system
1
I just updated Avast and now neither IE or Firefox will run. I also can’t get JDownloader or any updates to software programs to access the internet - until I turn off AVAST. Then I have no problems with access.
I’m running W7 with ZoneAlarm Firewall, Avast Anti-virus and have all the latest updates.
Since I cannot afford to risk my system I will immediate go to downloads.com and get a competitor, which, if it works, will mean you just lost a user…
system
2
I am just an user but I guess the problem is Zonealarm.
Avast acts like a proxy, sitting between your other software and the Internet.
Probably Zonealarm is blocking Avast so you cannot connect through it.
Try opening Zonealarm rules list, delete any rule related to Avast.
When you try to connect, Zonealarm should ask you to create new rules, authorize.
If that doesn’t work, there is a chance that Zonealarm coflicts with Avast.
system
3
I also updated my Avast and lost my internet. I went back to my last restore setting and my internet works BUT now my Avast will not work. I sent for my license and when I click on it is says " No Valid License Content Found" I was in the middle of paying bills this weekend. and I have to Buy Christmas gifts online. NOT HAPPY! Thanks
system
4
Oh yeah I had been having the same problem with having the latest version of Avast and ZoneAlarm running.
Thanks! Yes, indeed it was the problem with ZoneAlarm. At first I had stop all the running shields on Avast and my browsing seems to be working again. Later I started all the Avast protection shields back and once again internet access was blocked. After your suggestion, I shutdown my ZoneAlarm, the problem vanished again. I suggested what you said about deleting all the avast rules on ZoneAlarm program control list and again allowed access to internet by Avast. It’s resolved now. Thanks for the suggestion 
PS. Sorry about my poor English.
system
5
Good to know that you solved it.
Actually Zonealarm is just doing its job, when you update Avast Zonealarm recognizes that the executable file(s) have changed so it denies access to the Internet. This is meant to stop an infected software to gain connection. You just have to update the rules to re-authorize the new executable(s).