I’m not using Sygate and I have the same problem. In fact, I don’t have ANY firewall software running.
Not even Windows XP internal one?
So, check your proxy settings. You should use none, or do you use any anonymizer program?
I don’t use the windows one, either. Nor any anonymizer program. Nor do I have any proxy settings set up because I don’t use a proxy.
It just quit working one day.
Just guessing and trying to help:
Make sure your browser is not set to “Work Offline” (this option is generally in the File menu). If it doesn’t help, try switching the proxy settings from “Auto-detect” to “No proxy” (I’m assuming you’re not connecting to the Internet via proxy).
Left click the avast icon > Settings
Update (Basic) > Details > Proxy
And so, no any news???
I have to format my hard disk and re-install all??
:((
Not on “work offline” 
I already tried switching over to no proxy.
Avast is set to automatic proxy.
Btw, I DO appreciate your help. 
Set it to ‘No proxy’ 8)
He seem to have the my same problem.
It isn’t a firewall problem. Please help us.