Culpeper,
Has the window continued to appear, or is Avast functioning normally?
More than likely, Avast was seeking a server connection which may have been down or busy. I have gotten this message myself but it did not reappear.
If the problem no longer exists, then you assumption is correct.
I do not know of a way to change the update time but do not believe the setting is in the .ini file.
The VRDB can be changed in the .ini, but the Update time is another story.
Maybe a moderator has the answer for this one.
Good Luck