Avast is blocking a program that I have used for years. The only solution that I have found is to shut avast Software off

General
1

How do I solve this problem short of removing all avast modules?

2

Some more details on why Avast is blocking it (error or alert, a screenshot might help) ?

Ordinarily you should be able to add the Full path and the file name executables location to the Avast Settings > General > Exceptions.

You could also submit the file as a possible false positive:
Possible False Positive - New location to report both a False Positive and or a False Negative (for File or URL) - Choose Your Sample Submission Type | Avast