I just did a clean install of v7.0.1473 (Free version) under WinXP/SP3, and I ran into an avalanche of error messages!!
After installing (computer offline), I first got this error message:

Upon the following reboot I got the same error message for just about every application trying to run on my system!
(The applications still functioned though)
I managed to configure avast! the way I use to, disabeling all the unnecessary stuff that the developers keeps adding to it..
(AutoSandbox / Browser protection / Remote Assistance / Site Blocking / Cloud Services / Community features)
..when only the "File System Shield" remained, I rebooted once more (computer online)..
This time there were no more error messages!
..go figure.
(WinXP-SP3,English / avast!,English / Location:Norway)