Itunes library has disappeared after update.

Hi all,
I have just updated my itunes to the new 11.1.5 version and it has lost all my playlists and library bar a few albums I have purchased on the store! I'm distraught.
My iTunes library is in a folder on my desktop. My last 'Previous itunes library' was from Oct last year so I'm really hoping someone has a better suggestion than just using that file.
All my music is still within the itunes>music folder.
Why? Why? Why?
Could I delete itunes and download an older version hoping it just falls back in line?
I run my library by 'date added' so it's imperrative I fix this and don't just re-upload all the music.
Someone please help!!!!

Putting on an older version of iTunes won't help and is a very involved process.
I think "date added" is uniquely stored in the library.itl version of the library file. If you don't have that file then date added is lost back to your most recent version of that file.
I haven't updated iTunes since 2007 so I am not familir with what it does when updating but I thought it would create a new version of the library file and put the old version in your previous libraries folder. It apparently hasn't so unless you have a backup copy somewhere you will have to go back to an earlier version of the file and add anything put into the library since then as brand new items.
Tip: Always back up your computer before doing software updates. This shouldn't have happened but each computer is unique and yours is one of the few on which it has. With a backup you'd be able to restore the old version in minutes and ready to have another go.

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Hi bjl1767,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
The tips in this article can help with locating your music files:
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http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1408
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Hi all ,
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> Downloading past purchases from App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store
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Itunes library has disappeared after update.

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