ITunes loses files (Exclamation point) even though files are still there

A large number of my songs appear with an exclamation point next to their name, indicating that iTunes can't find the actual song files. When I try to access them (get info or play) I get the option to find them with explorer. When I look in the folder they SHOULD be(i.e. artist, album), they still are there! iTunes should have been able to find them itself. I can "re-connect" them by selecting the file(s one by one), but this is very time consuming for a large library, and it keeps happening - making it a never ending process. Those exclamation points HAVE to be cleared up, or those songs won't sync with the iPod.
1) Why does iTunes keep losing files that are still present in the correct folders ("iTunes organizes" is checked)?
2) Since the files ARE still located in the proper folders, is there a way to get iTunes to reconnect them automatically?

Okay, guys. I think I have a solution. It's working now anyway.
There is a response to a post on a similar topic that I found helpful with this issue.
Go to a post titled: "Loss of iTunes library, with entire library still on iPod". As of this moment it is on page 11 of the posts.
In it is a write up with links about programs that transfer the music and playlists on your iPod back to iTunes. You can try the demo versions. There is also a link to reviews of some of the programs.
I tried most demos that worked with Windows and found that the one that seemed best for me is called iPodCopy. I tried doing what I'm going to tell you about using the demo version but found that it doesn't allow enough transfers to do my whole iPod so I had to purchase it for $20. I didn't want to spend the money, but decided my time is worth more.
So, here's what I did.
Download and purchase the software.
Make sure that iTunes is closed and your iPod is NOT connected.
Open iPodCopy and go to "help" for the very simple directions of "how to".
Follow the instruction carefully so you don't overwrite your iPod accidentally. Check out the instructions/FAQ's about not accidentally syncing your iPod while connecting.
NOTE: If you have windows, press Ctrl & Shift and CONTINUE TO HOLD while and after you connect your iPod. This will ensure your iPod does not begin to sync.
Once you get into iTunes, click on your iPod and check off the manual sync and enable disk.
Next, I chose to create a new iTunes Music folder and directed iTunes to that folder. That way I knew it would be the restore from my iPod and not mess up my existing iTunes folder in case something didn't work right.
Then go back to iPodCopy and follow the instruction.
I have been able to recreate my iTunes now using my iPod and so far there are no exclamation points, all the songs and playlists are back, I'm playing music, and my iPod has been updated using the recreated iTunes. All seems well so far.
Hope this works for you!! If you have any questions about this I'll try to check back later and answer.

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ITunes loses files (Exclamation point) even though files are still there

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