remove corrupted version 5

[wai]

Installed version 5 this morning, then somehow corrupted later. Could not open. Try to remove it through "add/remove program", but could not find it in there. Any better method, please?

[Tarq57]

Get the uninstall utility here. Run it in safe mode.
Reboot, then try installing Avast again, in an admin account.

What AV was used previously?
Any other security software installed?
What OS?

[wai]

Previously used version 4, and removed successfully. Microsoft XP.

I am a computer dummy. What does it mean by "run in safe mode"?

[Tarq57]

OK, get both the removal utilities on the page I linked you to, above.Save them to the desktop. Boot into safe (see below) Run them both, in turn. Then reboot.
Make sure you have the full setup file for the latest Avast 5, direct downloads available here. This should be available, ready to install, after you have run the uninstall utilities.
Go offline for the removal/re-installation of the AV, because you won't be protected without an AV.

From the horse's mouth, here is how to restart into safe mode. This mode is for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes. It is useful particularly for removing components that otherwise might be locked by the OS in normal mode, as they aren't loaded in safe.
Expect the desktop and other options/fonts to look very different. Don't worry about that.

[wai]

Problem resolved. thank you very much.

[Tarq57]

You're welcome.
Did that procedure fix it, or was it something else you did? (for the benefit of others, and my own curiosity.)