Hi,
I read a few of the forums on this site already about this problem. I double checked using msconfig, I uninstalled using the aswclear with safe mode. I am using windows 7 home and have 4 gigs of RAM. Also, I updated Avast! Does anyone know why I have this problem?
Welcome doodledoctor to the forum. It is difficult to understand your issue, I will, however, try. If after installing avast and it does not start, I would try to “repair”. Go to…control panel…programs…uninstall…double click avast…click repair. Don’t forget to re-boot. 
what AV did you have before installing avast!..was your computer delivered with a preinstalled AV ?
have you removed it before installing avast! ?
did you run a removal tool to clear all leftovers ?
Uninstallers for Security Software
http://thewebatom.net/uninstallers/security-software/
To Paranoid: I will explain my problem better. Avast works fine. The problem is that when I boot up my computer, it’s not on by default. I have to run the program for it to passively protect my computer. Avast was working fine, up until a few days ago (not sure what happened a few days ago). After stating this, should I repair?
To Pondus: Before buying this computer, I carefully screened free antivirus software. It came down to this and Microsoft Security Essentials. I opted for this and have only used this. I removed everything that was initially installed. I did not use the official removal tool that is down there. Instead I used Revo Uninstaller. However, I’m not sure what the official software that came with the computer was. I will check that. If it was Norton ( I think it’s norton, I have a Lenovo Thinkpad), should I use that website?
all uininstallers listed above is the orginal vendor software removal tools
What do you suppose I do then? I had Norton Internet Security, but didn’t uninstall it “properly.” Run the program to uninstall Norton, then uninstall Avast!? This problem happened a few days ago, I don’t see why it would just manifest now.
if you had Norton on that machine i would absolutely run the Norton removal tool…it is worth a try…does not hurt
and avast 5/6 seems to be especially grumpy when it comes to any leftovers from other AV programs
I don't see why it would just manifest now.computers work in mysterious ways ;)
Do as Pondus recommends and uninstall any and all previous anti-virus software. Also use CCleaner to clean-up your registry. http://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
If all else fails then try a repair. Another thing run avast as administrator…right click on the avast icon.
Would TuneUp Utilities suffice? That’s what I use. Also, I can’t download the Norton Removal Tool. I use chrome’s version of notscript, but I did temporarily enable the scripts.
I don’t know anything about tuneup utility. Most of us use CCleaner.
Norton uninstaller http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20080710133834EN&ln=en_US
Yes, I used that website also. However, if you click on the link for the 2011 products and attempt to download it, it never allows you to connect.
Not with Google Chrome or IE
Corrected link: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
Thanks Asyn for saving me 
NP pal…!
+2 I used the link I pasted in my reply when I first uninstalled Norton. I can’t figure out why the OP had trouble. Unless the OP is not in North America. ???
No idea, as your link works here and I’m not in North America.
Hmmm.
I guess only the OP can answer this…
Uninstalled Norton fully, uninstalled avast! fully, reinstalled it and rebooted. Still have the same problem.