Ok, I just un-installed Avast, deleted the Avast folder under all programs, and then cleaned with a registry cleaner. I then downloaded Avast 4.5 from the Avast website, and did a clean install. My mail is still not working!! It works fine if I terminate the mail scanner in Avast.
XP Pro
SP2
Outlook Express
Avast 4.5.518
Tipton