You might have a virus already on your computer. If you don't know how to use \"Spybots\", it can be a complicated install. A firewall could be blocking access to Windows Update. What kind of error code do you get? Do you see something like 802400013? Did you put in Spybots 1.4 or 1.5 ? They tell me it is only an update to raise to 1.5 The home of Spybot-S&D! (run as administrater) Windows can't check for updates - Microsoft Windows Vista Community Forums - Vistaheads ask for free help with updates and getting rid of virus. 1-866-pcsafety
I noticed when I needed a Trojan removed and I thought my Antivirus protection was compromised. I could not get any free scans, all hoaxing. Microsoft blasted some download I took and it was gone totally. I had to clean my disc so that the error would go a way. (You might find you still have trouble with Windows Update until you get rid of the error) To tell you the truth, from your description it didn't sound as though you could function enough to take a download. In that condition, I hate the hoaxing and figuring stuff out.
(All the scare about "Conflicker", I haven't found anybody with it yet) I use Norton Internet Security, unless I download free stuff I'm very well protected.
You like Avast? That is good.... Make sure you completely get rid of all the other antivirus software. You could hurt your harddrive with too much Security Software.