Sony BMG released a new downloadable edition of its XCP content protection removal tool.

The updated software allows you to either:

Update the XCP software on your computer.
This option installs an update which removes the component of the XCP software. It will also enable you to continue using the protected disc(s) on your computer.

Completely uninstall the XCP software and associated content protection files.
This option will remove all XCP and associated content protection files, including service/processes, registry entries and folders from your computer. Note that once you delete the XCP content protection software, if you wish to play a CD protected with XCP it will be necessary to reinstall the XCP software in accordance with that CD's End User License Agreement after you insert the disc into your computer.

If you have previously uninstalled the XCP software using the Sony BMG customer support website, and you are concerned about security issues relating to the delivery of ActiveX controls, both options will result in the deletion of these controls.

For users who have previously uninstalled XCP software using the uninstaller made available prior to November 18, 2005, Sony BMG recommends that you run the currently available uninstaller, to eliminate a potential security vulnerability presented by the earlier uninstaller.

Please note that uninstalling from your computer the XCP software and associated content protection files loaded from an XCP-protected CD will not delete or affect your use of any audio files that you have previously transferred from an XCP-protected CD. Such files remain subject to the digital rights management rules in the End User License Agreement: namely that you may rip the audio into the secure formats provided on the disc, move these tracks to compatible portable devices, and make up to three copies of each track on to CD-Rs.

The XCP software tool is available for download here(1.03 MB).