How to Move OverDrive Files to Kobo
The Kobo is an e-reader once sold in Borders bookstores. In addition to reading e-books purchased from the Kobo store, you can read books distributed by your library via the OverDrive system. However, you need to download the free Adobe software Adobe Digital Editions, which is designed especially for reading and transporting e-books that use the Adobe digital rights management (DRM) system. Adobe Digital Editions is recommended by both OverDrive and Kobo.
About OverDrive
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OverDrive is the system used by libraries to lend out e-books. E-books shared via OverDrive are protected via Adobe DRM and cannot simply be moved onto your Kobo. To read an e-book from the OverDrive system, you will need to use your library's website, and find a book that is currently available. Most libraries can only lend out one e-book file at a time. Books last for about two weeks, depending on your library, and will expire when your lending time is up. The downloaded file is actually an ACSM, or Adobe Content Server Manager file. This file is what downloads the ePub book when opened in Digital Editions.
Using OverDrive With the Kobo
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The Kobo supports multiple e-book file types, including ePub books protected by the Adobe DRM. Adobe DRM protects e-books sold by a number of different vendors, including books sold via Barnes & Noble, Hastings and Google eBookstore. So long as your library's OverDrive system supports Adobe DRM-protected ePub books -- which most do -- you will be able to transfer them to your e-reader with minimal effort. You will need to authorize the Kobo in Digital Editions before you can copy your OverDrive book to your e-reader.
Using Adobe Digital Editions
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Download Adobe Digital Editions for free from the Adobe website and install it on your computer. During the setup you'll have to create an Adobe account; Adobe limits the number of e-readers associated with your account and only allows you to read those books on devices authorized to your account. This account can be used on multiple computers with Digital Editions installed. Once it's installed, close the program and connect the Kobo to your computer via USB. Open Digital Editions again. This will prompt the Device Setup Assistant and prompt you to authorize the device.
Transferring to the Kobo
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If your browser downloads the ACSM file to your hard drive, the easiest way to start the ePub download is to drag the file directly into Digital Editions, which will begin the download automatically. If your browser just downloads and opens files, it should initiate the Digital Editions download automatically. The e-book will be listed in your Digital Editions library. Drag the book from your main library to the Kobo bookshelf to copy it to Kobo. Once copied, you can close Digital Editions, eject the Kobo from your computer and start reading your borrowed e-book.
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Writer Bio
Ashley Poland has been writing since 2009. She has worked with local online businesses, supplying print and web content, and pursues an active interest in the computer, technology and gaming industries. In addition to content writing, Poland is also a fiction writer. She studied creative writing at Kansas State University.