Thanks for replying, Asyn
AVAST PRO
VERSION 7 (last updated just a few days ago, so relatively current)
WINDOWS 7, 64 bit
no other security software
DELL Inspiron 1764
This is the first time I have had ANY problems with AVAST since purchasing 2 copies over the past 1.5 yrs (the latest copy being purchased in Feb 2012).
I've tried repairing using the avast repair function, but this failed also.
I will try un-installing the AVAST software from the system & re-installing with a copy of the license.