I can't get it to work

[amyjp612]

I've got a red circle with a slash through it on my emblem on the start bar.  I've gotten my updates for windows.  I've tried to do what the FAQ says, but Avast isn't under the services of my computer.  What can I do to get this to start working?

[onlysomeone]

Hi amyjp612!

which OS do you use?
do you have/did you have any other security program? (antivirus, firewall)
did you try to repair your installation of avast? (via the control panel)

[DavidR]

Another common cause of this is another AV or remnants still on your system.

Have (or did) you another AV installed in this system, if so what was it and how did you get rid of it ?

[amyjp612]

I have Windows XP.
I also have malbytes installed.
I had a free trial of Norton antivirus, but uninstalled it using the unistall button on it from my menu.
I don't know if I have a firewall, or how to turn it off it I do.

[DavidR]

Norton can be a real pig to get rid off even after an uninstall.

A link worth looking at, which is a program removal tool that can remove the remnants of a number of different Norton Programs:
Removing your Norton program using SymNRT
Or ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

If you don't know about your firewall then it is likely that you 'only' have the XP firewall (inbound protection only).
Windows Control Panel, Security Center, this will tel you what firewall you have and if it is actually running.

[amyjp612]

The uninstall used SymNrt

I've actually got it working now.  It wasn't fully installed before.   

[DavidR]

No need to be embarrassed Norton can be a pig to get rid of, glad that everything is working now.

Welcome to the forums.