Right mouse click on blue a ball in taskbar
Click on “Start Avast Antivirus”
After the mem test… click Settings, then settings
Click “Update (Connections)”

you will find the setting there.

You may also want to change your timeout setting in both OE and Avast

in Avast:

double click a ball
highlight Internet Mail on the left
click Customize
Click Advanced Tab
You can adjust the timeout setting on that screen

in Outlook Express
Tools > Accounts > Mail Tab > Highlight Mail acct > Properties > Advanced Tab