If you have a longer audio file that you’d like to edit, it can be done right on the phone. Just download the Ringdroid app from the Android Market. This free app is a very capable audio editor that allows you to save your work as a ringtone or notification sound. Just make sure the audio is properly tagged, and you can search for it right from the app. The final file can be saved anywhere on the SD card. These sounds can now be chosen in the Sound and Display menu, or from the settings in individual apps.
If no snipping is required, the files can be recognized without going through an app first. On the SD card, make a folder called ‘Ringtones’ and a folder called ‘Notifications’. These folders must be in the root directory (i.e. not within another folder). Now these files will be seen by the OS as either a ringtone or notification depending on which folder they are in. If you try one of these methods, let us know how it works.