HT4527 I want to move all my iTunes from old PC to new PC but Home Sharing on both and it works. At Step 11, I clicked Home Sharing Import button doesn't work.

Question

Help!  I want to move all my iTunes music, podcasts, etc. from an old PC to a new PC. I set up Home Sharing on both and it works.  I followed the steps in http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 to the letter.  At Step 11, I clicked on Home Sharing on my new PC, then Edit > Select All so I could then import everything to the new computer.  No matter what I try, the Import button doesn't work.  There are two buttons on the lower right hand side of the iTunes screen - one for Settings and one for Import.  The Settings button is clickable but the Import button isn't even live.  In other words, I can see it but not click on it.  I have double-checked my firewall and it is not the problem.  How can I get the Import button to work? 

Answer 1

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have failed to move contacts and calendar items across you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should  merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2