Until then, how can this infernal annoyance be stopped?
Upgrade to 7.0.1426. The new version is quiet and does the job. Not to mention all the improvements since 4.8.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=95170.msg758853#msg758853
4.8 is getting end of life counseling now as it has become obsolete. Do your computer a favor and upgrade.
I agree!
There are simply too many threats and detections that Avast 4.8 can't do because the technology is so old. After removing Avast 4.8, you might want to boot into safe mode and uninstall ALL fragments of 4.8. Here is the tool on how to do that:
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utilityAlthough you MIGHT be able to just update from version 4.8 to 7, I wouldn't recommend it without using the uninstall utility first, because the jumps are like advancing through three universes technology-wise.
Than just get a fresh download from the Avast homepage,
www.avast.com After you have rebooted and it has updated, don't forget to register to get your 12 month license key. (Right click on ball in System Tray and select Registration.) Avast now has on-line registration, which version 4.8 does not have. Although you can still do an e-mail registration if you have problems with the on-line process.
Jack