iTunes meltdown

I recently moved my iTunes library (manually moving then re-linking the source library in iTunes Prefs) to an external hard drive. I had a few minor issues - before I had used File / Library / Organize Library, then checked Upgrade to iTunes Media Organization. I did not check Consolidate files as I thought since it says it makes copies of the files that would increase my Library's size (Is this wrong? Then what exactly happens?).

So this was three days ago. No problems in the interim. The only new software I installed was AppZapper, and I used it to remove Thunderbird. Went without a hitch.

So this afternoon, I went to install Snow Leopard on a partition on the external drive - the external drive is partitioned three ways - 750 GB for the iTunes Library, 700 GB for Time Machine (migration went without a problem, and I could browse past and subsequent backups without any problem), and the rest for the install of Snow Leopard.

Before I went to install Snow Leopard, I wanted to buy a movie in iTunes for my son, but iTunes couldn't link to the Library...the file itself had become corrupted. I went to re-link the Library, but iTunes couldn't recognize it. The Library file itself had become a "Unix Executable File." Ick.

I tried and I tried to re-link to the file (even going into Time Machine and restoring the old Library, from it's old location), and no luck. The file remained a "Unix Executable File."

So although the music/movie/everything else files are still there, I have had to manually import them, reorganize them into the playlists (GROAN), and re-sync everything...I am at a loss as to explain what happened.

Here's the kicker (for those who are leaping at the chance to provide an explanation)...I now have 200 GB (approximately) of music & movies that I previously deleted that have "magically" reappeared in the Library I have reimported. Yes, I made sure they were deleted before. I am anal about HD space and look to see in iTunes files by command-clicking on files and seeing where they are in the Library before I delete them.

So HOW have they reappeared?!?!?!?