Windows 7 Explorer freezes when Avast 6 automatic updates turned on

I have noticed that my explorer freezes when opening the Windows control panel. I have to restart Windows Explorer in order to resolve the issue. Once restarted, all is ok until the computer is shutdown and restarted. I searched the forums and found another similar topic where the last entry suggested to turn off Avast automatic updates. Link to topic: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=52087.30
I switched from “automatic update” to “Ask when update is available” and this resolved the problem.
Does anyone know if there is another way to correct this issue without increasing my security risk by turning off automatic update?

My computer info:
Dell Inspiron 1545
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1
x64-based
Avast Free Version 6.0.1000

Any help is appreciated…Kevin