Error Message:The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character

I have an 80G iPod. I never had a problem with the itunes program until I switched to Vista. When I try to open iTunes I get the following error message:
*The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character*
I have itunes installed on both my HP and on an external hard drive that I use as my backup in case something goes wrong. Neither one opens and I get the same error message on both. I have tried to uninstall iTunes and then reinstall and get the same message so I can't uninstall.
I'm really frustrated, I need to get to my music for a huge presentation in a few days. Can anyone help?
Thanks in advance,
Jejo

Have you tried working through the steps in the General section of this article?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1926

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