Next thing you need to do is do all the Windows updates. This really should be done before installing anything else, especially the anti-virus program as it could interfere, not likely but why take the chance. Since this is Windows 7 do this via the normal Windows 7 update options in the Windows Action Center or via Control Panel, System Security, Action Center, Windows Updates, Check for Updates. You probably "know the drill" there. Because you've done a back to factory install you will have to get all the updates released since then. You can choose the ones you wish of course, but the main ones you need are those labeled Critical or Important. The Optional ones are just that, optional and you don't have to take them. This will take you awhile, some will require rebooting. After each install then click check for new updates again until finally you are told there are no more to get. Could take you several hours so be prepared.


Frankly the one I would not take at all are those for Windows Defender. You really should turn that off entirely. That is a virtually worthless security program and absolutely known to interfere the ones you had on there before...SUPERAntispyware, Malwarebytes' and honestly maybe even Avast, that I can't be sure about, but the Windows Defender is more trouble than it is worth. You can turn it off like this:

  • Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Defender.
  • Click Tools, and then click Options.
  • Under Administrator options, clear the Use Windows Defender check box, and then click Save. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    AFTER all of the Windows Updates are installed then install your Avast Free. You should be fine as far as security goes until then because the only place being accessed will be the Windows Updates and you don't even need a browser to do that with Windows 7.

    From this link:

    http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

    Then there will be a few more I would recommend but finish the Windows Updates and the Avast install and then let me know, I will tell you what other security programs I would recommend.