Avast 2015 free starts up everytime windows starts up

Hi all - windows xp sp3.
Just updated a few days back to avast free 2015.
Now, whenever windows starts up, the first thing that happens is the avast application also opens up without my intervention.
As soon as the desktop loads the whole system freezes till avast does it’s thing and the application dashboard is displayed.

I do not want this irritation every time I start up windows - already my computer is so slow. Avast just kills it. I cant seem to find any way to disable this.

Pls help.
thanks.

  • Other security related software installed…?
  • Which AV(s) did you use before Avast…?