Avast Free Antivirus will not update

[FrostyUp]

Software:  Windows 7, 64-bit. Using program version 7.0.1407 (release date of 2-27-2012) and virus definition version 12-227-0. 
Whenever an update of either the 1) engine/virus or 2) program is attempted, the progress bar window is displayed but remains blank and no "progress" is shown. In both cases, it states "Initializing, please wait..." but nothing happens after that.  I've waited up to 30 minutes, nothing happens.  What is going on?  Has this software been compromised by a virus / worm  / whatever? Thanks.

[Asyn]

1. Download avast! Free Antivirus: http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
2. Follow instructions: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed avast! versions..!!)
3. Reinstall avast! with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.

[SafeSurf]

Have you tried an Avast Repair?
Vista & Win7 Users:
-   Control Panel
-   Programs & Features
-   Uninstall a Program > Select Avast Antivirus
-   Click the Change/Remove button and scroll down to Repair
-   Click Next and follow.
-   Reboot.