This "empty Launcher" issue you mention has been fixed in Launcher version 2.8. To resolve the "disappearing Launcher contents/items" issue all you need to do is throw away your Launcher and replace it with version 2.8 or later.
* NOTE:
This issue could affect any "heavily used" Macintosh computer's operating system, not just the Performa 6100 series.
These articles can help you locate the software update mentioned here:
* "Where To Find Apple Software Updates" - Lists online services for free Apple software updates.
* "Obtaining Apple Product Support in the USA" - Lists 800 numbers and online services for software updates, Apple support information, and a subset of the Apple Tech Info Library.