Another False Alert Locked up Computer

Windows 7 Home Premium. Avast icon suddenly appeared on status bar, CPU percentage went to 72%, and computer locked up. Could not open Task Manager. Could not switch applications. The activity that triggered Avast - I copied some text from Wikipedia into Notepad. The instant I clicked SaveAs, Avast locked the computer. >:(

Left with no alternative, I clicked ALT-CTR-DEL and then clicked Shutdown. Only then as windows began to close did I very briefly see a window saying Avast had stopped a threat from Notepad.exe. Seriously, a threat from Notepad??? After restarting, Avast shows no notifications since Sept. 2018. Now it seems, STUPID Avast has hidden my Notepad!!!

The last 3 issues sent to Avast were NEVER answered. I have used Avast for over 5 years and have recommended it to a number of friends and family members. Well, that is about to end. Note: had to click “Request another image” six time to get anything remotely legible

More info: Immediately after reboot, opened Firefox, copied some text from Wikipedia to Notepad. Clicked SaveAs. The instant I typed the character “Q” in the filename block, Avast locked up the computer. Could not change or close applications. Had to hard shutdown.

This is not Windows Notepad. It is a upgraded version of Notepad (Notepad+ from RogSoft). Cannot attach.

Will begin search for replacement for Avast.

Image request is for forum SPAM protection for the first three posts.

So, Notepad for Windows is intact?

Did you scan at VirusTotal.com the Notepad +.exe file?