'Automatically resume from furthest played point' sets OverDrive Media Console to advance to the furthest point to which the title was ever played.
  • Option 'Automatically play from beginning' sets OverDrive Media Console to begin play at the earliest point in the earliest Part of the title.
  • Option 'Disable auto-play' turns off the auto-play feature. When you launch a title in the OverDrive Media Explorer window, the title will not play until you click the 'Play' button.

To change the point at which audiobooks start playback in OverDrive Media Console for Windows…

  1. In OverDrive Media Console, click Tools > Options….
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Under 'Media Explorer auto-play options' select the desired media starting point.
  3. Click 'OK'.
    The 'Options' dialog box closes. Going forward, playback will be handled according to the option specified.

To change the point at which audiobooks start playback in OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile…

  1. In OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, click Menu > Options….
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Under 'Media' [Pocket PC (Touch screen)] or 'Media Explorer auto-play' [Smartphone (Non-Touch screen)] select the desired media starting point.
  3. Click 'OK'.
    The 'Options' dialog box closes. Going forward, playback will be handled according to the option specified.

To change the point at which audiobooks start playback in OverDrive Media Console for Android…

  1. In OverDrive Media Console for Android, select Menu > More > Settings.
    The 'OverDrive Media Console Settings' screen is displayed.
  2. Select the drop down under 'Auto-Play Options'.
    The auto-play options are displayed.
  3. Select the desired media starting point.
    The 'Auto-Play Options' screen closes. Going forward, playback will be handled according to the option specified.

Additionally, MediaMarkers™ allow you to link to, and begin play at, specific sections of audiobooks. For information on MediaMarkers and other features of OverDrive Media Console, click here.

Back to top

[Mac® Only] When I attempt to open an ODM file on the Mac, an application other than OverDrive Media Console tries to open the file. How do I set OverDrive Media Console to open ODM files automatically?

To set OverDrive Media Console for Mac to open ODM files automatically, follow these instructions…

  1. Control-click the ODM file and select 'Get Info'.
    The 'Info' window is displayed.
  2. Expand the 'Open with:' section.
  3. In the drop-down list of Applications, select 'Other…'.
    The 'Choose an application to open the document…' dialog box is displayed.
  4. Select 'OverDrive Media Console' and check the 'Always Open With' box. Click 'Add'.
  5. Close the 'Info' window.
    OverDrive Media Console is now set to open ODM files automatically.

Back to top

[Mac Only] When I attempt to transfer an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to a device using OverDrive Media Console for Mac, I get an error stating 'This version of OverDrive Media Console only supports transfer to Apple devices.' Can I transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to this device?

OverDrive MP3 Audiobook content should play on most portable music devices. However, OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports transfer to Apple devices only. You should be able to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to the device using the same method that you currently use to transfer files from your computer to the device.

Back to top

[Windows® Only] I downloaded an audiobook using Firefox® but am unable to open it. What should I do?

You may need to specify what Firefox should do with ODM files. The ODM file is a preliminary download; once it is downloaded, you can then download the actual audiobook file(s) from within OverDrive Media Console.

Access OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks using Firefox as follows…

If you have Firefox 3.0 (or newer)...

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select 'Applications'.
    The 'Applications' options are displayed.
  4. Search for the 'ODM' file extension.
    The 'ODM file' content type is displayed.
  5. Click the 'Action' column drop down for the 'ODM file' entry and select 'Use Other...'
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
  6. In the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box, click the 'Browse' button and navigate to the location at which OverDrive Media Console is installed (by default the application is installed to C:\Program Files\OverDrive Media Console) and select 'MediaConsole.exe'.
  7. Click 'Open' in the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box.
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box closes. The 'Options' dialog box is displayed. The 'Action' column for the 'ODM file' entry displays 'Use OverDrive Media Console'.
  8. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
  9. Be sure you are connected to the Internet, and browse to the ODM file you were unable to open. Double-click the file.
    OverDrive Media Console launches and prompts you to download the title.

If you have Firefox 2.0…

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select 'Content'.
    The 'Content' options are displayed.
  4. Under the 'File Types' heading, click the 'Manage…' button.
    The 'Download Actions' dialog box is displayed.
  5. Select the 'ODM' file extension and click the 'Change Action' button.
    The 'Change Action' dialog box is displayed.
  6. Select option 'Open them with this application'.
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
  7. In the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box, navigate to the location at which OverDrive Media Console is installed (by default the application is installed to C:\Program Files\OverDrive Media Console) and select 'MediaConsole.exe'.
  8. Click 'Open' in the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box.
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box closes.
  9. Click 'OK' in the 'Change Action' dialog box.
  10. Click 'Close' in the 'Download Actions' dialog box.
  11. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
  12. Be sure you are connected to the Internet and browse to the ODM file you were unable to open. Double-click the file.
    OverDrive Media Console launches and prompts you to download the title.

Back to top

[Windows Only] When attempting to transfer a title to the iTunes Library using OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) for Windows, the Transfer Wizard does not offer the 'iTunes Library' option. What should I do?

As a first step, ensure that you have the necessary software installed. In order to transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to an iTunes Library, you must have OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) and iTunes v9.0.2 (or newer) installed on Windows XP (or newer).

Before proceeding, open iTunes, and if any iTunes dialog boxes open, close them.

