How do i retrieve my system preferences    time machine - cant access either and no I dont have ooriginal disk to relaodne

I seem to have deleted System preferences and cannot find it in utilities. It is listed under 'the apple' but won't open, nor will time machine. No I don't have original disk to reload

Are you sure it's gone from your Applications folder?  (You may have two; one in your home folder, one at the top level of your HD).
If so, you need an Install disc for the version of OSX you're running (you'll need it for other things, too).
If you're still running the major version of OSX (Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard) your Mac came with, AppleCare will send you a replacement set for a nominal fee.  Just give them your Mac's serial number.
If not, you'll need a retail disc.  Snow Leopard is only $29; Leopard isn't available in Apple Stores or online, but AppleCare has them for the original price of $129.  If you buy one elsewhere, be sure it's a retail disk, not a gray one, as those are machine-specific and won't work on your Mac.

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