Good prank for an XP computer?

Switch the mouse buttons around, and change the keyboard layout (Dvorak would be a good choice).

Install Windows 3.1

Edit some of the desktop shortcuts so that clicking on the icon for Application A actually runs Application B etc.

I think you should apply both of these suggestions. That way, he won't notice anything untowards until he actually starts using it.

smarteyeball said:

The timeless classic:

Take a fullscreen screenshot of his desktop and set that pic as his wallpaper.

Move the taskbar to a different location and set it to autohide.

Then remove all the desktop icons. (cut and paste into a folder for quick retrieval later)

Sit back and laugh.

Dwarf said:

Switch the mouse buttons around, and change the keyboard layout (Dvorak would be a good choice).

You guys are just plain mean!!

I know. But we'd love to see his brother's reaction!

Yes, yes, you must take pictures and post them here with his reaction!

We're still waiting to find out what happened.

Or did you bottle it at the last minute?