PC Pranks: Or, why it’s important to lock your computer

By Tina Cha, MSN Tech & Gadgets channel manager

April Fools’ Day brings back great memories. Like in fifth grade when identical twins switched places and the entire class was in on it. Or when we put salt in the sugar bowl, brewed a pot of coffee for Mom and Dad and watched chaos ensue. Or when, in college, empty soda cans were meticulously stacked seven feet high against a pre-med’s dorm room door so when he opened it a shower of cans fell on him. Come to think of it, that wasn’t April Fools’, just a day in the life of college students.

In the spirit of this good-natured fun (no detention given, no groundings sentenced, no classes missed), we’ve collected some easy-to-do PC pranks. Try them on careless friends and family who forget to lock their PCs before heading out for a latte (c’mon folks, Ctrl-Alt-Del). These tricks are intended for Windows users, though we welcome suggestions for other operating systems on our message board. Stick around so you don’t miss the fun, then show this article to your victim so they can get their computer back to pre-April Fools’ Day status.

Stupid Mouse Tricks (skill level: beginner)
The first trick to play on your April Fool Victim (heretofore known as AFV) is to invert her mouse so that when she left-clicks, the right-click commands happen, and vice versa.

PC Pranks: Or, why it’s important to lock your computer // Mouse Trick on Windows XP (© MSN)

Go to the Control Panel from the Start menu. If you have Windows XP choose Printers and Other Hardware. With Windows Vista click on Hardware & Sounds. Double-click on Mouse and on the Buttons tab of the window that pops up you merely need to check the box that says Switch primary and secondary buttons. Then click Apply, using the right-click button, of course.

The second trick is much simpler and can be done to someone who has wisely locked her PC before going to lunch. Take the mouse cord and tie it up a twisty. Hide the extra cord length behind the CPU, picture frame, old coffee cup, etc. When the AFV returns and grabs her mouse she’ll lurch or knock over some stuff before figuring out someone has tampered with her set-up. Like a PC version of short-sheeting a mattress.

Sounds Switcheroo (skill level: intermediate)
This requires a little advance preparation.

Collect a variety of WAV files—babies crying, funny laughs, sneezes and the like—and put them on a USB drive or other easily removable storage drive. (Do a search for “WAV files” if you don’t have any on hand.) Plug the USB drive into the computer belonging to the AFV.

For Windows XP, go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices. If AFV is on Windows Vista, go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound; from there choose Change System Sounds.

PC Pranks: Or, why it’s important to lock your computer // Sound Switch on Windows Vista (© MSN)

On the Sounds tab in the window that pops up, select a popular command that requires sound, such as New Mail Notification. Click Browse to select your replacement WAV file. This may require saving the WAV file from the removable drive onto your friend’s desktop. Be 110 percent sure that the file is virus free to avoid any inconvenience or broken friendships.

Save your changes, and make sure the PC’s mute button is not on.

When your AFV returns, send him an e-mail and wait for it. Or, if you’ve chosen another command, prompt him to do an action that triggers the sound.

Alternate Option 1: You can play a similar prank if your AFV is logged into Windows Live Messenger. Go to Tools > Options. Select the Alerts and Sounds tab. Highlight New Message (make sure its box is checked). Then browse to and select your replacement sound file.

Alternate Option 2: PC locked? If you can grab someone’s cell phone, change the ringtone. Find a ringtone or song that is completely opposite of the AFV’s personality, whether it be Hannah Montana, the Pussycat Dolls, Notorious B.I.G., American Idol, etc. Take your pal to Starbucks or a similarly crowded public place and get an accomplice to call. Commence laughter.