I use Avast free version 6.0.1091. I recently updated Win 7 Ultimate to service pack 1. After the update I no longer can receive email using Outlook or connect to the web using IE or Firefox unless I stop the mail shield and web shield in Avast. The funny thing is I can immediatly re-enable both shields after stopping them and no longer have a problem until I re-boot the computer. After a reboot I have to stop both shields and re-enable them to go to the web or get mail. I have a friend in another state that called me with the same problem after updating Win 7 to SP 1. I told him what to do to get access and he gets access after stopping and starting both shields also. Does any one else have this problem? Thanks: Frank
First, Update Avast via GUI to 6.0.1125.
Reboot and check.
If problem persists: try to do a repair installation of Avast via Win Control Panel.
In the list of installed programs, doubleclick Avast, scroll down on the left side until you reach “Repair”, select that and repair. Reboot and check.
If this does not solve the problem: go to Avast GUI → Settings (upper right corner of GUI) → Troubleshooting and enable the “Load Avast service only after other services…” option.
(This solves some possible boot up service starting timing problems)
Reboot and check.
I was having the problem. Followed the advice and it now seems to work ok. Thanks 
Setting Avast to load service after others fixed the problem. ;D Thank you very much: Frank