beck,
My counterparts have brought up a valid point. You MUST make sure that all traces in the registry of prior av installs have been removed. We have found that the jv16 tool package (ver1.3) works nice for this, or the older RegClean.
If you have some similar registry tool, then go ahead and clean up the registry before proceeding.
Lets look at a few things. Firstly, if your system is not hanging, let us know so we do not continue the thread.
If it still is hanging, I want you to shut down the On access Protection modules and try again.
If it still hangs, then I want you to look at your system resources in GDI and System. If they are approaching 60% or are less, then you could be suffering from loss of available resources. I have worked with users of Avast who have had trouble in this area. Avast seemed to be the cause, but was only the "trigger". Taking out some non-essential programs in the startup took care of it. But anyway, we need to troubleshoot this one first. Ok?
Windows XP and Avast Pro get along very well, and usually when a "hang" occurs, we need to look at a software conflict.
If the above did not resolve the problem, then open up the Windows Event viewer (through Control Panel/Administative icon) and see if you notice any error listed under System or Application log that might lead us to a cause. Under the System log, a hang will be clearly marked with a red X and the word ERROR. Double clicking the entry will open up the info box.
Still no luck with that, then I would like you to shut down all non-essential programs using MSCONFIG/Startup.
Leave Avast services running! Normally Systray and Explorer must also stay running.
Let me know if you obtain any results with the above steps. IF you need more detailed instructions, get back to me via IM, or right here.
techie