Internet Explorer not working after update to 6.0.1367

[ghuk505]

IE8 stopped working yesterday after I installed the AVAST program update.
Internet physical connection was still working: I was able to upload a file to my website.
I tried various changes to firewall settings,disabling the firewall, reverting to IE6, and temporarily disabling AVAST - none of these worked.
What has worked is attempting to uninstall AVAST, via Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs; this launched an AVAST window with an Uninstall option.
However this froze during the Uninstall, so I now have a partly uninstalled version.The AVast icon on taskbar shows the red cross, and the main window says the program has been stopped or is in an inconsistent state.
So I'd appreciate advice on 2 points. How do I complete the Uninstall? And how to avoid a repeat of the IE problem if I re-install.

I have WinXP SP2, ZoneAlarm free firewall with AVAST components set to 'Allow' or 'Ask.' Have used AVAST without problems since April 2010. Prior to that used AVG free antivirus, which was removed via Start-Programs-AVG-Uninstall. By 'IE not working' I mean I got the IE header and toolbars and a 'Connecting' message which stayed unchanged for 10 minutes plus, but none of the web pages I tried would launch.

[Lisandro]

I suggest uninstall ZoneAlarm, boot, install again.

[Pondus]

Prior to that used AVG free antivirus, which was removed via Start-Programs-AVG-Uninstall

you need to run AVG removal tool so all leftovers are gone

Run and reboot - Uninstallers – Security Software 
http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/

[YoKenny]

I have WinXP SP2

Please read:
Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 ends on July 13, 2010
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean31

You need to update to XP SP3.

[ghuk505]

Thanks - it's great to have 3 helpful and speedy replies. Have done the ZA uninstallation, reboot and reinstallation. This allowed me to complete the AVAST uninstallation. Have since  installed version 6.0.1289 for the moment.
Will pursue the other suggestions shortly and then try version 6.0.1367. There was a reason why I didn't upgrade WinXP to SP3, but I've forgotten what it was.

[Asyn]

There was a reason why I didn't upgrade WinXP to SP3, but I've forgotten what it was.

Well, if you forgot about it, just update to SP3.