Hi Bethany :
For unknown reasons, my fellow "Helpers" seem to be ignoring the SIGNIFICANCE of your
"previous virus protection....it ran out" and "no pre-existing anti-virus protection program
functioning at the time of the Avast installation" !? Even remnants of a PREVIOUS,
non-functioning antiVIRUS program can adversely affect the installation of a subsequent
antivirus program, so first things first.
What is the NAME of the previous, currently non-functioning antivirus program ? Has it been
"uninstalled" from your "Add or Remove Programs" ? Have you run its "Removal/Uninstall Tool" ?
Have you use your computer's "Search > All files and folders", using the appropiate Search
"term" and been able to "Delete" all appropiate Items ? I feel these questions need to be
answered and performed BEFORE install Avast .