Outlook 2010 - Antivirus status: Invalid

Since updating to version 8.0.1488 I am receiving the following message when Outlook 2010 is running.

“A program is trying to access e-mail address information stored in Outlook.”

Researching the issue on Microsoft’s website, [u]http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/i-get-warnings-about-a-program-accessing-e-mail-address-information-or-sending-e-mail-on-my-behalf-HA001229943.aspx[/u], they recommend checking the Programmatic Access setting in the Trust Center. Upon doing so, the following is reported:

“Antivirus status: Invalid. This version of Windows supports antivirus detection, but no antivirus was found.”

How do I get this version of Avast to be recognized by Outlook 2010?

Is your mail shield still running?
If so, try a repair of avast.
start > control panel > software > avast > add/remove (choose repair)
reboot after doing so and check if the problem is solved.