I’ve got the uninstall tool (aswclear5.exe), but my PC won’t boot to safe mode no matter how I tweak the boot files, and freezes if I hit F8 during startup. Microsoft wants to charge me over $200 an hour to assist with their defective product. How can I get this software off my system?
You could have a virus stopping your system from going into safe mode. Try running MalwareBytes free edition to check for virus. This could solve a lot of your problems. Do a search on the internet and I am sure you will find it.
That is a common tactic of malware to try and block safe mode.
I would suggest running SuperAntiSpyware (SAS) as that has a repair function and repairing safe boot is one of those, see image.
@ Velcroman
Why was it that you wanted to uninstall avast ?
Malwarebytes - 0
Avast - 0
SAS - 14 registry keys related to trojan.agent/gen and rogue.windowspolicepro - fixed.
Repaired safeboot key.
Still cannot access safe mode.
At first I wanted to remove it because there’s no way to shut it down if I need to free up resources. Now I just want it gone because I can’t get rid of it. That it missed these threats doesn’t make me any happier, but the problem apparently lies elsewhere. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for the advice so far. 
did you have any antivirus program before you installed avast ?
have you removed it using ad/remove program ?
have you run a uninstall tool for that program to remove all leftovers ?
you can fiend uninstallers here http://uninstallers.blogspot.com/
Give a try to SuperAntiSpyware for repairing safe mode
Very bad movement… removing the protection, in such a situation is calling for troubles… you have enough troubles in the computer to disable the protection.
Can’t you uninstall avast by the Control panel applet?
Why not? What’s the error message?