problem

Hi,
it should be relatively easy to locate the software key (if that's what it is - you don't provide enough info to ascertain whether or not this was a service etc)by using the search facility in regedit and searching for the application or executable name. However! arbitrarily deleting the values \ keys that you find may make matters a whole lot worse rather than better. Far, far better to reinstall the software, then uninstall in the supported matter.

If you are running W98 or XP, and I think Me, you don't need to go into the registry to remove the start-up error.

Run msconfig, click on the startup tab, and remove the shortcut for offending program.

If you are running another version of Windows, you need to run sysedit, and look through the 4 main files for references to the program.
You can "rem" them out to test your system before deleteing them.

In the registry, you need to look in the run and runonce keys to delete start-up items. There are several instances of both depending on your system. I use the search function, and search for runonce.

If you want to look for the other program keys, proceed with caution. It would be prudent to back up the registry first.
Use the search function, and search on the program, and then the software mfg name. That should find most of the references.

If you are not sure what the key means, leave it alone!!!

Another way is to use one of the registry repair utilities. Norton WinDoctor, and Meijenix FixIt do a very good job of clearing keys that refer to missing applications. There are several freeware and shareware tools too.