I downloaded a movie by Kazaa. While trying to watch it, I was
notified by Windows Media Player that the owner of the protected data
requires that I upgrade some of the Microsoft digital rights
management.
Is there any risk or disadavtages by doing it? Will it influenece any
of my existing and not protected songs / movies or will it cause any
disadvantages in future downaloads?

dealeng-ga,

I have found detailed documentation, both directly from Microsoft and
from neutral parties reguarding this matter. My answer will include
the risk (or lack thereof) of upgrading as well as influences on your
current system. Please let me know if you would like my to answer this
question.

Sincerely,
jgortner-ga

jgortner-ga,

Yes - looking forward for yr reply.

Microsoft DRM is basically a method of encrypting media so that
viewers must obtain a license to watch\listen.

When media player opens media content which has DRM enabled it
connects to a server specified by the file giving the user the ability
to download a license (technically a key to decrypt the content). This
license is issued by the server and can be used by them rent out\sell
the media or just to track the number of people who see it.

The original Microsoft DRM encryption system was cracked a while ago
so Microsoft patched it. This means that when DRM content encrypted
with this patched version is played on an unpatched media player it
has to upgrade its DRM decryption system to match - prompting you to
upgrade.

I have upgraded myself and found no problems\disadvantages so far. The
DRM system will not be activated in media player if you are playing
content without DRM and so it shouldn't affect existing movies\songs.
Downloading from Kazaa is an entirely separate process and as such
will not be affected.

-Dave

Dave,

Thanks a lot for the usefull info and explantation.

dealeng