u can try switching off mail shield (also anti spam if ur using the internet security version) temporary to see if it is the cause of the problem. as i m not a paid user, i cannot help u diagnose the problem. please be patient for an Avast team personal/more experienced forum members to help u.
as for google chrome, there is an opportunity for u to untick google chrome installation in Avast installer unless u missed it.
previously, there was a bug in the installer which installed google chrome on certain systems despite unticking chrome installation in Avast installer.
if u unticked chrome installation in Avast installation but still got chrome, please report ur system specs here
eg. Avast v7.0.1426 (internet security? free? pro?) windows (xp? vista? 7? sp 1? 2?)
please be patient for a response here. after all u just posted today
note: do not pay anybody yet until it is proven that the forums cannot solve ur problems.
also if the problem extends into the weekends, Avast team ppl may not be around to help out except forum members like us
when it comes to that, please wait till the weekends over.