The software updater does not register my Adobe Flash as being installed; I have reset the software database, and still it is not there.
Help??
What OS ??? Have you tried a repair of Avast ??? (Program and Features, (Add/Remove) select Avast, select repair.)
When done, reboot your system.
Win 7 64 bit. The problem I have with Repair is that I believe then I have to go through it and set my preferences again from scratch, is that not correct??
Repair, no. Clean install, yes. 
Bob, respectfully beg to differ, when I go to the Repair Option for Avast, it says “default settings will be restored”
The issue is this::
I use Opera, which uses the PPAPI version of Flash, IE uses the ActiveX plugin. The ActiveX plugin IS listed in Avast’s Software Updater page, but the PPAPI Flash is not - whereas it used to be.
I’ve never had a problem with flash while using Opera so I don’t know what problem you’re having. ???
Bob, the problem is not the use of Flash with Opera, it’s an Avast Software Updater problem, in that when a new version of Flash comes out, Avast Updater will not display that there is a new version because Avast does not have it listed at all, even to say the version is current, like it does for all my other programs listed.
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1445688672910-73836.png
Have you tried the Refresh option ???
I have refreshed, and even (under Settings/Tools/Customize (Software Updater) did a Database Reset - which allows Avast to read through my installed programs in Windows), and the Flash PPAPI version is still not listed as being installed, though the Flash ActiveX one is displayed as up to date.
Submit the problem directly to Avast:
http://support.avast.com/support/tickets/new