Trying to Home share an itunes library from Vista laptop to Windows 8 laptop

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Trying to Home share an itunes library from Vista laptop to Windows 8 laptop

Alright, so both laptops have been setup the same, home sharing turned on, exact same apple id and password. Both computers can see each other in the dropdown menu for "library", HOWEVER, while the Vista laptop can see & import the library from the Windows 8 laptop, then Windows 8 laptop cannot see & therefore not import the library from the Vista laptop & out of the system without issue, the router has been checked to ensure that nothing is standing in the way on that end either. Is this some sort of backwards incompatibility? Or am I overlooking something obscenely obvious? Any and all help is welcome, I have looked at a large number of discussions here and throughout the web already, nothing seems to work for my situation. Please help!!!

Acer/Vista-OTHER, Windows 8, Trying to go from Vista to Windows

Posted on Aug 16, 2014 2:05 PM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

Aug 18, 2014 7:34 AM in response to MicknMadd

Hello there MicknMadd,

It sounds like one of your computers can see the others library and import from it, but the other does not. You've done a lot of great troubleshooting and verification already, and I would recommend steps 5-7 from the following article to help further troubleshoot:

Troubleshooting Home Sharing

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2972

5. Check Firewall settings

If you have a firewall enabled in your router or computer, make sure that the firewall is not blocking communication between your computers. Home Sharing uses TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5353 to communicate with shared iTunes libraries.

In addition, Apple TV and Mac computers will use port 123 to set the time automatically. Incorrect date and time on either the computer or Apple TV can cause errors for Home Sharing and connections in general.

If you are unsure whether your router has a firewall or the required ports open, test additional devices or another network to help isolate the issue. If the devices tested work on another home network, it is your router or network configuration.

For Mac OS X, you don't have to edit the port addresses, but make sure the firewall in Apple () menu > System Preferences > Security > Firewall are not set to:

Block all incoming connections

Allow only essential services

If you use another security/firewall software on your computer or router, follow this article or contact the manufacturer or check the documentation on how to open TCP ports 123 and 3689 as well as UDP ports 123 and 5353.

For more information on ports used by Apple products, see Well known TCP and UDP ports used by Apple software products.

6. Quit and reopen apps and iTunes

If connectivity issues persist, quit and reopen iTunes on your computer. Then, quit and reopen the apps on your iOS device.

Note that Home Sharing cannot transfer or stream audiobook content purchased from Audible.com. See Audible.com for information on using their content with multiple devices.

7. Restart your network router

Restart your home network router using the method recommended in documentation from the manufacturer. This may include disconnecting the power cord for thirty seconds or more.

Note: During this period, Internet services such as a VoIP-based phone will not work, and any additional routers may need to be reset in sequence.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

All the very best,

Sterling

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