Have Avast! (free) for years without problem. Suddenly on restarting PC ~1.5 hours ago, got above warning plus “Avast …stopped or is in an inconsistent state…” Neither “start program” nor “fix now” do anything. Cannot scan or update etc: “…Avast service not running”. All shields off. Exp date 12/23/2012.
Program version 6.0.1367; Virus version (blank) and cannot access virus vault.
PC working properly otherwise.
Hope one of you experts can help me get it running again. 
Please try to run a repair of avast then reboot when done, to repair click on avast as to uninstall then scroll down to repair and accept.
Thank you Uberevangelist 
Went to Programs>avast>update (long dl)>reboot…and all is well again! :-*
Do not know what went wrong, but as long as Avast! works again… 8)
Another, v minor, problem cropped up now: when trying to get onto Forum, or use it, get a “script error” popup…but I simply X it out and go on.
Again, viele danke sehr…my German IS v rusty
Glad that your up and running again
If it fails again, I suggest an installation from scratch:
- Download the latest version of avast! Uninstall Utility and save it.
- Download the latest avast! version and save it.
- Uninstall avast from Control Panel (if possible). If, for any reason, you can’t run it, try booting in Safe Mode and doing it from there. Anyway, boot after that.
- Run the avast! Uninstall Utility saved on 1 in Safe Mode. Boot after you’ve run it. Repeat this for any major avast! version you have ever installed/upgraded in your computer.
- Install avast! using the setup saved on 2. Boot.
- Register your free copy or add the license key for Pro. Or even upgrade your key from old versions.
- Check and post the results. If, for any reason, you did not solve, try doing the step 3 in Safe Mode anyway.