The answers to a couple of your questions.
Davidr; here is my original message I sent to Avast support:
To Avast support;
I just installed 4.8 free version of Vast. I'm unable to use Internet Explorer if I have Webshield provider enabled. When I disable Webshield I'm able to use Internet Explorer. I'm using Windows firewall. I disabled windows firewall and that didn't make any difference. I'm using Windows XP. I don't like to use my system without Web protection. Do you have any suggestions on what I could try? Thanks
The answer I got is above.
Tech; No To my knowledge I don't use any other application that filters the HTTP traffic. I don't have any of the ones you mentioned. I use Iowatelecom DSL for my provider and has always worked great. I feel the problem must be in my computer settings somewhere, but I have no idea where!!!
The third part utilities that I use on my system are: Super Antispyware, Malwarebytes Anti-malware (MBAM), Spyware Blaster, Windows defender, paid version of webroot Spysweeper, WinPatrol and ccleaner.
I really appreciate your help. I would like to keep Avast 4.8 but i would like it to be in Avast default working order.