Emma, wellcome!
We’re glad to receive you in this family! 8)
Specially an avast full user!
Well, sometimes in the past I have the same problem.
Let me guess a little:
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How are your timeout configurations? (both in OE and avast)
If you set large values could solve the problem (specially on dial-up connections).
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Do you use any Spam killer (like Spamihilator, for instance)?
Well, Techie was faster than I (as usual) and he tries other possibilities.