Backing up library AND metadata

Hi,
I've had major problems backing up my data with my iTunes and iPhone but I think I might know what the problem is.
My songs and movies are stored in one location and it seems my metadata is stored in another. the .itl file seems to be in the default folder, however my music was changed when I re-installed iTunes last time round.
How do I back this up? do I just copy both files/folders into one location?
Would consolidate put them in the same file? and if so, can it be one other than the default one?
Regards
Lee

Here are typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
Everything inside the red outline represent the media folder. All media that iTunes "manages" is inside this folder, though you may have opted to add media to the library from other locations without copying into the media folder. The stuff outside the red outline is the "library", the database and supporting files that tell iTunes what media you have in your library. All the stuff that doesn't go into file tags such as ratings, play counts, playlist membership, device paring information etc. is stored in the .itl file. At push the other library files and Album Artwork folders can be regenerated from the itl.
tt2

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