This is the EICAR (European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research) standard virus test file. If you download it and run your virus detection software, it should report that the file exists. Please note this is 'NOT A VIRUS' but the testing group had to have a safe tool to test software with and if the software you are using does not detect this little fellow then stop using it NOW.>
to download the zip file click here -> EICAR-TEST
Some Anti virus software can detect this file even in its zipped form. However all anti virus software should find the unzipped file. If your software does detect the dummy virus, then rest assured that it is installed and working. Should your software however find another file, other than this file, then you may just have a real virus on your machine.