Free Avast 5 web shield blocking access to internet

Avast has started randomly blocking access to the web, for all sites except secure ones (e.g. it blocks google and this forum, but not my bank’s site or gotomypc.com). If I turn off web shields I can access any site.

I am using Avast Free, version 5.0.507, and Windows XP SP3. This just started happening a couple of days ago. I am using Windows Firewall. BUT the web sites are blocked even if I turn the firewall off. Except google – if I turn the firewall off I can access google but not the other non-secured sites. If I turn the firewall back on and turn off the web shield, I can access the web again. Also C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastUI.exe is in the firewall exceptions list.

The only thing I did differently is I ran Uniblue Speed Up My PC a few days ago. It did some system “tweaks” which were supposed to speed things up. I know it clears the cache but it might have also removed something which was needed?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Laura

I have the same problems. In addition I can not enter and keep the data in the forms on some sites. The program is necessary to correct.

Thanks,
Lovkiy

@ laurap414
The windows XP firewall has zero outbound protection, so shouldn’t be blocking the web shield, running under the avastSvc.exe service ‘not avastUI.exe.’

What version of avast are you using ?

Please state which firewall you are using ?
avast has nothing to do with retention of form data in your browser, that is a browser task.