I have a similar issue during startup, I’m runing Windows XP Home and Avast 4.1 Home. After the desktop loads I’m unable to open or really execute any files until after Avast loads it’s providers(checked disabled icon, 0 providers listed in tooltip) This includes me being able to connect to the internet as well, running 1.5M ADSL but requires log on through network connections. So for example if I were to double click the shortcut on the desktop after it loads it sits and gives me the working cursor for 45s-min 30s which is when the connection finally does display like it should. I thought it may have been due to trying to connect and check for updates right away but changed connection settings in program to dial up and problem still persisted. While this isn’t anything that make the program not work the way that it should it’s still a hinderance when I have a 30s startup that turns into all most a 2 min it really makes simple and quick things not so simple or quick. If there are any settings that I’ve overlooked that could resolve this I would much appreciate any help or guidance that anyone could offer, many thanks.