Jon also has an obvious answer if the uninstall program is listed under Startup on your programs list, but I have my doubts.

msconfig will also run under Win98, but, if I remember correctly, it's not quite as extensive and I don't remember if you can make the system bypass startup programs with it.

Another thing you might do is press Start/Run and type in sysedit. This will bring up several of the system control files for editing. Look for any line which has a reference to Paltalk and eliminate it. If Paltalk and any other program(s) are listed on the same line, delete only the Paltalk reference.

If it's not one of the places either Jon or I have mentioned, I think the registry's the last resort. Although I edit my registry regularly, you're right, "there, there be dragons!" I can't remember how far back Win98 keeps registry backups, but if you have one dated prior to your install of Paltalk and you haven't installed any other new programs since then, you could possibly drop back to an older registry file which wouldn't have the Paltalk entries. I'm afraid I can't remember the Win98 procedure anymore howver, so someone else will have to give you advice on that. How soon we forget...