I'm sorry DavidR, I wised off because I was frustrated. You didn't deserve that - I see you're just trying to help.
When I tried your suggestion I saw the word "failed" and closed the GUI, so I couldn't tell you yesterday what kind of fail - I just saw red.
Anyway, I went back and tried your procedure again and it said "
Error processing packages. Please use full update." The error number was 0x20000011.
Meanwhile I had followed Para-Noid's link, which went smooth as can be. AVAST! Support sent me an email with the registration key, with instructions. The instructions were idiotic!
2. Open your avast Free Antivirus and select the Maintenance" tab on the left side. Then select "Registration"The maintenance tab is on top. There is no "Registration" button.
3. Click the "Insert the license key" button at the bottom of the screen.There is no "Insert the license key" button.
So I went to the Support page. I found "Video: Inserting the license key into avast! Free Antivirus" Clicked on it - nothing happens. Nothing! I'm so frustrated with the apparent incompetence here I'm about to jetison AVAST! and download AVG and be done with it!