Hi jfri:
Don't know if this will solve the problem but I had same issue while back. Solved it with an install repair: Go to Add/Remove Programs from Control panel and then scoll to Avast. Click on CHANGE/REMOVE. When Avast install window appears choose "Repair". YOU DIDN"T STATE WHAT OS YOU ARE USING ???however...
It worked for me on WINDOWS XP. with the FREE version of Avast.This may also fix issue #2
If this does not fix the issue, you may have to do complete clean uninstall-- and then reinstall Avast.