If you ripped a CD without specifying a file format, you might have ended up with uncompressed (large) WAV audio files. If this be the case, there is a myriad of excellent freeware for converting the files to smaller MP3 files that most players support. One of my favorites is XMediaRecode, but you will need to learn a little about “bitrate.”
I use “Fairstars CD Ripper” that I prefer to WMP. Another option is to use the free but fabulous Audacity studio that will let you edit your music, such as EQ, trim long leaders, even compress (louden) weak volumes, all without distortion. There is a simple step-by-step tutorial for Audacity that will give you all the control over audio files, even create surround sound or stereo from mono recordings. Just Google for “Audacity101.” Good luck.
