Having difficulty getting a list of startup items, none of the registry tools on my system let me copy the items in the list.
Did not mean to imply Avast has a problem, normally it starts up very quickly. This was a one time situation I could easily prevent by setting the Virus DB update to manual or ask when available, however I prefer the autoupdate function, just prefer it did not occur during startup.
Looked at NetRun, don't feel it will help with this situation because I always have an internet connection, including startup. (BTW I'm running Win 98). Quote from NetRun site: "NetRun will 'RUN' a 'List' of programs only when a internet connection is detected..."