I decided to restore my computer to a point prior to the installation of Avast, using my Acronis backup file. Once my computer was restored I was able to manually access the Microsoft update web site with no problems. This with Avira and Zone Alarm running. I then ran a full scan using Malwarebytes and no virus were detected. I then uninstalled Avira and used the Avira removal tool to remove any leftover registry entries. I then reinstalled Avast. Please note that no other changes have been made to this point. With Avast installed, I once again was unable able to manually access the Microsoft update web site. I then followed Bobo1 instructions 1-10. After a short while I was notified that Microsoft updates were available. I then tried to manually access the Microsoft update web site and was not able to do so. At this point the only solution I see is to use a workaround solution by stopping the web shield on the few occasions that I would want to manually access the Microsoft update web site. I am still open to suggestions. Again thanks to everyone for your time and effort. I may at some later time consider doing a manual system reinstall to see if that may resolve this issue.