As an update, I downloaded and used the ASWCLEAR software from the Avast website and used it to completely uninstall Avast. I rebooted the computer, downloaded a new copy of the install program, shut down all unneeded services in Task Manager, did a typical install, followed all prompts and did the requested scan at reboot.
No change to the outcome. Avast still wants a reboot at every start up. Also, using the ASWCLEAR didn't seem to clear everything. The new install of Avast remembered my old password for Avast.