Tim,

In order to explain, I will quote from Eicar.org regarding the test file:
“Once downloaded run your AV scanner. It should detect at least the file “eicar.com”. Good scanners will detect the ‘virus’ in the single zip archive and may be even in the double zip archive. Once detected the scanner might not allow you any access to the file(s) anymore. You might not even be allowed by the scanner to delete these files. This is caused by the scanner which puts the file into quarantaine. The test file will be treated just like any other real virus infected file. Read the user’s manual of your AV scanner what to do or contact the vendor/manufacturer of your AV scanner.”

Avast detects the test file, but may not allow you to do anything with it. NO matter because it is not a real virus, and unless you perform the eicar test by sending to yourself, or attempting to open it, Avast will not bother with it.

Good Luck,
;D