How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker

  • September 25, 2009
  • 5,870 Views
Please install Flash

Pull off this easy prank, and – without causing any permanent damage – watch your coworker squirm with frustration.

You Will Need

  • Access to a coworker's computer
  • A phony desktop graphic
  • A flash drive
How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Create a phony desktop

Step 1: Create a phony desktop

Create a few on your desktop and give the folders funny or embarrassing names.

How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Capture the screen

Step 2: Capture the screen

On a Windows PC, hold down the Control and Print Screen keys at the same time to capture the phony desktop display. Open a graphics program, like PhotoShop or Illustrator, and hit Control and the V key to paste the image.

How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Save the phony desktop

Step 3: Save the phony desktop

Save the phony screen display, using either a BMP or JPEG file format.

On a Mac, capture the display by holding down Command, Shift and the number 3. The image will save to your desktop automatically.

How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Transfer to a USB key

Step 4: Transfer to a USB key

Transfer the phony desktop to a USB flash drive, so that you can open it up on your coworker’s computer.

How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Find a good mark

Step 5: Find a good mark

Select an unsuspecting coworker to be your mark, preferably someone with a good sense of humor. Wait for an opportunity to sit down at their computer for a few minutes, and plug in your USB drive.

How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Access their control panel

Step 6: Access their control panel

On a Windows PC, find the Control Panel in the Start menu. Click the Desktop icon, and browse to select the stored phony desktop file from your USB drive. Activate the phony desktop, and return to your seat.

On a Mac, change the desktop in System Preferences, Desktop. Find the file, and choose either the “Center” or “Fit to Screen” option.

How To Play a Fake Desktop Prank on a Coworker: Enjoy the results

Step 7: Enjoy the results

Wait until your befuddled coworker achieves maximum frustration from trying to interact with their phony desktop. Then, casually drop by to offer assistance – just try not to laugh!

Bill Gates is credited with releasing the first computer virus when he worked at a power company during high school.

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Comments (6)

Hell_Hawk8

:&;lt; http://www.howcast.com/videos/217898-Unclickable-Icons-a-Computer-Prank

over 2 years ago by Hell_Hawk8

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shavatek

koool

over 2 years ago by shavatek

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Gruizzer

OMG!! Someone sent this video to my wife because they think the guy in the red shirt is me!!! Im freaking out! This guy is my exact twin, except for the nose. How do I email Nate Woods to find who this is?

over 2 years ago by Gruizzer

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Hare

What did the co-worker say when he was frustration?

about 1 year ago by Hare

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Hare

What did the co-worker say when he was frustrated?

about 1 year ago by Hare

Reply
mikeandjay

now thats something i gotta try

about 1 year ago by mikeandjay

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