How to move iTunes lib from external HD (used to be internal HD)?

I hit an internal HD failure and didn't have iTunes or iPhoto backed up. Not fun, but no one to blame but me.
I've had Apple replace the HD (320GB for Intel iMac), but I'm back at square one. I put the old HD in an external USB enclosure and can see the file system. Glimmer of hope!! For starters, I've copied as much as possible to a NAS box, but I get errors with some files.
Here's the question(s).
What's the best way to migrate the iTunes content from the external HD to the new internal drive?
Here some details that may help:
- I can see the "Music" folder on the old HD (4.5G, 2000 items)
- I can also see "Library/iTunes" (450 MB, 19 items)
- all music/content was setup for 1 user account
- content is:
imported CD's
about a hundred or so songs purchased from iTunes store
misc podcasts (no need to recover)
playlists, etc.
I would think the best thing would be to:
1) fireup iTunes somehow to open the music on the external HD
2) save/export all the music
3) close iTunes, then re-open iTunes on the internal HD (currently with empty iTunes lib)
4) import the library from step #2
5) verify everything is ok
6) reformat external drive & recycle it
Even if it is possible, the steps above may fail if I hit a drive error. In that case, I'm guessing some sort of file based restoration may be needed.
Any clues on what to do and in what order are appreciated.
No need for extensive details on the instructions (but it is certainly appreciated). Once I know what to do (and in what order), I can search the support site for detailed instructions on the individual tasks.
I'll probably use better protection once I've got this back together. Time machine is a leading candidate.
Thank for any clues.
-Dave

hi dave and welcome to the discussion area !
click here and here for instructions/information.
however, in your situation, none of the above may work.
good luck in any case !
edited by the Jolly Green Giant (where Green stands for environmentally friendly)

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