I have a compaq 5420 us, 1.47 Ghz, 512 SynchDRAM, Win XP
When I try to convert my WIndows Media files to 128kbps AAC in iTunes, my cpu usage spikes to 100% and stays there for the duration of the conversion process. If I want to convert several songs, even one at a time, my pc will crash.
I have a bunch of wma files i ripped onto my pc with another piece of sfotware, I have added them to the library in iTunes, and they are all at 1411 kbps. I then right click on a song in the library and choose "convert to aac". This makes the song(s) 128 kbps, optimal for the iPod, but crashes the pc.

The one time I tried to rip a cd using iTunes, my pc also crashed.

I have removed unused software, I removed my other cd burning program, i have the latest iTunes and Windows updates.

If I can live with a fourth of the storage capacity on my iPod, then leaving the songs at 1411kbps poses no problems what so ever.

How do I get songs to 128kbps without crashing my pc?
Are the files in the iTunes library just short cuts to the wma files in my harddrive?
When I choose "convert to aac" am I actually changing a wma to aac? (and how is this possible if the library listing is just a shortcut?) or am I just compressing the file?

help!
i woould be joepodulously grateful