Preferences-not being saved

[Frame:X]

Sorry if this has been asked before but I'm new to OS X(10.2.4) & have
problems on 2 computers with some application preferences not being saved.
When I set any preferences in IE or Safari or some other apps, the next time
I restart the computer, all the preferences are gone & these programs are
set to their original condition (after their install). Is there a way to fix
this problem? I'm the only user & always logged in as admin.

Thanks
-sean