The missing library problem.

Question

I understand that there's already a lot of threads about the sudden disappearance of iTunes libraries, however I'm typing this up because I'd like to point out in a bit more detail what I'm seeing happening to my computer, and maybe have a collective of what's going on. This issue has happened to me five times in the last two months since I've updated to iTunes 11. After searching on google I know the missing library problem has existed since the early 2000s; why this glitch has yet to be fixed 13 years later is beyond me. I have personally never had this problem until updating to 11, and seeing the many other threads on here this appears to me to be an issue with this version of the software more than it has been in previous versions.
Before I continue, I have tried the following to fix it:
Simply readded my whole library. It was only wiped again a few weeks later.
Completely uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes. That didn't work either, so it's not just an updating problem.
What I haven't tried
Changing where on my computer iTunes is installed. I have no idea where on the computer might be better or if it will change anything. I have iTunes installed on its default location on my local C: disk.
Importing the music directly from my iPod into iTunes. Can this be done? If so, how? Not everything on my iTunes is a store purchase, most of it is imported CDs and also amazon purchases too. So I don't know if the transfer purchases option works. While this wouldn't fix this current issue, I would like to know how to do this if possible since it would just be a quick fix whenever this happens.
What is happening:
So each time this has happened, what occurs is that like many other people, one day I open my iTunes and everything is in order. Then the next, for no reason, all of my libraries are gone but the music is still on my computer, organized in their files the way iTunes had them done so upon importing. I can't use the .itl files in the "previous libraries" folder because they have also been re-written. Upon opening them, even if their last save was on a day I know everything was in working order, opening them does nothing but give me the same blank default page.
What isn't mentioned in a lot of the posts regarding this issue, is the sudden crop of temporary files in the iTunes folder.
The ones that have cropped up for me personally are the following:
iT 1.tmp
iT 2.tmp
iT 3.tmp
iT 4.tmp
Temp file 1.tmp
Temp file 2. tmp
Those were not there the last time I used iTunes, and they're never there on the days I've used it before and it has worked correctly. However every time my library is wiped, these files suddenly appear without fail, every time. I can't open them, I can't do anything with them except delete them. I believe I remember reading somewhere that this might be an issue regarding with how the program is saving the progress of your library changing, and that the temp files are there until it can "officially" save what has happened to your library. While I didn't change anything in my library in the last couple of weeks, I'm assuming this also counts things like play count.
My own personal opinion
Seeing just how many threads with this issue are popping up, this leads me to believe that this isn't just a problem with my personal computer or my personal install of iTunes 11. These temp files also lead me to believe that as well. In other words, whatever glitch has existed with iTunes since the early 2000s is for some reason running rampant in version 11.
TL;DR:
Please developers, actually look at this library glitch within the program itself. It can't just be an individual user's problem because way too many people are experiencing it.

Answer 1

No worries. You've probably run into one the other threads I've posted to but I'll add my thoughts here anyway...
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.  Note that in iTunes 11 an "empty" library may show your past purchases with links to stream or download them.
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.
Alternatively, depending on exactly when and why the library went missing, there may be a more recent .tmp file in the main iTunes folder that can be copied and renamed as iTunes Library.itl to restore the library to an earlier state. Look for a recent .tmp file that is similar in size to the .itl files in the Previous iTunes Libraries folder. If it has happened repeatedly you may want the earliest such file generated since the last iTunes upgrade.
If applicable, 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.
I've noticed more of these missing library posts of late and a common factor to most since I started asking is AVG Anti-Virus. It seems in some cases it might be at least part of the reason why the library file disappears. Try excluding the iTunes folder from any AV scanning process.
tt2