The Extreme Desktop Computer Prank

In this article, I will show you how to prank someone who doesn't know too much about computers.  It's extreme because most people who are scared of their computers will not be able to fix it.  Warning!  Do Not Try This On Anyone Who Knows A Thing Or Two About Computers! 
_{I tried this on thegeeke... it didn't work out too well for me in the end.......}

I have two versions of this prank.  The first makes the hard drive temporarily unusable, so the computer will power up, the screen will work, but it will give an error message that will make it appear that the computer has stopped working.  The second makes it so that the computer will not even power up.  This variation works well if the victim knows absolutely nothing about computers, but if they know even a little bit, it will make it easier for them to figure out what happened.

Step 1: Unplug the Computer

After you have gotten access to your victims computer, you will need to unplug power.  You don't have to unplug anything else for safety, but if it makes it easier to work on, unplug whatever you have to.  It is recommended that you leave it unplugged for about 10 min. before opening it up so that capacitors have a chance to discharge, but if you are careful and don't touch anything other than what I show you, there shouldn't be a problem.

Step 2: Open Up the Computer

Next you will need to take the cover off the computer.  There is normally a larger screw keeping the cover in place, unscrew that, then take the cover off the computer.

You will want to use a ground strap to make sure you don't damage anything inside the computer with static electricity (computer components can be damaged with as little as 50 V of static electricity and it takes at least 250 V before we can feel it; if I remember correctly).  Slip the strap around your hand so that it is on your wrist touching bare skin, then attach the alligator clip to some part of the metal case for the computer.

Step 3: Disconnect the Power From the Hard Drive (version One of the Prank)

Now you will disconnect the power from the hard drive.  I would suggest disconnecting the power instead of the data, but either would do the same thing.

Step 4: Disconnect Power From the Motherboard (version Two of the Prank)

This step is optional, and if the victim has some basic troubleshooting skills, it will actually give them a clue as to what is wrong... so only use on people who don't know what they're doing.  You should also disconnect the hard drive. (Step 3)

Now you will disconnect the two connections that go from the motherboard to the power supply.

Step 5: Clean Up

Now it's time to close up.  If you disconnected the power from the motherboard, you can put a note in the computer about April Fools, but do not put the note in if you only disconnected the hard drive since there is lots of heat and fans inside the computer.

Put the cover back on the computer, plug everything back in on the outside, remove all traces of yourself, and stand back and watch the fun!  :)

Please note that I am not responsible for anything that might happen because of this prank.  Use at your own risk.