NOTE TO ALL: my problem has been resolved.
FIX: Removed Norton Internet Security, then run their uninstall tool.
Also looked into my Windows updates, as someone had mentioned that Update Rollup 1 was required. Discovered it was not installed. Couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t being offered. Did a little digging, and remembered having hid an update (.net framework 1.1) because it never would install… it would ‘say’ it installed, but would always reappear at the next update check. So I searched the forums for a fix for that, got the updates up thru 2.1 SP1, and no more were offered. Then a wonderful thing happened… Update Rollup 1 was offered! Installed it, and now avast is finally running as it should.
Thank you all for your help. It sure is nice… peace of mind!
Till the next computer phuck-up… in about 2 days I suspect 
Again, THANK YOU ALL, VERY MUCH.