The tray icon can be used to check if your avast vps are up to date, and to “temporarily disable” certain shields.

You made need a clean install…

Download and save the avast uninstall tool
Download and save your choice…
Free
Pro
Avast Internet Security
Premier
Run uninstaller from above. You will be directed to reboot into safe mode…click “yes”
Reboot
Install your choice from above.
Reboot and register or insert license.

Note: You may need to reboot more than once, with an interval between each reboot.