Hi Michael,
We're glad to look into this & help you.
As we're uncertain about the version installed on your computer, would you be so kind to let us know about it?
To check the version : Open AVG - Menu - About.
Also, share us the screenshot of the message that you receive for better clarity & let us know if you use AVG Free Antivirus. Reason being, we're unablet to find any subscription under the email address that you've used to reach here. However, sometimes, this might happen if the program awaits update. And the latest patch might not be applied to the program.
Thank you for the detailed information, Michael.
It seems that there are some issues with the AVG Antivirus free files which should be the reason behind the multiple inconvenience that you experience with the computer as well as our program.
Hence, let us perform a complete reinstallation of AVG program using our tools and then check the status.
Proceed to run AVG clear followed by remover tool as mentioned in this article.
NOTE: If there are no AVG program found, click on "Run Anyway" to proceed with the removal.
Once done with this, install AVG Antivirus free as mentioned in this article.
Check whether the "X" mark appears on the AVG system tray icon and the issue with user interface and update of AVG Antivirus free is resolved.
Keep us posted.
Even after I update virus definitions and app, and am told all is up to date, I go back to AVG home window and am told "virus definitions are out of date". Thanks - M
Update: I just clicked on "exit" in the window as shown in the screen grab above (came up after I restarted PC) . Now, The AVG Free window shows "you have basic protection" in green, so problem 1 is solved by restarting (I didn't have to pause Windows Defender). Problem 2 is solved by clicking exit. When I use my mouse to point to the AVG icon in the system tray, a message pops up "antivirus free - you are protected." But there is a red circle with an "X" on top of the AVG icon. Let's call that problem 3.
Thank you for providing us the info, Michael.
Upon checking them, we see that the latest version of AVG is installed on your computer. This isn't the usual behavior of AVG program.
Sometimes, the downloaded patches might be unable to get applied to the program as informed earlier. In this regard, let us try repairing AVG program once to check if it helps.
Our pleasure, Michael. We're glad to know that all have worked out. Thank you for updating the status. Have a great day!