Convert+Format 30 day trial

[bruceh60]

Recently I had to reinstall Windows 7/64 bit onto my laptop. Previously, using MediaMonkey, I had easily converted MP3 file formats from one folder to another with exported format of "<artist> - <title>" with no problem.
I'm now using version 4.1.1.1703 and, when I try to use Tools\Convert Format (Shift+Ctrl+C) I get a message saying "... the free version of MediaMonkey can not bundle MP3 encoding functionality beyond a 30-day trial period. For unrestricted MP3 encoding ...please upgrade."
The version(s) of MediaMonkey I used before May 2014 had NO trial period limitation; I used this feature for years!
QUESTIONS:
A- I have previous editions of MediaMonkey saved on a drive. If I installed one of those earlier versions would this function without a 'trial period or has this limitation been imposed recently for all versions?
B- If I upgrade to the Gold 4.x version for $24.95 and later want to upgrade to the lifetime version will it cost the full 'lifetime' price or is there a discount for upgrading from Gold 4.x?

[Lowlander]

A limit on MP3 encoding has been around for a long time: http://www.mediamonkey.com/support/inde ... -unlimited

a) The lame encoder can be user replaced with a version that isn't limited
b) No, an upgrade path from 4.x to Lifetime doesn't exist. Contacting support may help when facing that upgrade.

[bruceh60]

I replaced lame_enc.dll with a downloaded version. The 31 files were converted and placed in the specified directory. The process was MUCH, MUCH slower than I had with the earlier version of MM. I'm still wondering if I'd be better off uninstalling this version and "going back". Any comments?

[Lowlander]

It could be your quality settings. The higher the quality setting for the output MP3 file the slower the encoding will be.