Importing Audio files

Hello, My name is Randy and I desperately need help. I have been banging my head against the wall trying to figure out how to import audio and it continues to tell me that “Audacity does not recognize the type of file - if it is uncompressed, try importing it using import raw”.
I have downloaded Lame Encoder and have followed the steps in great detail but can NOT figure out how to properly format the audio file in order for Audacity to allow importing. I have been on this issue for like (3) days, ANYONE PLEASE HELP
Thank you so much,
Randy

We see you.
We would just as soon you not post any personal information. The forum is a SPAM magnet and is seen by many companies eager to sell you stuff.

It’s not LAME that you need to install. Installing the FFMpeg software will allow you to open many different sound file types.

http://audacityteam.org/download/windows

You can also force Windows to tell you the type of file you have. Windows likes to abbreviate filenames and chop off the last three letters which can tell you your file type.

Hidden File Extensions - Windows
– Start > My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View > [ ] Hide Extensions for Known File Types (deselect)
– Apply (to this folder) or Apply to All Folders
– OK

If, for example your “MP3” file turns out to be “mymusic.ac3,” Audacity will not import that without the FFMpeg software.

Koz