How to Make a Instant Computer Crashing Usb

by Kago

1.8K125

Intro: How to Make a Instant Computer Crashing Usb

with this you will learn how to make a USB flash drive that, when inserted will hardcrash a computer instantly.

what you need:
soldering iron, solder, usb drive (size doesn't matter, but smaller is cheaper), small piece of rainbow wire

alt method: substitue usb flash drive for the end of a usb cable

other instructables to refrence for help
https://www.instructables.com/id/S453PMXFJX8VQ0F/ (usb cable)
https://www.instructables.com/id/SXCYC87FPIOLIIV/ (taking apart flash drive)

sorry for bad image quality
, had to use phone cam

note:
will not work on some computers, such as the mac book and hp dv6000

DISCLAIMER: (stop commenting about it now)
THIS MAY DAMAGE YOUR USB PORT
THIS MAY ALSO DAMAGE YOUR MoBo

this could permanently damage usb ports also <<true
It burns out the USB power ship on the mobo, rendering it, and the entire computer, useless. << soemtimes
I bet the author is like that stupid kid from that TV advert that tries to jam his scooter in the dishwasher. No consideration for other's property. Destroys peoples stuff and then runs off to play with his action figures or something without a care?<< false

STEP 1: Opening Your Flash Drive

there are a few ways to do this, most involve popping the casing apart at the middle seam, but it will vary with each drive, tinker around untill you get it apart. but remember you need to put it together later

alt method: cut off cable an inch from USB connector on cable


story:
i actually stubled upon this while trying to make a usb phone charger, and ended up crossing my power wires once and the computer instantly crashed.

(pics soon)

STEP 2: Solder Power Pins

locate the 4 pins going from the USB conector onto the circuit board,
then cut off and strip the ends of a piece of rainbow wire that will fit between these 2 pins (should be less than a cm long)
solder ends of wire onto ends of pins

alt method: there should be 4 wires inside,
the black will be ground and red should be positive, check each against the black wire with a voltmeter just in case(look for the combo that gives 5 volts)
cut all exept your 2 wires off, solder the 2 wires together

STEP 3: Put It Back Together

put the case back on the flash drive, this might take some tape, or if you just destroyed the case completely in step 1, just wrap the exposed circuit board with electric tape.

alt method: cover the end of the cable with electric tape or heat shrink tubing, (leave no wires exposed)

STEP 4: Plug It In

now when you plug this in to a computer it should cause the power pins on the usb port to short, causing a huge draw of power, either overloading the rail on the powersupply or causing the bios to force a shutdown.
(wont directly damage computer, but using too many times might, also any time there is an unexpected shutdown or powerloss you risk hard drive corruption)

25 Comments

bs031984 15 years ago

what a waist of time just drop kick the pc u plan on putting the flash drive into problem solved in a lot less time

ry25920 15 years ago

Sorry, but this won't work. My computer (hp dv6000) has a protection for that. It will say, "USB drawing too much power" and disable the USB. Keeping the computer on.

Arbitror 15 years ago

Same thing with me!

wierd idiot 15 years ago

yeah same here with my dell. Just tells me to unplug the device.

munchman 15 years ago

Simple alternative that is less dangerous to your pc. Pull the power cord.

mman1506 15 years ago

it can damge your files from quick shutdown,its not a very good idea to use psu protection to shut it down

FreeTom 15 years ago

I don't think this should even be on instructables. This is something designed only for damage, nothing good can come of it at all. No one would create one of these with the intention of using it on their own computer. @Kago: don't take it personal mate, there's just too many people who would see this and end up destroying someone's machine along with all their work etc. If someone pulled this on me, heads would roll, figuratively of course.

bikerbob2005 15 years ago

using the search on the site I got a bunch of hits for the word destruction.
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Kill-Fire-Ants-and-Commit-Genocide/
should we ban all of them?
Or a slider app to rate the amount of damage?From my postings I do try to inform reader of known risks,and allways open to concerns I might have missed/glossed over.
I see this site for sharing instructions on a lot of levels ,even nukes have instructions on how to use.
BTW what do you do with old computer/electronics ? After a point mine go to the fence and get shot .Film at 11

rugby471 15 years ago

Stop being so harsh on this Instructable. Ever look at the comment before you post? 'We have a "be nice" comment policy. Please be positive and constructive with your comments or risk being banned from our site. ' Now although people may not want to do this (maybe just to their enemies :-] ) it is still interesting so flaming this guy's work!

wierd idiot 15 years ago

I don't think too many people even notice that. I know that I do tho.

hominid 15 years ago

I'm not sure I understand the purpose of shorting out the USB. Do you honestly think people would want to do this? I wouldn't and obviously you would. Oh well, whatever floats your boat.

craig3 15 years ago

at schools to annoy the teachers?

jeff-o 15 years ago

Looking back at my time at school, I see no point in annoying the teachers. It just makes things worse for everyone.

craig3 15 years ago

thats the point, to annoy and make it worse for everyone

Kago 15 years ago

@Magnelectrostatic rainbow wire>> 2 insulated wires stuck together @hands without shadows i said you could use a usb cable, like i did in the pictures

DWinker 15 years ago

What is rainbow wire?

Hands Without Shadows 15 years ago

As terrible of an idea this is; the worst part is that you recomend for us to mutilate a flash drive. Go to the dollar store and buy a 3" usb extension cord.

tyeo098 15 years ago

It doesnt crash it. It burns out the USB power ship on the mobo, rendering it, and the entire computer, useless. Ive done this before on accident...
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