Windows Firewall and AVG problems

I recently uninstalled Notron 2006 in favor of AVG free because my friend was noticing that even though he downloads the latest definitions everyday, it still says that they are out of date. I got rid of Norton and installed AVG and its still saying that they the virus definitions are out of date. Its also doing this with Ad-aware SE personal as well. I also tried to turn his Windows friewall on and its saying that "Due to an unknown problem, Windows firewall is unable to start". I pretty sure these problems are virus related and Im not totally sure what to do next. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks

 

I'm thinking thats not the exact error, but I'd say check msconfig.

start, run msconfig. Make sure all services are checked. Make certain cryptographic service is running as well as the Firewall service, which, Im not at a Windows machine, so I cannot give the exact name.

 

I've went through and Cryptographic service and Windows firewall/Internet connection sharing(ics) are indeed checked.

 

But are they running?

 

Yes, they are Running.

 

Are you 100% certain thats the word for word erorr that the firewall gave?

 

Matacumbie sent me this link.

Have at it.

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/sharedaccess.htm

 

Yep, pretty much. It might have said "Due to an unknown problem, Windows was unable to start firewall" but either way it gets its point across. I thought to make a note of it because it seemed weird there wouldent be an error number or anything else distinctive.

 

Well, error messages verbatim make google and MS's support site much easier to manage, which is why I asked.

 

Oh for sure, and thanks for the site and such a speedy response, much appreciated!