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Caution
The following is for informational purposes only. Misuse may risk damaging your system.
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What Happens When You DELETE system32? – The History of the Infamous Prank
Deleting system32 (don't try this at home) -shorts
Delete System32 was an infamous scheme to trick novice PC users into falsely thinking that System32, a crucial folder needed by Windows to function properly, contained spyware from Microsoft that would collect user browsing data and needlessly slow down their computer. The prank began as Windows XP was bringing the 32-bit NT-based system into mainstream usage. Casual users who did not know much about computers often fell for it.
Origins[]
The System32 folder originated in Windows 2000 as an extension of the SYSTEM directory in Windows 95 and 98, but to store 32-bit versions of important files and folders used in the operation of Windows. Similarly, the Program Files folder in Windows also has an extension called Program Files (x86) to store x86 (32-bit) folders and files used by programs. The System32 folder is still an important part of more recent 64-bit versions of Windows.
The scheme gained traction in 2006 as internet trolls on 4chan wanted to see if people would fall for it. Batch file instructions were provided to bypass warnings normally provided by Windows against such harmful actions. Though the scheme fell out of practical use as more users became aware of it, the concept of the prank itself remains in tech culture as a meme.
External links[]
- Delete System32 at Know Your Meme
- What happens if you delete the System32 folder on Windows? at Quora (September 16, 2016)
- What is the System32 Directory? (and Why You Shouldn’t Delete It) at How-To Geek (2018-04-28)