Go back to a date before the first reset and preferably, one created by Windows Updates. You won't lose any files but you might get your programmes back.
When you say apps had gone, could it just be the Desktop shortcuts? Have a look in the Programme Files folder and the Programme Files (x86) folder if you run on a 64 bit system.
There's a big difference between a system refresh and a system reset but any programmes you installed will have been wiped out. That your files are intact, it seems you used teh Refresh option.
What was Avast's error message? Is it still showing in Control Panel>Add and Remove Programmes? It may have partially survived the refresh process.
The error is: "Avast installer cannot continue because the last Avast operation was performed without restarting. Please reboot your computer first and then run the installer again". I have done this several years times but still the same error.
I used reset and not refresh, in my program files, I can only see system files, those programs I installed are all wiped off even in windows.old I can't find any. Do I need to reset again?
Go back to a date before the first reset and preferably, one created by Windows Updates. You won't lose any files but you might get your programmes back.