Creating a test virus
Have you ever wondered if your anti-virus software is really working? Would you like to see what happens when it detects a virus? Here's a safe way to test your computer's virus protection that doesn't require you to have a real virus.
First, open Notepad. Then copy and paste into it the text on the line below. (It should all be on one line.)
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
Then select File, Save, select All Files for the file type, then save the file as eicar.com. The result should look exactly like the screenshot below:
Your anti-virus software may prevent you from saving the file as eicar.com, which is a sign that it is working effectively. If it doesn't raise an alert, try scanning the folder where you saved eicar.com. To see what happens if you try to run a file containing a virus, double-click eicar.com to open it.
clipped from: www.gamerenders.com