Multiple iTunes Issues - Awful, awful Program

I have a brand new iMac and iTunes is ruining my experience.

1) Each time i start the app it thinks it is brand new and will not save any of my settings or windows. I get the Welcome screen each time.

2) If I do not start it, it will eventually start iteslf and then Not Respond. It is active in the dock and in the activity monitor, but it will not force quit in any way. I need to hold down the power button to kill power to the mac.

I have tried -

deleteing preferences and restarting

fixing permissions

removing the helper app from the user log in

resetting the PRAM

reinstalling iTunes from a download

NONE of these have any effect.