Jeff,
I truly find it rather puzzling that those who have infected computers want to blame a poor anti-virus program that does exactly what it is intended to do.
Avast is not a ...itty program but a highly efficient, easy to use, reliable, stable, supported, functional, and just darn good AV!
I am not a programmer, but have degrees in both Electronic and Computer engineering and have been a "self taught" developer for some time.
Your attitude is not befitting a professional of your "stated" caliber.
All of us here on the forum put in much time and effort to help those with problems whether caused by Avast or not.
I sat quietly on the side, reading the posts on the subject from the beginning but found your behavior quite amusing.
Next time, it might be better to "professionally" ask for help and state the problem clearly like a programmer would..............
and you will get the help you need.
There are thousands of happy Avast users around the world!
Your experience was not caused by Avast. The solutions offered by Raman, VLK, Technical, Culpeper and others who answered, were right there before you, but your attitude kept you from seeing them.
Please give Avast a proper evaluation. That is all I ask of you.
If you then don't like it....fine.
We try to make friends here not enemies.
PS: The virus which infrected your computer "replicates" and "spiders" which is why some of your programs do not function, and as VLK explained, rapidly increase the "total" infected file size.
I wish you well. Happy Holidays.
techie