linux .mozilla/default/ss6be1x7.slt/prefs.js problems

I use SlackWare Linux 8.1 with attbi (broadband internet) cable that 
otherwise works wonderfully on a Dell Dimension 4500S.  Mozilla plays 
Real One Player on all real player websites (e.g., BBC) and plays the 
embedded Real Player 8 for netscape radio no problems.  But somehow last 
week I have a recurring problem with my (in unix) 
~/.mozilla/default/ss6be1x7.slt/prefs.js  getting moved to (same 
directory) prefs.bak and replaced with a prefs.js that blows away all of 
my settings such as email, newsgroups, and home page.

My mozilla (v. 1.3b) email and other settings are recoverable when I 
restore the old prefs.js file.  I am at a loss to what is causing the 
prefs.js file to get overwritten. It is almost like I want to write a 
bash shell program to copy a saved prefs.js file over the subject 
replaced file, then start mozilla.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this inconvenience.