Version: (using KDE KDE 3.5.8) Installed from: SuSE RPMs Run A, crash the system, boot, run A again -- A will display warning about another instance running. Bug. Btw. is A by any chance use some lock files? Using shared memory could be a better idea, because you don't get any side-effect on failed exit from the program.
A lock file is actually written to ~/.kde/share/apps/akregator/lock
Akregator no longer uses a lock file. After a crash it asks to restore the session. Please reopen with more details if you can still confirm. Thanks