Help with an iTunes problem

[Joseph W. Chance]

Can anyone tell me how to fix this one.  I keep my iTunes library on an 
external drive.  While importing some CD covers, it (Panther) crashed.  
When I re-booted, my iTunes Music Library file is no longer valid.  I 
tried making a new alias and moving it to the User/Music folder, but it 
still says that it is not valid.  Along the way, something happened to 
the music library folder on the external drive.  Any suggestions how to 
return the playlists to their proper working order.  The music is still 
there, just the library file does not work.  Thanks.