Avast appears to be gone. Avast uninstall wouldn't restart in safe mode so I did it manually. The uninstall prog had to pulled out of "files search". The first panel (Directory address?) was blank so I plugged in downloads/software, took a deep breath and punched uninstall fearing the worst. Went off smoothly and I can't see anything else missing so far.
I'm afraid to download Avast again. I think it is not compatible with XP and I have a pile of coat hangers out in the garage I can play with.
Thanks.