2 problems with recent upload of Avast free Antivirus

Hi,
I just installed the latest Avast Free Antivirus and all was going well. It installed easly and ran a couple fo scans that showed what I expected to find.

Then I wanted to do a boot-time scan. After over an hour of loading definitions I thought, well maybe my VPN (ExpressVPN) is throttling the stream, so I disconnected it. This led to an automatic rescan of my internet connection, with the result that my connetion was found to be unprotected and the Avast program stopped. I then checked and access to the internet was blocked completely. I then stopped the VPN but access to the internet remained blocked for both Avast and all other connections. So I uninstalled Avast and all connections worked again with or without the VPN.

I would like to have both my VPN and Avast working, if possible. Also, I would like to be able to do a boot-time scan. I wonder how long it has taken others to upload the definitions for the first time.
Thank you!
Beatdok, Windows 7, VPN Express. (Prior to installing Avast I had been using MSE, which is passing out of support).

Hi
while you wait for one of the experts to advise its worth asking support (link on last question) https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/Antivirus-Windows-7-FAQ#pc

no idea if windows 7 is still supported. on link above from 2020 it says 7 will be covered for at least 2 years.

im on paid version and it can take 5-10 mins to load the added exceptions for boot time scan.

also worth reading this if when you do run a scan it just hangs at loading screen. you need to revert back to older version to run boot time but you have to go into hidden geek area which i have no idea if its included in the free version https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=320643.msg1699011#msg1699011

Hi,
Thought I would send an update. I re-installed Avast Free Antivirus. This time I did a custom install and unckecked network scan. Also had the VPN off.
Again, installation went fine. This time the definitions for a startup scan loaded quickly (4 minutes) and the scan showed no infections.

So things are much better. I am going to try turning on my VPN again and hope it does not interfere with Avast.
Regards,
Beatdok
Windows 7, Express VPN