Exporting Itunes Library?

[thriii]

I'm going to be getting leopard today and was wondering how to export my library so I have all my playlists, ratings. playcounts saved? if I export library from within Itunes (File > Exprt Libary...) will that work if I don't have http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/51/3070741197313194/www.info.apple.com/images/kbase/307074/307074_1.jpg
"Copy Files to Itunes Music folder when adding to library." checked? I don't have it checked because It doubles all of my music.. and I have 55gb+ of music :( so my music is in its original folders. How can I save my music If I am using them in their original folders? (Music>Albums and Music>Loosies)

[FJ218700]

I simply copy the iTunes Library .xml file and the iTunes library file (no extension shown) onto a flash drive when I want to backup or transfer. Those files store the data as to where your .mp3s are stored, whether or not they are in the iTunes music folder.

[thriii]

ok thx! :) I exported the xml file from within Itunes where is the Itunes Library file without the extension?

[FJ218700]

the files with the icon (music note)