Hello fellow users,
I’m new to this forum and would like some assistance to remedy a virus. Thanks you in advance for any help. 
A virus prevents a connection to avast.com on my home desktop PC. Therefor, avast is unable to acquire new anti virus files, nor am I able to register Avast.
The following is information on my PC, version of Avast, and a description of the virus:
Windows XP home service pack 3.0
browser Firefox version 3.6
Avast version is 5.0.432 (free)
avast virus definition version is 100309-0
I have Windows XP firewall turned on.
Virus description: A non genuine Windows firewall window appears stating that IE is affected with viruses. A second window pops up and starts a scan of some type. It completes the scan showing a certain number of viruses present on my PC. I simply close the windows, but they reappear at 5-10 minute intervals. Each time, the non genuine scan shows a different number of viruses detected; sometimes lower than the preceding scan. I believe the virus blocks me from visiting anti-virus web sites. When visiting these sites (avast.com, AVG.com, etc.) the browser times out. I’ve tried using Firefox, Safari, and IE, to no avail.
Can anyone explain to me how to best remedy my situation?
FYI, I’m on my office PC at the moment and own a 2GB USB flash drive and CD/DVD burner if any of these items could help me.
Thank you very much!
Mark