It is a bit of a long story. I was trying to fix my antivirus software by following a set of instructions that I got from norton support. It had me delete a bunch of live update files and and all my temp files. I thought everything was running fine until the next day when I got an error message about my laptop not shutting down properly. So I decided to do a system restore -not realizing it woudn’t undo the deletion of the files. Anyway when I discovered the files were still in the recycle bin, I selected them all and clicked restore. Some of them went back to wence they came, but the bulk of them remain. My norton won’t open so I can’t change the permissions to allow them to be put back. And I can’t get online now. After I restored some of the files from the recycle bin, I can only get local access(or limited) access to the network and can’t get online. I have tried resetting the modem and router, but it’s now apparrent that the problem is my laptop. Anyone have any ideas??

I want to sort-of future proof it if possible.
Must haves:
1. Quad Core processor (okay, maybe core 2 duo if no choice)
2. Good battery life
3. 14-15 inches screen
4. Wont get unreasonably hot to create discomfort while using
5. Fast responses – Excellent multi-tasking, engineering software (CAD, ProE, SolidWorks), spreadsheets
6. SSD or a fast hard disk.
7. integrated multi-card reader (SD, MSPro, mSD, etc)
8. full-sized keyboard

Optional:
1. minor video/music editing
2. good speaker
3. Future-proof it

I used to have a HP Compaq nx6325 which was really good. I’m inclined to buy the next iteration of nx6325 or migrate to the reliable ThinkPad.

I don’t play computer games, and i travel often but i don’t mind it being <3kg.

Thanks
thanks for the answers so far. Really appreciate it guys. A couple of updates and questions (p/s - i'm not really knowledgeable about tech stuff so i'm easily misled):

1. So I will only be able to utilize the quad-core processors if I use it for gaming?
2. I just found out from research that the Intel i7 / quad-core processors will be launched for laptops in Q1 2010. Should I wait?
2b. I also read that not many programs will be able to capitalize on a quad-core processor.
3. The main reason for preferring quad-core is because I want to future-proof my laptop for at least 18 months.
4. I want 14.9-15.4 inches only. 17" is just too big
5. I like to open many windows at once and really need a very good multitasking laptop
6. Yes, i would really want a very fast HDD - 7200rpm
7. 3 USB ports and multi-card reader integrated.

Thanks so much once again.

This is sort of a repeat question because I don’t know how to reply to the posts as i’m new to yahoo answers.

Must haves:
1. Quad Core processor (okay, maybe core 2 duo if no choice).
a. So I will only be able to utilize the quad-core processors if I use it for gaming?
b. I just found out from research that the Intel i7 / quad-core processors will be launched for laptops in Q1 2010. Should I wait?
c. I also read that not many programs will be able to capitalize on a quad-core processor.
d. The main reason for preferring quad-core is because I want to future-proof my laptop for at least 18 months.

2. Good battery life
3. 15-16 inches screen
4. Wont get unreasonably hot to create discomfort while using
5. Fast responses – Excellent multi-tasking, engineering software (CAD, ProE, SolidWorks), spreadsheets. I like to open many windows at once and really need a very good multitasking laptop
6. SSD or a fast hard disk (>7200rpm)
7. integrated multi-card reader (SD, MSPro, mSD, etc)
8. full-sized keyboard
9. I can always buy additional RAM from the aftermarket and fit it myself (so laptop must be capable of up to 4GB at least)
10. built-in microphone

Optional:
1. minor video/music editing
2. good speaker
3. not interested in built-in camera
4. I want to sort-of future proof it if possible for at least 15-18 months.

I used to have a HP Compaq nx6325 which was really good. I’m inclined to buy the next iteration of nx6325 or migrate to the reliable ThinkPad.

I don’t play computer games, and i travel often but i don’t mind it being <3kg (6.2lbs).

I've done 1 week of research and found a few, but i wont be limit myself to these:
HP EliteBook 8530p
HP Compaq Business Notebook 6730b
ThinkPad T500

Thank you for your time.