Many songs returns 'original file could not be found' message

Well, I updated my itunes to version 9.
Now, more than 90 percent of the songs in the playlist returns an error message that the 'original files could not be located',Also there is a exclamation mark next to the song in the playlist.
i have connected the hard disk to the laptop which contains the actual folder with all songs in it. This is the folder from which i created all the playlists in i-tunes.
Now :
1. It is a big headache and time consuming process to create the playlist again
2. I'm scared to connect the ipod, so that the already synced songs will get deleted from the ipod as many songs in itunes are returning the 'not found' message.
3. When I still try to play the song in itunes, ofcourse itunes gives me an option to re locate the file. But I cannot do this to all the 100 Gb of songs..
is there a way where i can tell itunes to recheck it in the same folder which contains the original songs...
Some one save me please .

Couple of things to try. Open your preferences(edit>preferences) click the advanced tab and make sure the location of the iTunes media folder is looking to the external drive. If it is not, the change it to the external drive. On that same tab, be certain that the box for copy to iTunes media folder when adding to library is selected. Try to play a song. If it still does not play, then try consolidating the file(file>library>organize>check consolidate.) If they are still not playing, disconnect the external drive, open iTunes, open the library so you can see the music, click edit>select all, then edit>delete. This will remove the list of music from iTunes(be certain that the external is not connected!!!) Reconnect the external, click file>add folder to library>then locate the and open the folder on the external that has all your music in it. This should start putting the music back into iTunes where you can use it again. If the playlists are not there, try http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1967. All in all, not a bad problem, be happy you are one of the smart ones and has all the music backed up. Nice job.

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                  Is there anyone out there who has been through this frustrating game of chasing your tail?....<that's how I feel>
    If so I would be ever so gr8ful if maybe someone with the knowledge would be so kind as 2 tell me how/where 2 retrieve these songs & how to put everything back where it belongs, I would be 4ever gr8ful !!!
    I can't afford 2 replace the songs just like I'm unable 2 buy back my old music from my stolen iTouch....man that was an awesome collection-someday I'll be able 2 afford 2 do that & I would like 2 have all the new music that I paid 4 but cannot find when I got my new iTouch....that would just be  wonderful.
                 I hope someone sees this post that can help me retrieve these files....losing $100.00 of iTunes is a REAL BUMMER!!!!!!
                                                      ThanQ SO very much!
                                                                             [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] .
                                                                                               You can also find me on Facebook, my given name is Tiffinie Trimmer, &
                                                                                                that's my Facebook "handle".    ThanQ 4 taking the time 2 read all of this!
                                                                                                hope 2 get a reply someday....I'll B checking all my emails & my Facebook, as well
                                                                                                as marking this page in my FAVORITES so I can find it fast! Take Care!!!

    I was not complete clear.
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