You may need to disconnect your device and attempt the transfer again. If you have a device attached to your computer, follow these steps…

  1. If the Transfer Wizard is open, click the 'Cancel' button in the Transfer Wizard.
    The Transfer Wizard closes.
  2. Disconnect the device from your computer.
  3. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you want to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
    The Transfer Wizard opens.
  4. Verify that the correct title is displayed and click 'Next'.
    The Transfer Wizard searches for iTunes. When iTunes is detected, the 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  5. Select 'iTunes Library' from the 'Player' drop-down menu.
  6. Select the Part(s) you want to transfer to the iTunes Library by checking the box(es) next to the Part number(s).
  7. Click the 'Next >' button.
    The 'Progress' screen is displayed. Once the transfer is complete, the 'Success' screen is displayed.
  8. Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
    The title is available in the iTunes Library.

Back to top

[Windows Only] When I attempt to transfer an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to a Zune® device, I get an error stating that 'The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard requires version 3.0 or higher of the Zune software'. How can I get a copy of the Zune application v3.0 (or newer)?

To transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to a Zune device, you need to have the Zune application v3.0 (or newer) installed on your PC. To download the Zune application, click here.

Back to top

[Windows Only] When I attempt to transfer an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to a Zune device, I get an error stating that OverDrive Media Console can't access the device and that the Zune device needs an update. What should I do?

To transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to a Zune device, the Zune device must have firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed. For instructions for updating Zune device firmware, click here.

Back to top

[Windows Only] When I attempt to transfer an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to a Zune device, I get an error stating that the Zune is already connected to another program. What should I do?

Before you can transfer OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to a Zune device using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must close any other program to which the Zune is connected. Once you close the application(s) to which the Zune is connected, attempt the transfer again.

Back to top

[Windows Only] I tried to transfer an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to a Windows Mobile® Device and got an error saying 'Unable to locate folder of Windows Mobile device because folder is not found.' What should I do?

This error occurs if you have specified that you want to save a title to a sub-folder on an encrypted SD card. Currently, OverDrive Media Console only supports transfer of OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to the root folder of encrypted SD cards. Transfer to sub-folders is supported if the SD card is not encrypted.

Back to top

[Windows Only] When trying to burn a CD of an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook Part, the process will not complete due to errors. What should I do?

OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) features a 'Burn Wizard' that allows for burning OverDrive MP3 Audiobook titles (where permitted by the publisher) in a 'Test mode'. Completing a burn in 'Test mode' simulates the burn process, allowing you to test the CD compilation for errors before actually burning any data to disc.

In order to test the burn process, complete the following…

  1. Place a recordable CD into your recordable CD drive.
  2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to burn and click the 'Burn' button.
    The OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard is displayed.
  3. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Burn Wizard and click 'Next'.
    The 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  4. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to burn by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
  5. Click the 'Options…' button.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  6. Check the checkbox next to 'Test mode (simulate burning)'.
  7. Click the 'OK' button.
  8. Click 'Next >'.
    A message is displayed, informing you that a 'Test mode' burn will begin.
  9. Click the 'OK' button.
    The Progress screen is displayed. The 'Test mode' burn completes, returning you to the 'Confirm' dialog box.

If the 'Test mode' burn completes without error, and you wish to perform an actual burn, complete the following…

  1. Click the 'Options…' button.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Uncheck the checkbox next to 'Test mode (simulate burning)'.
  3. Click the 'OK' button. You can now burn the title to disc.

Back to top

[Windows Only] When I try to burn an OverDrive MP3 Audiobook to CD using OverDrive Media Console v3.0 on Windows 2000 or Windows 98 SE, I get an error. What should I do?

OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) is required to burn OverDrive MP3 Audiobook titles to CD on Windows 2000 and Windows 98 SE. To download the latest version of OverDrive Media Console for Windows, click here.

Back to top

[Windows Mobile Only] When I download a title using OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, the title is not displayed in the Media Library. What should I do?

To refresh the Media Library so that the most recently downloaded title is displayed, close OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile and then re-open it.

Back to top

[Android™ Only] I downloaded OverDrive Media Console for Android to my computer. How do I install it on my device?

OverDrive Media Console for Android must be downloaded directly to the Android device. Visit http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc on your device to download and install OverDrive Media Console for Android. OverDrive Media Console for Android is also available for download at Android Market.

Back to top

[Android Only] When I click the 'Download' button for a title nothing happens. What should I do?

You may have downloaded an ODM file that can be opened in OverDrive Media Console for Android. To see if you downloaded an ODM file…

  1. Open the Android Browser.
  2. Select Menu > More > Downloads.
    'Download history' is displayed.
  3. Look for a file with the same name as the book you are attempting to download. The filename will end with '.odm'. If you find a file, select it to open the file in OverDrive Media Console for Android.

If you do not find an ODM file, it is possible that your browser is displaying the standard version of this web site instead of the mobile version. The 'Download' links displayed at the standard version of this web site may not work correctly on your device. To display the mobile version of this site…

  1. Close the web browser on your device.
  2. Open the web browser.
  3. Delete cookies.
  4. Delete temporary Internet files.
  5. Access http://overdrive.slcl.org again.
    The mobile version of the website should be displayed.
  6. Attempt the download again.

Back to top

I cannot find the information I am looking for. What should I do?

Please email support. Please include the following information…

  • Library card number
  • Title(s) of problem audiobook(s)
  • Steps to reproduce the problem
  • Exact text of any error messages
  • URLs of any error pages
  • OverDrive Media Console version
  • Windows Media Player version (Windows only)
  • Operating system (Mac OS 10.6.2, Windows 7, Android v1.5, etc.)
  • Web browser and version (Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 3.0, etc.)
  • If applicable, portable device make and model

Back to top
 
Digital Media Guided Tour

Supported Portable Devices

Digital Software
OverDrive® Media Console™
Adobe® Digital Editions
 
Copyright © 2010 St. Louis County Library. All rights reserved.
Powered by OverDrive® Digital Library Reserve™
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS