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How you look after your work tools can tell everyone a lot about you as a person, your character, and your values. In the Digital Age, that usually means your personal computer, laptop, or smartphone. The reality is that most people simply don’t take good enough care of their devices. And who’s left to pick up the pieces? Tech support workers!

Our team here at Bored Panda has collected the best posts of all time, as shared on the massively popular ‘Tech Support Gore’ subreddit. The online group is a niche for tech support workers to share the worst things they’ve ever seen on the job, and some of their experiences are truly mind-boggling. Scroll down to see what horrors they’ve had to face!

#1

Ticket Said "Camera Flickers To Fuzzy Brown Image Often"

Ticket Said "Camera Flickers To Fuzzy Brown Image Often"

reddit.com Report

#3

Ancient Temple Of Asus

Ancient Temple Of Asus

3 years ago Report

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Daniel Atkins
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Should we photoshop Indiana Jones into this picture Indiana Jones and the Dell of Dust Bunnies.

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"A lot of the content on the subreddit does rather well, except for people coming for actual tech support, they get redirected to the right subreddit,” one of the subreddit’s moderators told one of our colleagues at Bored Panda previously.

“In a time where most of the internet can be incredibly serious and most times saddening or angering, r/techsupportgore is fun because you go on it and you can laugh (and/or cringe) at the crazy posts. Where else can you see a post like, ‘Wow, these cables really are messy’ to ‘A lizard fried my motherboard’ back to back? I love our growing community. They're a bunch of people that just enjoy tech and to some extent, the worst of it.”

#4

Told A User To Shutdown Their Virus Infected Computer And Ship It Back And To Label It As Infected. They Did Good

Told A User To Shutdown Their Virus Infected Computer And Ship It Back And To Label It As Infected. They Did Good

reddit.com Report

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#5

End User Had A Heater Next To The PC Which Was Randomly Shutting Off And She Thought She Had Smelled Burning A Couple Of Times. It Is Literally Screaming

End User Had A Heater Next To The PC Which Was Randomly Shutting Off And She Thought She Had Smelled Burning A Couple Of Times. It Is Literally Screaming

Dragon_Khan Report

#6

Quality Repost Here. (I Assume This Has Been Posted Before)

Quality Repost Here. (I Assume This Has Been Posted Before)

imgur.com Report

The r/techsupportgore subreddit was first created a whopping 12 years ago, way back in 2012.

Over more than a decade, the community has grown to 622k members from all around the globe. It’s mainly composed of tech and IT workers, as well as anyone with a penchant for tech-related comedy and horrors.

#7

The Computer Keeps Overheating

The Computer Keeps Overheating

-Dastardly- Report

#8

First Day On Job; Set Up Those 4 Wireless Speakers For You

First Day On Job; Set Up Those 4 Wireless Speakers For You

reddit.com Report

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#9

I Can't Even

I Can't Even

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Bill Swallow
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1) *REALLY* good face mask. Like 'Biohazard-Level' Quality. 2) Industrial-Grade Shop-Vac. 3) LOTS of replacement bags for the Shop-Vac. 4) Replacement filters and motor for the Shop-Vac. 5) Hospital-style elastic pull-on booties and disposable paper coveralls. 6) Good Luck, We're all counting on you.

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Some of us might not care how computers work as long as they do, but we enjoy poking fun at someone who doesn’t take care of their device. But the more familiar you are with IT and its culture, the more painful looking at some of these photos is bound to be.

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If you’re any kind of creative or craftsperson, it hurts watching someone disrespect your work tools, whether they’re computers, paintbrushes, or musical instruments.

#10

“The Printer Isn’t Working”

“The Printer Isn’t Working”

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Little Wonder
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happened to me at work once, everyone complaining the printer wasn't printing and no one owned up to loading the paper.

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The team managing the entire community behind the scenes describes the sub as a place that will make you “cringe to the brink of passing out after a few minutes.” According to the moderators, something to keep in mind is that the online group isn’t meant to help people sort out their tech support issues.

The moderators urge you to try reaching out to the r/techsupport subreddit (a separate community) if you need some actual help with your tech. Meanwhile, if you plan on posting on r/techsupportgore, make sure that you don’t post pics of cracked screens or computers coated in dust. Both of these situations are so common that they’re usually not worth sharing. Well, unless things look really atrocious!

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#14

So Mac Doesnt Support Windows But Atleast It Supports Doors

So Mac Doesnt Support Windows But Atleast It Supports Doors

BateauSai Report

#15

Hospital Server Room

Hospital Server Room

reddit.com Report

The subreddit isn’t just home to photos, though. Videos are welcome, too. However, the moderators urge all of the community members to focus on short-format clips. That means that the videos should not be longer than 30 seconds. According to the mods, “This is plenty of time to show what needs to be shown.”

