All good stuff, here is a possible workaround that I use:

1. Get WinPatrol from BillP Studios and install it.

2. Get AVG (Grisoft) and install it normally.

3. Go into WinPatrol and the startup tab.

4. Disable AVG from starting.

5. Run AVG, it will warn you that its control console is disabled, double click on the control console button.

6. It will now load the services that it requires and run normally.

You will have to experiment with other AV products, but the principle should be the same.

Cheers