Java gets uninstalled? That really sounds odd.

Try this: Deleting LW Preferences folder in OSX

If you still have the previous LW version, try going back to it if you still have problems.

BTW there's nothing wrong with trying Phex out, I use both & I really like Phex. Phex connects to gnutella clients LW rarely connects to because LW always favors other LW users to connect to. So you will find you will get different types of search results. It also has a size & word filter for searches.