Windows XP Horror Edition, also known as WinXP.Horror.Destructive, is a prank or scareware application that disguises itself as a Windows XP update. It was created by WobbyChip and was first distributed to YouTube user Siam Alam to showcase on his channel. The application is designed to install malware on the user's computer, leading to a series of jumpscares and other disturbing effects.
Fake Update: The program presents a fake update for Windows XP with a progress bar that reaches 66% completion. This is accompanied by the Windows Welcome Music, also known as "Velkommen" or "Thresh, the Chain Warden."
Error Message: When the user clicks "OK" on the error message "Setup cannot copy the file ntdll.dll Setup will use the file 666.sys," the background turns red, and the Windows XP logo changes to a monochromatic eye with the text "Don't Look Behind You." The screen then displays glitchy static before turning black, with the cursor still visible.
Red Windows XP Startup Animation: After a brief pause, the screen displays a red Windows XP startup animation where the logo is replaced with a red skull with eyes looking towards the user.
Welcome Screen: The Welcome screen is now red and has a black, crying eye.
Desktop Changes: The desktop wallpaper changes to various creepy pictures and glitchy effects. The Start button is replaced with text reading "", and a bloody white hand is displayed. Four icons labeled "My Computer," "NOTHING," "DON'T OPEN ME.txt," and "Recycle Bin" are also present.
Start Menu: The Start menu appears in red, showing that the username has been changed to "666" and the user icon has been changed. Clicking on certain assets, such as the user icon, can trigger jumpscares.
Fake Notepad Window: Opening the "DON'T OPEN ME.txt" file opens a fake Notepad window with bloody text that reads "CONGRATULATION YOU OPENED ME DO YOU WANNA PLAY A GAME OKEY THEN LOOK BEHIND YOU." This is followed by a jumpscare from the video game with a loud screech and the text "Game Over."
"NOTHING" Icon: Clicking the "NOTHING" icon displays the animation "The Sad Man" by Jake Lava, followed by a glitchy effect that makes the icon unopenable.
Recycle Bin Icon: Clicking the Recycle Bin icon causes the icon to glitch in a similar manner to the "DON'T OPEN ME.txt" and "NOTHING" icons.
My Computer Icon: Clicking the My Computer icon displays a message that warns the user about potentially damaging their computer. Selecting "Yes" results in a Phantom Balloon Boy jumpscare from the video game, followed by a fake red Screen of Death (RSoD).
MBR Overwrite: Finally, the program overwrites the Master Boot Record (MBR) with an image displaying a monochromatic eye along with the message "I'M WATCHING YOU Created by WobbyChip."
To fix the overwritten MBR, the user may use the Windows Setup loader on the installation media, access the Command Prompt through Repair Your Computer, and enter the commands bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /fixmbr. Alternatively, the MBR can be repaired using NeoSmart's Easy Recovery Essentials, a recovery and diagnostic tool designed to restore non-functioning Windows computers.
The Peaceful version of the software differs from the Destructive version in that after the Phantom Balloon Boy jumpscare and fake RSoD, the application simply closes instead of triggering a BSoD and overwriting the MBR.
The following applications contain multiple screamers, as well as a malicious script that will harm your computer:
