Lost library and playlists

I don't know what is going on w/my iTunes. I installed the newest version however, when I go to add songs to my iPod, it says it they cannot syn it because all of the playlists selected for synching no longer exist. All of my playlists are gone and some of the songs I purchased are gone as well. This happens at least a couple times a week. I am by no means that computer savvy and would appreciate any help anyone can give. To recap, here are my problems.
1. My playlists keep disappearing and some of my purchased music is not in my library
2. When the iPod is plugged in, it cannot sync it because all the playlists selected no longer exist. Please help!

Empty/corrupt library after upgrade/crash
Hopefully it's not been too long since you last upgraded iTunes, in fact if you get an empty/incomplete library immediately after upgrading then with the following steps you shouldn't lose a thing or need to do any further housekeeping. In the Previous iTunes Libraries folder should be a number of dated iTunes Library files. Take the most recent of these and copy it into the iTunes folder. Rename iTunes Library.itl as iTunes Library (Corrupt).itl and then rename the restored file as iTunes Library.itl. Start iTunes. Should all be good, bar any recent additions to or deletions from your library.
See iTunes Folder Watch for a tool to catch up with any changes since the backup file was created.
When you get it all working make a backup!
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library, or a backup of it, then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

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