Windows 7 - Device Manager

I just noticed in my device manager I have in the column going down a item that's listed as unknown. When you click on the little triangle by it a long list of items appear with little question marks by them. I checked one and it belongs to Avast, wonder why it is unknown since I have Avast on my machine. The one I checked was aswSP.sys. Is this unknown normal for Windows 7?

That's an Avast sys32 driver avast! Self Protection - aswSP.sys - Program Information

I know it's an Avast driver, but is it common to have an unknown category in device manager with 15 to 20 items in it.

When you click on 'view', what are you clicking on in the drop down box?

In Device Manager-->Network adapter do you have "Avast MiniPort xxx blah blah" with the error icon on it?

Doesn't directly answer your question, however, my recommendation:
1. Download Microsoft Security Essentials,
2. Uninstall and 100% remove your present av software (Avast),
3. Install Microsoft Security Essential which is FREE, updated regularly by Microsoft, non-intrusive. I guarantee you that after you start using Microsoft Security Essentials, you will never worry about AV software again.

Microsoft Security Essentials
Install MSE --> http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

I don't have Avast MiniPort under network adapters. When I open up device manager there's one called unknown devices and when I click on the side ways triangle it opens a drop down list that has 50 items. Some are for OnLine Armor, ThreatFire, Avast and numerous other items. I guess if a driver is not signed that's where they put it. I'm just assiming that. I use the items listed. I just never noticed it before.

Sounds like you need to reinstall Avast. I also use this and dont have these issues!

I have fifty items in this unknown drop down list and from the looks of it they pertain to a whole lot of systems.

Indeed Windows 7 has a strict driver signature enforcement policy. Unsigned drivers will show up with exclamation marks in the Device Manager. But it is also possible that instead of a mere verification problem, those drivers were blocked from installing. Although IDK why Avast and other legit apps are showing up there. There are various workarounds to load unsigned drivers though you need to be careful because this restriction is meant to enhance stability and performance.

Go through this excellent article. It lists various options.

Force Load Unsigned Drivers In Test Mode Easily in Windows 7 or Vista with Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider My Digital Life

But, as suggested by someone else, I would definitely uninstall some of these apps like Avast, clean up completely, then reinstall to check whether they still appear in Device Manager.