Windows 7 put a lock on all of my multimedia files where I have to unlock each file, then the subfolder, then the individual pic or MP3. How can I get the security stuff off of there so I can access all my files and folders on my external hard drive without it having to take 10 years to do it???

Windows cannot lock files on its own, someone would have had to open the file's properties, then choose Security and set the options to deny you access. If you are talking about the lock symbol on top of the file icon, that does not mean that the file is locked in any way. It just means the file is private to you, and not shared on the network and/or Internet. If you want to share a file that has a lock, just right-click it and choose "Share With > Somebody". If you choose "nobody", the lock will appear to indicate your choice. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!