To Highbred8,
I had a similar problem with avast a number of years ago, as the client computer on an ICS network, Avast would automatically update for the host computer but not for the client computer.
The point being, there is an easy way to go manually into avast and check for both virus updates and program updates. And the manual method always worked for me even if when the automatic updates failed to work. Just right click the spilling glove icon and find the option on the list.
Not saying I am 100% sure it will work for you, but its worth a try if nothing else. And far easier than uninstalling and then reinstalling the whole avast program. And if it does work for you, you will get the latest updates and be fully protected while you troubleshoot why avast does not automatically update.