Computer Prank: Auto-Screensaver Nuisance

Microsoft Windows screensavers are great toys. And they make a great prank companion too! Wait for your prank victim to leave the workstation or laptop, make sure (s)he’ll be gone for a couple of minutes. The least suspicious you are to the victim, the wilder you can go here.

Try this on your computer first to gain some confidence and speed. You can also try this prank at home or in an internet cafe.

Minimize all programs and right-click the targeted desktop. Under Properties look for the Screen Saver option. Select Marquee and assign a password (don’t forget it! “Bitch” works well or “Moron” if you can find a solid association with the targeted victim).

The scrolling text could read something like this: “What’s the f@]&%ing password?!” or “Did you know you were recorded in the bathroom this morning” or other fun stuff like “We know what you did last weekend!”.

Sky is the limit, just don’t give too much away that might point to you.

Now for the real deal: Look for the file C:\WINNT\system32\ssmarque.scr (it might be located in a different path, so use the system search or you might have to disable the Tools/Folder Option “Hide Known Extensions”). and create a shortcut. Copy/paste the shortcut into the StartUp folder, so that the screen saver will be automatically activated when Windows starts up!
Watch the madness unfold and have fun. Add a twist by sending the only capable IT guy to run some errands for three hours and leave for vacation.

Let us know how it worked out and what kind of scrolling text you used.