hi y all,
just do it:
start/panel control/system/advanced/performance/configuration/data prevention execution. set second option and add ashserv.exe in the avast directory.
that's all!!!
john lui,
So far, so good. 
To make things a little easier for those with less computer skills, see if this helps:
Start--> Control Panel --> System --> Advanced --> Performance Settings --> Data Execution Prevention -->
Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select --> set second option and add ashserv.exe
(By default it is located in: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe .
Here are some screen shots to help guide you.
After this is done, you MUST reboot the system for the settings to take effect.
If this truly works, this is one American who'll gladly kiss a Frenchman..... 
Hi Bob 3160,
I'm glad It worked up well for y and I must thank y for the terrific job you've done. The ida was just to show the solution and as y can see the problem lies on the windows system. In fact ,this error also happens with other other antivirus programs like mcfee, for example.
Now to try to help those who are not using windows XP SP2 or server 2003 SP1 like WIN2K I suggest do this:
Although this dammed DEP may not be present, there must be a internal configuration that activates it, with a different name. To find out just use the windows HELP (start/ help support) and do a research with keys like: "data execution prevention","execution prevention","memory prevention","hardware/software memory protection"and so on. I'll try to get a Win2k machine and see if I can post a solution as soon as possible.
there's something else: I'm a Brazilian and a hand shake would be just fine!!!
