Sync local media library with iTunes Match after format

iTunes Match is a wonderful service but there's one thing that's really making me hate it.
I'm the type of person that uses multiple computers and that probably formats more than he should.
So here's my issue.
Pre-format
1) I match my 12,000 songs library with iTunes Match
2) Once done my songs are in sync with the cloud meaning that the content I play is local and it updates through the cloud at the same time
Post-format
1) I reinstall iTunes 11
2) I change iTunes advanced preferences to point to my original and untouched media path and I check both options underneath.
3) I sign into my account and turn iTunes Match ON
4) iTunes Match does its thing
Now here's my gripe. Every single song has the download from cloud button. Every song I play streams from the cloud even though I pointed my library to my original media path. Why won't iTunes sync the cloud with my local files just like it was before the format ?
Re-adding the whole media folder to my new (not backed-up) library will only create a 12,000 duplicate songs in the cloud to make matters worse.
So my question is : is there any way to preserve what I had prior to formating ? Having to wipe my cloud content and rematch my local files after every single format is non-sense.
Thanks in advance

vcharette wrote:
When restoring the library (itl) files, do I need to re-add the folder to my library ? Or will the songs automatically appear based on the library settings in those files ?
No, you will not need to add anything if you drop, at minimum, the iTunes Library.itl file into the User/Music/iTunes folder. Ideally you would restore all the library files, though. As long as the path isn't different, say you created a User Account with a different name from the original, it should be fine.
vcharette wrote:
I noticed that by holding the shift key when launching iTunes it prompts you to select a library or creating a new one. Which makes me wonder if I can just point it to my different drive at all times instead of always having to copy files back and forth between /music/itunes and a backup location.
Yes, you can run the iTunes library off an external HDD, no problem. However, I believe the best way to do that is to set the path in iTunes Prefs. Also, keep in mind that if the external is not connected iTunes will not be able to find the files and it will not defaul to streaming the music from the cloud. And you should still have a backup scheme in place.
vcharette wrote:
Thanks for helping, it's really appreciated.
You're welcome.

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Sync local media library with iTunes Match after format

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