I deleted the "itunes Library" file...

(This question pertains to a Mac, not PC, latest version of iTunes)
So I was juggling around "iTunes Library" files, and I accidentally deleted the existing one but kept the new (empty) one. I found a support article about using the xml file in the same folder, and doing an "import playlist" command, so I tried that, but unfortunately it didn't do anything -- my itunes window is still blank (and this is the existing xml file, no changes have been made to it).
My iTunes library lives on an external HD, but even though my preferences still point to that path, iTunes isn't seeing it. I even tried to consolidate that iTunes folder to a new location, but it wouldn't work because iTunes currently isn't seeing the music folder, so there's no "point of origin" for the consolidation.
I know that PC users can do a Shift while they start iTunes, and designate the new file path... is there something similar for Mac that will magically restore my playlists and full library? I'm hoping there's a way to get everything back aside from the "Add to Library" command, because I'm not sure if that will allow me to play things I've purchased from the iTunes store. My iTunes preferences still point to the correct folder where I keep all of my music, but iTunes remains empty.
Lastly, in the "Previous Versions of iTunes" folder, the most recent library file is from 2 months ago, so that doesn't help me much, unless I'm able to do that, then do an "Add to library" command, hoping that iTunes will just add all of the music I've bought in the last 2 months?
I feel like there's an easy answer to this one, but I'm just not getting it... anyone have any ideas?
Many thanks,
Kirby

After you deleted the iTunes lbrary file, then opened iTunes, the .XML file was rewritten y iTunes, erasing the info in it.
in the "Previous Versions of iTunes" folder, the most recent library file is from 2 months ago, so that doesn't help me much, unless I'm able to do that, then do an "Add to library" command, hoping that iTunes will just add all of the music I've bought in the last 2 months?
Yes.
Open iTunes.
File -> Library - Import playlist and select the latest iTunes library file in Previous iTunes libraries.
Then File -> add to library and select the iTunes music folder where your music is located.

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http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1451
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it is.
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Hi,
Wireless is not my forte...
Have a look at this Older Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/7957761#7957761
and Search the 'More like this' column on the right...
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== Error -54 ==
From an OS9 reference, error -54 is a software lock on a file or a permissions error. (Some of the old codes still apply to OSX although there is no formal list of OSX error codes.)
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The iTunes Library file cannot be saved. The disk could not be read from...

Screenshot of error message: http://i49.tinypic.com/2ecp3sw.jpg
I tried deleting my library file and starting over with a new library, reimporting my music. Then, once again, I get this message:
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Information that might be relevant:
My iTunes files (everything but the application file) is located on my external HD (formatted for mac and has only been used on macs) and is connected via USB.
The external HD makes noises whenever it tries to save the library file, so it's obviously trying to write to the HD.
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ok--same scenario but
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DiskWarrior has successfully built a new directory for the disk named "My Book." The new directory cannot replace the original directory because of a disk malfunction.! It is highly recommended that you backup all of your data from the preview disk.! But when I try to transfer (off either the MyBook HD or the DW preview version of MyBook I get: The operation can’t be completed because the item “xyz” is in use.

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Greetings,
I'm getting the following error:
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hope this is clear enough.

I deleted the "itunes Library" file...

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