Unable to Start Firewall

Running Win 7 Pro 64 bit on Asus P7P55D-E Pro mobo with Intel i7 860 cpu & 8 GB ram.
Running licensed version of Avast Internet Security.
All seems to be OK except Avast Firewall will not start. I tried the Cntrl Pnl - Uninstall - Repair; did not help. I turned off the Win firewall; did not help.
Suggestions ? Magic Cure ?

any other security programs installed?
what was your previous used AV?