I have mc7 and finally recorded my 1st song but it won't let me convert the file to mp3, it says I have to unlock or purchase one. I had one with mc6 so is there a way to use that one or do I have to buy another one and where can I buy one? Thanks in advance guys!

There is no longer a fee associated with the integrated mp3 encoder. Although if you already paid for it, the unlock program should already be in your account. If you cannot find the unlock program, it is available here

Thank you! I got that working. Now I have a new issue...when I convert to mp3 and send the file to my desktop and play it back I am getting different things such as instruments are missing or the file starts playing at the 1 minute mark of the song. Any idea what is causing that?
 

Hi does the encoder have to be installed alongside MC or is it a standalone product? Thanks

MC has integrated mp3 encoder that is disabled by default. As long as mp3 required a license fee, Cakewalk sold the unlock program. Now, they provide the unlock program for free. Once unlocked mp3 will show up as an export option and an mp3 dialog appears during export.