In a transition to a full DRM-free MP3 download store, Walmart will be shutting down its digital rights management system that supports protected songs and albums purchased from their site.

If you have bought music through the store\'s online services you will have to back it all up to a cd before October 9, or run the risk of losing the lot. Wal-Mart\'s customers received the following warning by email:

\"If you have purchased protected wma music files from our site prior to Feb 2008, we strongly recommend that you back up your songs by burning them to a recordable audio cd. By backing up your songs, you will be able to access them from any personal computer.\"

Previously Microsoft and Yahoo tried to drop drm support for their shuttered music services, but reversed in the face of wide criticism.