To test your anti virus in full safety, you can use the file of Eicar test. This file is detected as a virus by the anti viruses but it is not one, it does not contain any viral code. If the false virus is detected, it is that your anti virus is active and protects you.

1. To create this false virus, you need simply to create a file inside Windows. Click on the Start button, All Programs, Accessories then on Notepad.

2. Then cut and paste the following character string in the Notepad:

X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTI VIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

3. Then save the file while clicking on File then Save as.

4. Unroll the “Save as type” list then select the option All files.

5. Add the name of file eicar.com in the zone File name. Choose the location where you want to save it (on Desktop) and then click on Save button.

6. If your antivirus is correctly activated, it must then alert you instantaneously presence of the Eicar virus.

7. Then ask your antivirus to remove the file.

8. Go to the EICAR web site & download the test file ” eicar.com “. During the download, this will test your AV’s ability to scan downloads.

If your antivirus does not see anything, than you have a problem. It could be because of two reasons: permanent protection is badly configured or there were some problems during antivirus installation. Then you have to read documentation of your software to correct this problem.

**Only do this test after you have updated the file signiture files in your AV software. If the false virus is still not detected, you must then seriously think of changing anti-virus software.