Following on from Nicks statement... I had a similar experience a few months ago after uninstalling OO in preparation for installing a new version... in my case all the files (including 'hidden' ones) in my home directory disappeared... but the directories were left untouched. After swearing a bit I decided that it was a good opportunity to do a format/reinstall as a) I didn't like the partition setup anyway b) a new release of my favourite distro had come out and c) I had a new job and wanted to get rid of the garbage associated with the old one...
I have deleted old copies of OO by hand ever since though. (I know I should investigate it but there are some days I just can't handle being a guinea pig). Carl