can't cut/copy/paste/drag/drop

Dear all,

I'm new here, so here's my first post!

After deleting some tmp files by mistake (/private/tmp) thinking that it was bulk, I'm unable to drag/drop and copy/paste/cut on my mac...

tried everything, except reinstalling Leopard as I don't want to loose anything...

Also time machine doesn't work (?!)

Any ideas/help?

thanks!!