I'm posting an update for the benefit of anyone considering purchasing products from this company. Even though I opened my ticket to ask for a refund on November 18th Avast still hasn't even acknowledged my request. I had to open a formal dispute with paypal, and tomorrow I will be filing the formal complaint with the better Business Bureau. Of course Avast won't care about that. I checked out Avast on the Better Business Bureau's site and Avast is rated F, which is the lowest possible rating. One of the reasons why Avast has the lowest possible rating is for refusing to respond to complaints. Avast's business model is obviously "There will always be more customers, so who cares about the dissatisfied ones."
This is a shame. Obviously Avast won't care if I stop buying their products. I'm sure they also won't care when I get my friends, family, and co-workers to stop using their products. I know they won't notice a drop in their profits. But if I can prevent even a few people from having to go through this kind of trouble then I guess it's ok.
Before this situation occurred I was a massive supporter of Avast. I would tell anyone who listened to use Avast. Any time I set up a computer for friends, family, or co-workers I always installed Avast right away. Now I will actively attempt to be a detractor from Avast. I will tell anyone who will listen to avoid Avast at all costs.
If I ever get my money back I'll post another update, but at this point I have been treated so poorly there is no action that Avast can take to get me back as a customer or a supporter.