Avast 5 Web Shield blocks browser

I’m running Avast Free Antivirus v 5.1.889 under Windows XP Professional v 2002 SP3 with Malwarebytes’ Anti Malware v 1.50.1.1100 in live protection mode on 4 PCs at home. I’ve had no problems up till now.

I recently installed & ran Uniblue RegistryBooster & SpeedUpMyPC on all 4 PCs.

3 PCs are fine, one can’t access any browser without Avast Web Shield disabled.

I’ve

  • uninstalled the Uniblue programs.
  • uninstalled & reinstalled Avast & Internet Explorer v 8.0.6001.18702 several times including using the aswclear5.exe and the latest version of Avast – !! even though I used the Avast removal tool when it reinstalled my settings were still the same as the old install!!!
  • installed Firefox v 3.6.13 & latest Google Chrome
  • uninstalled Malwares’ Anti Malware
  • run netsh winsock reset catalog (resets winsock entries)& netsh int ip reset reset.log hit (resets TCP/IP stack)

I can send & receive email & use a P2P program.

Avast is an exception in Windows firewall & I’ve tried turning the firewall off.

I’ve looked around the forum & internet and tried various solutions and nothing works.

This is my first time using a forum and hope that someone can help.