Digital Home Thoughts: Ripping the Perfect MP3 With Exact Audio Copy

First you'll need to grab yourself a copy of Exact Audio Copy. Get the Windows installer version. While you're out there, you'll also need to pick up LAME MP3. Just to be safe, download the copy labeled as 'stable' (version 3.96.1 as of writing time).

Installation
First, launch Exact Audio Copy's installation by running the file you just downloaded. It will take you through the normal installation questions (yes, I want to install it to Program Files; yes, I want to create a Start Menu shortcut, etc.). When you reach the final screen, uncheck the 'launch Exact Audio Copy' box before clicking Finish. Next, unzip the LAME encoder file you downloaded earlier into the Exact Audio Copy folder, found in Program Files. Before proceeding, grab yourself a clean factory-pressed CD.


Begin Installation.


Finish Installation.


Extract LAME files.