The date is correct and Avast is not allowing me to do a manual update.
Can you copy the exact error message ?
Try a repair of avast. Add Remove programs, select 'avast! Anti-Virus,' click the Change/Remove button and scroll down to Repair, click next and follow. You need to be on-line to do this.
Also, when I tried to send the file to VirusTotal, I was told the file is not there. I did not put it in the virus chest.
Where has this come from you made no mention of this, why would you want to send it to virustotal ?
What is the file name, where was it found e.g. (C:\windows\system32\suspect-file-name.xxx) ? Check the avast! Log Viewer (right click the avast icon), Warning section, this contains information on all avast detections.
Have (or did) you another AV installed in this system, if so what was it and how did you get rid of it ?