The question is how do you get iTunes to share music libraries using
the ?simple? file sharing option within the iTunes program.

My setup:  A home built desktop machine running the latest updated
version of Windows XP Pro.  Windows firewall is disabled.  I use Zone
Alarm for my software firewall, but it has been disabled while
troubleshooting.  This computer has my complete iTunes music
collection ? about 8000 songs.  I use iTunes version 6.0.2.33 on this
machine.

My second compter is a Gateway laptop running Windows XP Pro.  Windows
firewall is disabled.  I use Zone Alarm for my software firewall, but
it has been disabled while troubleshooting.  I use iTunes version
6.0.2.23.

These computers are hooked into a network behind a Linksys BEFSR41 4
port Router/Switch.  The desktop has a static IP address as does the
laptop.  Note that normally I use a Linksys WAP54G access point along
with a WPC54G wireless notebook card to power the laptop down the
information super-highway, but for troubleshooting purposes I have
taken that out of the mix

I have iTunes sharing configured the same on both machines.  That is
under the sharing tab, ?look for shared music? and ?share my music?
are both checked.  I have selected to share my entire library on each
machine.

The two computers do see each other on the network.  I am able to
view, read, write shared files and folders on both machines.

My temporary solution or workaround to this problem is to share (in
Windows) my iTunes folder on my desktop computer.  Then on my laptop
computer within iTunes, I have added the shared iTunes folder from my
desktop to my laptop?s iTunes Library (without copying all of the
files to my laptop).  It?s a workaround to the main problem.  It
works, but I?d rather not have to share that folder in that manner and
just use the sharing feature built into iTunes.

I have also found on the Internet at Apple.com the help document
suggesting to open up certain ports when you are using XP?s built in
firewall.  I am not using that firewall (or any during
troubleshooting), so that shouldn?t apply to my problem.  I?ve also
tried opening up the ports mentioned in the document from Apple on my
router and pointing them towards my desktop IP.  That didn?t work for
me either.

That?s about where I stand at this point.  I?d be happy to provide
more information if needed.

Thanks everyone!

Hi.

Two things:
you need to share playlists instead of files.
or
you can only share music bought from itunes (not mp3 you made from your cds).