System 32 Hoax

System 32 was introduced with Windows 2000 and is a vital part of the Windows operating system.

Some sicko came up with the "prank" that it is where Windows stores unnecessary files in order to slow down your computer. This in turn will force you to purchase Windows products to clean up your computer. The author of the hoax then went on to explain that if you deleted System 32, your system would run faster.

Microsoft has put in safeguards to prevent victims from deleting System 32, which (if possible) would require you to re-install Windows.

Researching it on the web, I was amazed at how many other pranksters created wallpapers, etc., urging people to delete System 32. Don't do it.

I seem to recall there's a Linux command to force-remove, recursively, all files starting at root. Malicious types would post the command on forums as a fix. I think it's easier to catch out Linux noobs with this nasty trick, due to them being unfamiliar with console stuff. It's something like rm -rf/ .

The only Bash I know is sudo make me a sandwich - xkcd: Sandwich .