Following is error msg i get on boot, Avast does not load, i cannot uninstall it, and i cannot update the program from the Avast website.
“The procedure entry point dep_strFreeString could not be located in the dynamic link library aswCmnOS.dll”.
I tried downloading the uninstall program listed on Avast’s website, but it says to run only in safe mode and this XP computer doesn’t give instructions how to get into setup or safe mode.
Anybody know whats going on?
thanks
Booting into safe mode http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml.
avast has a self-defence module to prevent malware disabling it, that is the reason why you have to run the tool from safe mode (avast doesn’t run in safe mode).
However it sounds like you have a failed/corrupt install and a common cause of this is, another AV or remnants still on your system.
Have (or did) you another AV installed in this system, if so what was it and how did you get rid of it ?
Welcome to the forums, gebennett99. 
If you start pressing the F8 key shortly after starting the computer, this should bring up the boot menu where you can select Safe Mode. Does this not work for you?