I’d recommend you try a clean install of v9. (I fear you have a corrupt install)

  1. Download the right aswclear and the appropriate program

http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup.exe

v8 and below : http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
v9: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe

  1. Uninstall Avast by control panel [If you don’t have Avast in control Panel go to #4]
  2. Uninstall in safe mode using aswclear (v8 or below) or avastclear (v9) [If you don’t have Avast in control Panel just install it]
  3. Download and install your version
  4. Reboot.

You can insert license file during install or after reboot. (If using paid version)

You’d rather stay with the current version, report bugs and then they’ll be fixed.