Hi myimmortalgirl,
You are quite right in what you say. The best thing to do would be to wait a while just to make sure nothing is wrong. If you do have a problem caused by avast! deleting a legitimate file, you then have the option of restoring it.
If avast! found a lot of malware, I'd also recommend some anti-spyware scans: you can run these alongside avast!:
AVG Anti-Spyware Free (Requires Win2k/XP)
Ad-Aware FreeSpybot Search & DestroySUPERAntiSpyware FreeDownload, install and update the programs. Disconnect from the internet (pull the plug) before running scans in
Safe Mode if possible.
Always select the option to quarantine any malware found rather than delete it, then you will be able to restore files or registry entries wrongly identified as malware- a rare but not unknown event for any malware scanner.
Also just to make sure nothing has been missed, try some online scans. (Disable avast! while scanning.)
F-SecureBitDefenderPandaTrend Micro HousecallWhen you have finished, scan for out-of-date and insecure software using
Secunia Software Inspector and update any vulnerable software: this will help to prevent future infections.
Install
SpywareBlaster also to prevent future infections: don't forget to update every month or so.