ITunes 11.4.0.18 update erased previous library

After updating to iTunes 11.4.0.18 for use with my iPod Touch, 4th gen. iOS 6.1.6, my previous library complete disappeared. I'm working with Windows 7 on a machine that more than meets the hardware specs for this particularly software.
The problem: When I opened up iTunes after the update, it began an automatic search for media content as if it this was the first time the software had ever been installed on my machine, as evidenced by the total absence of library content. I looked in vain for this content, and came to the Apple forums for solutions. I tried a suggested workaround involving locating my previous library file in the iTunes folder, moving it to the main itunes folder, and renaming it, but imagine my surprise to see there were no other previous library versions available other than the one created the day of the update, as if . . . as if it this was the first time the software had ever been installed on my machine.
Now, iTunes can't reconcile the new library it's working from on my computer with the library on my iPod , and when I want to add new content to my iPod, it won't do so until I accept its demand that I allow it to completely erase all of the current content on my iPod in order to accomodate this inexplicable new library it's built over my old one.
What happened to my previous libraries? Why is iTunes acting like this is a fresh install? And why, for Pete's sake, isn't iTunes sophisticated enough to accept that some iPods might be working from a different library that isn't connected to the almighty "Cloud," without having to resort to a scorched earth approach like wiping my entire iPod just to be able to add content? The problem seems strangely reminiscent of the software glitches and otherwise annoying inferiority of the Sony Connect Player software suite that made me come to the Apple line of products in the first place.

Thanks for the reply, tt2.
Problem solved. I searched for .itl files in other locations and found one made prior to the update inexplicably in folder that was not the iTunes folder. Copied it, renamed it, pasted it, and got my library back. Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction.
Still baffled as to why this happened though. I've never had a problem with updates in the past. This was a first for me.
Thanks again for your help.

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Back up your iTunes Library.itl file, found under ~/Music/iTunes
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open Terminal
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Dell Inc. Dell DV051
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QuickTime 7.6.6
FairPlay 1.8.20
Apple Application Support 1.3
iPod Updater Library 9.2d4
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CD Driver DLL 2.1.1.1
Apple Mobile Device 3.1.0.62
Apple Mobile Device Driver 1.49.0.0
Bonjour 2.0.2.0 (214.3)
iTunes Serial Number 098625257EFAC14A
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WebKit accelerated compositing is enabled.
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Video Display Information
Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family
** External Plug-ins Information **
No external plug-ins installed.
** Network Connectivity Tests **
Network Adapter Information
Adapter Name: {F45A9B15-8BE6-4964-8534-71947B51A91B}
Description: Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
IP Address: 192.168.1.77
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
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DHCP Enabled: No
DHCP Server: 255.255.255.255
Lease Obtained: Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970
Lease Expires: Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970
DNS Servers: 192.168.1.1
192.168.1.1
Active Connection: LAN Connection
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Online: Yes
Using Modem: No
Using LAN: Yes
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SSL 3.0 Support: Enabled
TLS 1.0 Support: Enabled
Firewall Information
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iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.
Connection attempt to Apple web site was successful.
Connection attempt to iTunes Store was successful.
Secure connection attempt to iTunes Store was successful.
Secure connection attempt to iPhone activation server was successful.
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iPodService 9.2.1.5 is currently running.

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1: Make sure your whole iTunes database is backed up.
2: Uninstall iTunes, then run "Revo Uninstaller", this will remove ALL traces of iTunes from you computer, not your library.
I've found out that when un-installing or re-installing over a previous version of iTunes will carry over some problems from previous versions, or even create problems. Registry leftovers can be a problem also. Completely removing iTunes using "Revo Uninstaller" then re-installing will have the same effect as installing iTunes from a fresh OS install. Typically iTunes should be problem free when installed totally fresh.
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ITunes 11.4.0.18 update erased previous library

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