I've lost all my files to encryption after transfer and fresh boot

I could really use someones help here, I'm on the verge of panic.

I was running windows 10 but I decided to do a fresh install of windows 7 pro. So i backed up all of my files onto a 500gb passport type portable drive. Now after the transfer, both the files on my PC and the hard drive are showing as green. which after some research means they could be encrypted.

I've tried everything I've found online to be able to open them, including going onto properties and advanced, changed the permissions and unchecked the Encrypt box ( it was never checked) and they're still un-accessible.

I know a far bit about computers but I truly have no idea what to do?

Are my files gone forever? I don't want to believe I've lost 100gb of memories, I would be forever grateful if somebody could get this sorted for me.

Thankyou :)

This is a classic example of why to have a cloud backup. I use "Backup and Sync" from Google for desktop. It works great. Now you have a hard copy on your PC and a cloud backup.

On to your issue. Can you connect the portable drive to another PC and see if the images are accessible there?

@dalchina - I was basing my suggestion based off the attachment provided....that they were are image files.

Hey guys, There's photos/videos and other files in there, lots of folders. I used a Buffalo HD-PV500U2 500gb hard drive, I know I should've used a cloud based software but wouldn't it be nice if we all had the power of hindsight haha.

It's definitely something the portable hard drive has done because it's the same on my other pc, I'll give it a go on my laptop now and see if I get any different results.

I'll report back!

I've never heard of that brand before. Your assumption may be right.....I would check with Buffalo support for an explanation on how to rectify this.

I can confirm it does not work on my laptop either, This is what I think has happened, I could be wrong but the hard drive has automatically encrypted the files (for safety reasons) which are only accessible by the user who transferred the files onto it. so when I did a fresh install to windows 7 pro, I have now lost access to them. I think I've well and truly screwed myself her lads.

Okay so when I plugged it back into my main PC, I chose the option to Import files rather than just explore them, I can actually see the thumbnails of the lost photos now so I'm being hopeful that I've somehow fixed it! Fingers crossed.