I have a very strong feeling that it is FF that is causing the problem.
Not able to update because it is in use (plugin-container.exe)
Exactly. That is why I explecitly said above to close browsers or any other running program.
I just updated Java jre to 7u 60 ten days ago. I dowloaded the offline file to my desktop from here:
http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
I uninstalled the old java first and proceeded to install the new one and I did not have any alerts to close avast! or any of my other security programs.
Did you check in your Task Manager for any Java or other related program running it ?
You could post in viruses and worms forum to check that your system is clean. Since Java is one of the most attacked and hacked program, you can have some malware asking to lower your defences.
I have been using the offline file. No difference website update, manual offline whatever. I have no infections. Scanned with Avast thorough boot scan. also did complete scan with Malwarebytes.
Providing OTL and aswMBR.exe logs: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0
to the viruses and worms forum not only will assure your system is clean but will give some clue to why Java is asking to deactivate avast!. As mentioned before it is not the norm for Java to ask for avast! to be off.
You can do this only on your own risk. I can not recommend it.
- ) Try to install Java in safe mode.
or - ) Open avast! > Settings > Troubleshooting > Disable avast! self-defence mode. Kill avastSvc.exe and avastUI.exe through Task Manager. Install Java and reboot so that avast! runs again automatically. Remember to activate avast! self-defence mode again.