I moved my iPhoto and iTunes libraries to an external hard drive because I was out of room. Accidentally reformatting that hard drive. Bought extraction software: it's not working. My question is: because those libraries used to live on my internal hard drive, can I extract them there? Secondary question: aren't iTunes libraries backed up via cloud? (At least the purchases.)
Both libraries are gone unless maybe you kept a backup or kept the originals on the internal HD (look in your Trash) or the origninal library locations, or for iTunes subscribed to iTunes Match.
Can you clarify what type of extraction software you are using?
Given the personal importance of photos and music I wouldn't give up quite yet. I suggest taking a look at this discussion thread and the recommendations of others.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5150122?answerId=22412174022#22412174022
Lost iphoto library by accidentally reformatting hard drive
