How to Crash a Computer with a Scary Batch File

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Prank your friends with this Matrix-inspired command prompt
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Ever seen the matrix? Well you can utilize a Matrix style code to crash a computer. With this you can play pranks on friends and family.

Things You Should Know

  • Use Notepad to enter the necessary code.
  • Save the file with a .bat extension.
  • Create a shortcut for the file and replace the icon with something innocuous. Clicking the icon will cause the monitor to crash.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Writing a File to Crash the Monitor

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  2. In All Programs click Accessories, in Accessories click Notepad. For Windows 7, click Start then type in the search bar at the bottom type; Notepad and press enter.
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  3.  @ 
 echo 
off color 
a cls 
 : 
 top 
 start 
 goto 
 top
  4. For example as cmd_prank.bat.
  5. Right click on the file and click Send To, then Desktop.
  6. Go to the Desktop and right click and go to Properties and Change Icon. Make the icon Internet Explorer or the Documents icon.
  9. To stop this before it happens, pull out the battery or press and hold the power key until it turns off(laptops) or unplug the computer , not the monitor (desktops).
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Instantly Shut Down

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  1. kill -f explorer.exe
shutdown -s -f exit
  2. In Notepad, press Ctrl + S , then select "Any" as file type, enter a name with a ".bat" extension, for example "Anything.bat", and click on Save .
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will it harm the computer in any way?
    Community Answer
    No. It will not harm your computer.
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  • Question
    How do I change the message?
    Community Answer
    Shutdown -s -f -c "Your Comment Here". Replace the "Your Comment Here" with your own message and that's it!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I make a batch file that activates on startup?
    Community Answer
    Open Notepad and type in: @echo off start "" "cmdprank.bat." Save it as any name, but make sure it has .bat or .cmd at the end of the filename. Then, follow Method 1, not Method 2.
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      Tips

      • Always check your own computer for a desktop file like this, by seeing if it's a shortcut. If it is, right click and click Edit (if possible). If it seems suspicious delete it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Use this on someone who is computer illiterate.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you want to make the computer open this file during startup, just save that file to the Startup folder in your user folder. Then, when the computer starts it will crash and be unusable. However, this won’t work in Safe Mode!
      • Don’t run it on your own computer. Use a virtual PC if you want to test if yourself.
      • Be careful not to save it as a .vir then open it.
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      Warnings

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