avast wont start -adobe air ? nonstop popups..

i am working to clean up a friends toshiba with a variety of issues

-avast wont start, it is a new download
(so machine is currently unprotected)

-avg was hung on asking for payment, so i deleted it
-adobe air is being an insistent nuisance
-there is a popup offering free back up
-zoost dating site update popup wont go away
-and possibly some other stuff

thanks in advance