Tech Tip – How To Use Notepad To Test Your Antivirus

Here is a simple tip using Notepad to check if your antivirus is working as it should. 

Here is how:

• Open the Notepad application 
• Copy the following text and paste it into Notepad
• X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
• save the file using the file name test.exe or test.bat 
• note to save a file with a different extension to .txt in notepad, from the "Save as type" drop down, select "All files", this then allows you to use any extension you want on your file name
• Scan the file with your anti-virus product - IF it lets you save it!  Some products will block you from saving it which also shows they are working.

Note - this is just a quick test to determine if your anti-virus is running and scanning for viruses, it doesn't necessarily prove that it will stop everything