Scary PC Pranks

Proceed at your own risk. These pranks promise a horrifying high-tech experience.

The Scream

What if every time you tried to exit Windows your computer let out a blood-chilling scream or a witch's cackle? Microsoft has some scary Halloween sounds available on their site. Microsoft Windows lets you assign a sound to a particular Windows event. To put these two together: Save the .WAV file (sound) into a directory and click on Open Sounds/Audio Devices in the Control Panel. Click on the Sound tab and choose an event like Close Windows. Next, associate your spooky sound with that event. Surreptitiously do this on a friend's machine and they'll be freaked as horror music or screams emanate every time they exit Windows.

Break Applications

I got this one from JoeUser.com—"The Random Thoughts of a Bored Geek." It won't harm your computer. Ask a friend to open Notepad (no other application will do) and have them type this sentence exactly (without the quotes): "this app can break" — then ask them to save the file to a directory. Then close Notepad and open the saved file by double clicking on it. Simply typing the words "this app can break" causes a harmless, but unintended consequence.

Fake Virus

Those funny folks over at instructables have detailed instructions on how to send a fake virus to a friend. (It's harmless.) Another clever one teaches you how to replace the Windows Desktop screen with a fake image of a Windows Desktop screen. Of course the fake screen is unclickable, but bound to drive the person crazy.

Pranks for Sale

If you don't want to do it yourself check out this download that simulates 24 different system crashes and weird events (things like the screen that runs away from the mouse). Or buy a prank making kit at ComputerPranks that lets even non-programmers customize their own pranks. (Note: I have not tried these out yet.)

Chick Magnet

At Get Pranks you can buy fake ATM receipts that make you look like a millionaire. They suggest you impress your date by accidentally leaving this phony receipt in sight. Those talented with desktop publishing can do a grow-it-yourself variant. Simply use your word processor to create fake receipts like the one shown. A big enough withdrawal and your date will believe you're a Trump relation.

Shocking Mouse

Practical jokers? This one's a variation on the oldest trick in the book. Replace a PC mouse with this one that zaps like the old hand-buzzer.

Remember, since downloads from sources you don't know can be problematic you should download at your own risk. Make sure that your own antivirus, spyware, and antispam software is up and running or you may have a scare of your very own.