Accessing one iTunes Libray on External HD in Mixed Environment (Mac & PC)

I've read many posts here and other places on this subject, but have yet to get a definitive answer to my question/issue.
I currently have (2) MacBook Pro laptops and (2) Windows XP PC's on my network. The PCs are hardwired while the MB Pros access the network wirelessly.
I have an AirPort Extreme Base Station with a 500GB external USB HD attached. This HD holds all my iTunes music (NOTE: My iTunes library was sucessfully moved from my MB Pro to this drive . . . including the music files, "iTunes Libray" file, "iTunes Music Library.xml" file, 'Album Artwork' folder, etc.).
I am able to access the iTunes Library from my MacBooks without any problems (got both of them to access via choosing the library when launching iTunes with the 'hold down Option' when starting iTunes approach).
Now, I understand the iTunes on Windows and iTunes on Mac think differently when it comes to accessing a library. I want to be able to access this single library via my PCs as well as the Macs (I'm not concerned about multiple iTunes access at one time). Is this possible?
I've tried the "Shift-Click" Windows option when launching iTunes to 'Choose Library' located on my external HD but the 'iTunes Library' file (without the .itl extension) is not available in Windows XP (Note: I've read posts about typing in "itunes library" with the quotes in the dialog box which apparently will work, but requires a rebuilding of the .xml file every time you open iTunes on the PC which is not acceptable for me). I've tried renaming the "iTunes Library" file by adding the .itl extension which allows Windows to see the file, then selected it and had iTunes rebuild the library with some success, but ended up the the 'iTunes Library (Damaged).itl" file issue, and most importantly. . . the Macs could no longer access the library (the MB Pros can see the 'iTunes Library.itl file, but it's greyed out and cannot be selected).
I'm not concerned about playlists, ratings, etc. I simply want to be able to access a single iTunes library located on an external drive via both my Macs and my PCs.
Again, is this possible?

See make a split library portable.
tt2

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Tom DePrenda wrote:
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Accessing one iTunes Libray on External HD in Mixed Environment (Mac & PC)

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