I have seen this problem before on your pages so I am attaching the log files for Farbar. I have tried every other approach and I have run every single scan inc Adware, MalwareBytes [which detected a Trojan and deleted it], RKill and OTL. I am convinced the PC is now clean but somehow previous changes to the registry are stopping Avast. I am running 32bit Windows 7 Professional. Can you help.J
Hi let me know if Avast starts after the reboot
CAUTION : This fix is only valid for this specific machine, using it on another may break your computer
Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:
HKLM Group Policy restriction on software: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AVAST Software <====== ATTENTION HKLM Group Policy restriction on software: C:\Program Files\AVAST Software <====== ATTENTION HKLM Group Policy restriction on software: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes <====== ATTENTION HKLM Group Policy restriction on software: C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware <====== ATTENTION 2014-10-19 16:06 - 2014-10-19 16:07 - 00000000 ____D () C:\ProgramData\B0FFCDD9-5261-4e59-B29A-17A4FABDEBAB C:\ProgramData\ArkexIlija\ArkexIlija.dat C:\Users\Claire\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\IEUpdate EmptyTemp: CMD: bitsadmin /reset /allusers
Save this as fixlist.txt, in the same location as FRST.exe
Run FRST and press Fix
On completion a log will be generated please post that
THEN
Download and run farbar service scanner
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/fssscan.JPG
Tick “All” options.
Press “Scan”.
It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
Please copy and paste the log to your reply.
Brilliant! Many thanks. I didn’t fancy having to re-install windows!Here is the log:
Farbar Service Scanner Version: 21-07-2014
Ran by Claire (administrator) on 17-11-2014 at 17:09:16
Running from “C:\Users\Claire\Downloads”
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1 (X86)
Boot Mode: Normal
Internet Services:
Connection Status:
Localhost is accessible.
LAN connected.
Google IP is accessible.
Google.com is accessible.
Yahoo.com is accessible.
Windows Firewall:
Firewall Disabled Policy:
System Restore:
System Restore Disabled Policy:
Action Center:
Windows Update:
Windows Autoupdate Disabled Policy:
Windows Defender:
Other Services:
File Check:
C:\Windows\system32\nsisvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\nsiproxy.sys => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\dhcpcore.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\afd.sys => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\tdx.sys => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\tcpip.sys => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\dnsrslvr.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\mpssvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\bfe.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\mpsdrv.sys => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\SDRSVC.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\vssvc.exe => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\wscsvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\wbem\WMIsvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\wuaueng.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\qmgr.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\es.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\cryptsvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MpSvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\ipnathlp.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\iphlpsvc.dll => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe => File is digitally signed
C:\Windows\system32\rpcss.dll => File is digitally signed
**** End of log ****
Is Avast behaving itself now ?
Most definitely. Many thanks for your help.JV
In that case methinks I will send you on your merry way 
Subject to no further problems
I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems
Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean 
A good workman always cleans up after himself so…The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:
Remove tools
Download and run Delfix
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/delfix.JPG
Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:
CryptoPrevent install this programme to lock down and prevent crypto ransome ware
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/CryptoPrevent.JPG
Update and run weekly to keep your system clean
Click on the link above to be taken to Unchecky.com
click the very large Download button.
click Save
Click Open folder
Right click on the Unchecky_setup and choose to Run as Administrator
Once open click the Install button.
Then click on Finish
Unchecky is now installed and will help you keep unwanted check boxes unchecked, this is a fire and forget programme 
It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.
To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this little guide Best security practices Keep safe 
Thanks Essexboy. I actually build and repair computers and give home support. THis problem had me ‘stumped’ but I already know about those tools and I have a paranoid reluctance in installing superfluous software when it isn’t needed. UAC I find a total waste of time [just like registry cleaners] but I might install Cryptoprevent. Many thanks once more.
If nothing else I would install that, unless you do weekly images of your system