what AV did you have before installing avast ?
have you removed it ?
it is recomended to run a removal tool to clear all leftovers
Uninstallers for Security Software
http://thewebatom.net/uninstallers/security-software/What is also odd is that it is telling me my virus definitions are out of date amd was last updated in 1970! see screenshot
is your computer time / day / month / year correct ? if not adjust and restart
avast repair
For a repair of avast. Windows, Add Remove programs, select 'avast! Anti-Virus,' click the Change/Remove button from the pop-up window,
scroll down to Repair, click next and follow.