How do I convert Protected AAC to Purchased AAC songs?

I have several songs that are Protected AAC files that won't burn to CDs.  I'd like to convert them to Purchased AAC files.  (All of these Protected files were Purchased at some point through iTunes over several years using one iTunes account.)
Not sure if this is relevant info, but I have moved/transferred iTunes libraries from a PC to a MAC.  Currently trying to do convert the files on the MAC in my only iTunes Library.
One thing that is frustrating is that a song shows up in the iTunes/Purchased folder and doesn't have the option to Download it again from the cloud because it's the version currently in my Library.
I have read a couple support articles but they all are too old (2011) to be relevant.  Interesting to note from the articles is that if an Artist subsequent to your purchase took their catalog/song off iTunes, it becomes a Protected AAC file. I think this happened to at least one of the songs I'm having a problem with.  How is that fair??  I paid for use of the song when it was available.
Any thoughts or best practice tips?

My suggestion is to back up the files to a safe location, then remove them from your iTunes Library.  At that point, the option to download the files again from the iTunes store under your purchased content listing should become available.  The new version of the files should be "Purchased AAC" instead of "Protected AAC", as long as they are just music files.  If the files are video content, they may still be protected.  If for some reason you are still unable to download the tracks, I'd contact apple through the "Report a Problem" link on your purchased content listing (you may have to go to the account view rather than the store view for this).

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