Avast has set a protect mode w/in itself and will NOT let me remove it.

I have been trying to remove uninstall Avast from my lap top all night. I do not want this program any more and it refuses to leave. I downloaded the uninstaller for Avast and it was stopped by the protection Avast has set. It will not let me delete any part of it. Not as administrator or any other way. I installed this program and have been stuck in safe mode ever sense. I want it gone. Please tell me the secret to getting this off of my machine. Thank you. Pixell

The uninstaller can be used in safe-mode.

‘Repair’ and ‘Uninstall’ options in [Add/Remove] Programs [and Features] should have been problem free too.
It may be too late but did you try: Program settings… > Troubleshooting > Disable avast! self-defense module?