Windows 7: Hidden Data Files Unhidden?

I'm honestly unsure how to describe it other then that convoluted mess of a title. Pretty much all my music files (even ones in separate folders) with images associated with it (like files to show album covers which are hidden), folders inside that weren't viewable before, volume information, temporary files, etc. which are normally hidden have suddenly become viewable and are also regarded as system files (they are all slightly greyed out along with the hidden box in properties). So yeah can anyone explain wtf happened and anyway to fix it?

In Explorer, click the Tools menu item (you may have to press the alt key to display it), click Folder options, click the View tab, and see if you've got the Show hidden... options checked appropriately.

Hidden Files and Folders - Show or Hide