Please use my email address for speed if you can. jrm@jrm100.f9.co.uk.
cheers
have just downloaded home pro 4.
installed fine.
cannot view any web pages, not even my home page (google)!
disappointed that this is the default setup when installing.
any help?
i use windows xp pro
ie6
outlook express email
use The Shield Firewall (disabled during setup).
have had to disable antivirus so can use internet at all!!
Welcome to the forums, jrm100. 
First of all, you should never post your email in a forum … unless you like lots of spam email. There are bot networks/programs that constantly search for email addresses in public forums.
Have you allowed the Avast services through your firewall? This must be done in order for the avast anti-virus to check for viruses that may try to come in or try to go out of your computer. This is also needed for the program & virus definition updates.
Your firewall needs to allow access for ashWebSv.exe, the avast Web Shield, ashMaiSv.exe the avast email scanner (assuming you are using it) and avast.setup the avast update process.