I had to disable everything under Services and Startup using Windows System Configuration. I also used CCleaner to free some disk space. After solving a ‘freeze’ followed by extreme slowness, Avast wouldn’t work, even when I restored the usual startup. Avast’s panel showed 0 days left on the registration, but I registered a few weeks ago. Clicking Start Avast or Resolve All (I don’t remember the exact captions) had no effect. I couldn’t see a link for registering. After uninstalling, I decided to try CYSEC. I’ve only had CYSEC for 20 minutes, but so far I haven’t had to register. I’m back on Selective Startup and I might be able to drop some of the 184 Services and Startups without having to reinstall the antivirus. So far as I know, everything else comes back OK when I put a tick in its box and restart, except for Avast. It’s a shame this obscure problem has made me leave. I might have to come back if I hit a serious problem with CYSEC.
I have Windows Vista Home Premium on a Sony VAIO notebook.