Can't export recorded file as an MP3

[Bubba62]

I'm familiar with Audacity, and used it for a long time with no problems using Windows XP. I'm now using Vista, and I can't export a recorded file as an MP3 (it is saved to my desktop as an .aup file).

When I click Export as MP3, Audacity shuts off. It doesn't ask where the encoder is; it shuts off immediately -- as in "no more Audacity."
When I click Export as WAV, Audacity shuts off.
When I click Edit>Preferences>File Formats>Library>Yes (browse for the Lame encoder), Audacity shuts off.

I have the Lame encoder, and it's where it's supposed to be.

I've tried shutting down my anti-virus/spyware and firewalls -- it doesn't help.

I've right clicked on Audacity.exe and played around with the Compatibility Modes -- no luck.

Audacity is currently recording and doing all the "studio" stuff just great, but when I go to convert/export it just up and disappears.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA, Bubba62

[waxcylinder]

Odd, I've never seen this before.

A workaround would be to export your project as a .WAV file - and then use an external s/w converter to make the MP3 (there are plenty of them freely available on t'interweb - even iTunes can do this for you)

One alarm bell that rings in my mind though: You say you have saved your project to an .aup file - actually a project is far more complex than that = in addition to the aup file there is (or should be) also a folder with lots of little .au files, most of which are sound clips from the project - and others are graphics files for the display. Many users "lose" or damage their projects by deleting some of the project files, renaming or moving stuff around incautiously.

WC

[steve]

You could try downloading a new copy of LAME (see the Audacity wiki - link at top of page - for the correct version/download location)
Then reset the Audacity preferences (again, details in the Audacity wiki. Search for "Preferences").
Then manually set Audacity to use the new downloaded lame dll.

[Bubba62]

Thanks. I really appreciate your replies, but don't see any help there.

I've already downloaded a new Lame decoder, and it didn't help. Also, as I mentioned, exporting as a WAV file is not possible -- Audacity disappears as soon as I try it, just like when I try to export as an MP3 file.

I have all of the files and folder. I've tried to re-save them -- Audacity disappears when I try it.

The thing that gets me, is that when I open the files in question they work just fine. I can record on the tracks, add sound bites, work all the Effects, et al -- the sound is great. But whenever I go to Export (WAV or MP3) Audacity disappears. And I mean it disappears -- no freeze up, no error messages, no hesitation -- it just vanishes.

I'm afraid it's one of those computer/Vista glitches, that I'll just have to eliminate by trial and error. The problem is, I'm running out of ideas to try.

The "disappearing act" is no doubt a clue to what's wrong, but I'm not computer savvy enough to know what it might be pointing to.

Again, any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Bubba62

[steve]

Also, as I mentioned, exporting as a WAV file is not possible -- Audacity disappears as soon as I try it, just like when I try to export as an MP3 file.

Ah, we missed that point - probably because of the title ("Audacity disappears when trying to Export" may have been a more apt title).

Has Audacity ever worked correctly on this computer?
Were the projects created on this computer with the current installation of Audacity?
Have you tried resetting Audacity preferences?

[Bubba62]

Steve,

I downloaded the Audacity software onto the computer I'm using (Acer Aspire L5100), and I created the files that I can't export with that download.

The only thing I've done with "Preferences" is click on Find Library under File Formats, and guess what -- Audacity vanishes.

Under Uncompressed Export Format it says: WAV (Microsoft 16 bit PCM). I haven't worked with anything besides the Find Library. Any suggestions?

TIA, Bubba62

[steve]

Have you tried resetting preferences?
Here's how to: http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php? ... references

[Bubba62]

Steve,

Before I read your latest post, I went ahead and downloaded Audacity 1.3.6. I was able to download the files from 1.2 to 1.3. I then browsed for the Lame.dll, and was able to connect it to Audacity 1.3.

I was able to export my file as an MP3 (the file's less than six minutes long, but it took over ten hours to make -- hence my reluctance to start over).

The odd thing is, Audacity 1.3 shows the MP3 file as being in the Audacity 1.3 folder, but the file isn't there under C:>Program Files>Audacity 1.3.6, and I couldn't bring it up using Search. However, when I bring it up under File>Open on Audacity, I can get the file to play in Windows Media Player -- so I knew it existed, somewhere.

The only way I found to get hold of the file was by opening Audacity>Files>Open>C:>Program Files>Audacity 1.3.6. Then I right clicked on the MP3 file>Send to>Documents. It worked! Now, from Documents, I can do whatever I want with the MP3 file -- it's free, uncorrupted, and unattached.

I appreciate your taking the time to help me with this. Just knowing that someone was periodically checking in on my status was encouraging.

All the best, Bubba62

[Bubba62]

P.S. I just made a short sample recording and exported it to my desktop as an MP3 with out a hitch. There had to be some sort of glitch or problem with the previous file -- somehow it got corrupted in some manner. It's a miracle I was able to salvage it.