Avast Pro Antivirus not working, "You are Unprotected"

I got an alert last night that avast needed to restart my computer, with no further details given.
After doing so I noticed the avast icon in my system tray had a little red x on it, alerting me that I am unprotected, trying to open avast to investigate the problem, I’m greeted with the loading screen, telling me “this shouldn’t take long”, but it appears to be stuck on this screen indefinitely.
I’ve already tried right clicking and clicking “open avast user interface”, and according to avast shield control “all shields are on”

Restarting has also not solved the problem

I’ve also just noticed that my Avast Online Security plugin has also disappeared from my browser, though its still listed under my installed plugins

What windows version are you using ?
Also what does the Windows Security Center report on security software running ?

Since the User Interface doesn’t open according to your attached image, you could try running an Avast Repair from the Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Avast Antivirus > Change - here you should find a Repair option.

windows 7
I’ve used the repair tool from the uninstall options, it completed but I’m still having the same issue

What version and build number of avast are you using ?

Did you reboot after the Repair (it may be required) ?

I did reboot, Avast Pro
I don’t know how to check build number when it’s in this state
I’ve noticed another thread up with many people with the same problem though, this extra thread is probably unnecessary

Hi,

Have you tried this? https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230502.msg1525984#msg1525984
and
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230502.msg1525996#msg1525996 (if you wish to back up and restore customized settings)

https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Backup-Antivirus-settings (Guide in English)

If you use windows explorer open the C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast folder and check the file properties of of one of the Avast executable files, or just hover your mouse over it it should give enough information on the file version.

Whilst it would be worth monitoring the other topic, it would be more relevant if you were using the same avast version.

Hello, thank you for reporting the issue. Do you mean this thread? https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230412.0

It would help to determine if the cause of the problem is the same if you could
also generate the support package as described in the linked thread. We’re working on fixing the issue.

that thread, yes
I’ll do so as soon as I can