> -----Original Message-----
> From:  don penlington
> Sent: March 27, 2000 12:50 AM
> Subject: [PCSOFT] Virus test

> It would be nice if A-V programs had a "Test" button.
>
> Is there a dummy but harmless virus file anywhere that I could download to
> test the system?


Don,

Have your ran the (test) virus-infected file included with McAfee AV? This
works for any virus scan program (according to McAfee).

This is from the "Whatsnew" text file...


* TESTING YOUR INSTALLATION *

The Eicar Standard AntiVirus Test File is a combined
effort by anti-virus vendors throughout the world to
implement one standard by which customers can verify
their anti-virus installations.

To test your installation, copy the following line
into its own file, then save the file with the name
EICAR.COM.

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

The file size will be 69 or 70 bytes.

Next, start your anti-virus software and allow it to scan
the directory that contains EICAR.COM. When your software
scans this file, it will report finding the EICAR test
file.

Note that this file is NOT A VIRUS. Delete the file
when you have finished testing your installation to
avoid alarming unsuspecting users.

HTH
Alan Thompson

             PCSOFT maintains many useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at:
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