#16

Customer Describes A “Slight” Burning Smell

Customer Describes A “Slight” Burning Smell

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Pink kitty
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they were sick of all the emails that kept coming through so put it into the oven next to the phone

Boredest Panda
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they're nose blind. Maybe their used to burning tech. I mean, if you're gonna treat your tech like that, you're probably irresponsivle enough to do it multipe times.

Ovata Acronicta
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Entirely possible it had a slight burning smell when the customer sent it/dropped it off. Then the spicy pillow did the thing. Or customer was absurd, both are just as likely.

Highball
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What? Was it his neighbor's computer? Then again, I'd like to take a blow torch, or maybe an axe to mine. It wouldn't work any worse.

Riley Quinn
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a poor sense of smell, but even I wouldn't classify this as a "slight" burning smell.

Anonymous
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

who attacked this computer, it looks like someone tore off peices of it

Danish Susanne
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must have had Covid recently to describe it as slightly burning smell.

laura lee
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Battery overheated while not in use it seems. Left plugged in?

Comedy Clumbers
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But... isn't the battery on the back on this model? It burned but the battery stayed out of it‽ Did they set it on a grill or something?

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#17

"My Fan Was Making Too Much Noise!"

"My Fan Was Making Too Much Noise!"

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Boredest Panda
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should turn the volume of your computer down. I'm sure that'll help. /s

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#18

I Should Tell Them It's Not A Touch Screen

I Should Tell Them It's Not A Touch Screen

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had so many co-workers in IT who simply could not point at an area of the screen, they HAD to mash their finger against it. No matter how many times I said Don't touch my screen, and when I did say it, they looked at me like I had said something insane. Never could understand that weird compulsion. So annoying.

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Tech support, at its core, means solving all kinds of problems related to tech products or services. These workers essentially fix, manage, and maintain various IT systems. It’s an essential job, especially when computers and IT systems are so ubiquitous.

Most often, this support is provided to customers via phone or chat. However, there are times when the customer meets the support staff in person. Say, when they bring in their laptop or phone for fixing. Or if they have issues with their hardware or software at the office.

#19

Is This The Worst Spaghetti Cabling Ever?

Is This The Worst Spaghetti Cabling Ever?

starsky Report

#20

Forbidden Caprisun

Forbidden Caprisun

Robert694n Report

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Data1001
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a phone that had a battery which expanded almost half that much. Couldn't afford to replace it, so I just crossed my fingers every time I had to fire it up that it wouldn't burst. Pretty stupid as I look back on it now.

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#21

One Of My Co-Workers Was Eager To Unpack Her New Mouse

One Of My Co-Workers Was Eager To Unpack Her New Mouse

reddit.com Report

Tech support workers earn an average of $21.55 per hour in the United States. That amounts to roughly $56,572 per year, according to Indeed. Of course, this is just the average. Some companies, for instance, ‘Oracle,’ pay their tech support employees around $83,614 per year, while the average wage at ‘Novogene Corporation’ clocks in at $69,020.

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#22

This Key After 10 Years Of Entering Orders At My Grandmothers Shop

This Key After 10 Years Of Entering Orders At My Grandmothers Shop

techsupportgore Report

#23

Apparently Someone Got Tired Of It Ringing, So The Put It In The Oven

Apparently Someone Got Tired Of It Ringing, So The Put It In The Oven

techsupportgore Report

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Boredest Panda
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay wait. Why the actual f would you put a piece of TECHNOLOGY made of likely very EXPENSIVR MATERIALS in the oven. What have we come to? This is why we should just let some smarter animals rule. Who votes cats?

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#24

I Need Somewhere To Set This Candle... Oh Here’s A Good Spot!

I Need Somewhere To Set This Candle... Oh Here’s A Good Spot!

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Realistic Optimist
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people who don't know better in corporate offices. Heaters right against towers, power strips plugged into each other, covering computer vents and fans completely, etc. Outside of IT/tech people often dont think about it. Also, it's weirdly common for people to run over their laptops 🤷‍♂️.

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The most highly paid tech support employees in the US live in Houston, Texas (they earn an average of $62,425 per year), Boston, Massachusetts ($61,937 per year), and Nashville, Tennessee ($61,230 per year).

Workers based in Orlando, Florida, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada, earn slightly less than the US average. Meanwhile, tech support staff also get paid far less, on average, if they’re based in Austin, Texas ($54,045 per year), compared to Houston.

#25

German T-Mobile Found 3 Snakes Inside Their Network Unit

German T-Mobile Found 3 Snakes Inside Their Network Unit

techsupportgore Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The snakes were taken to Cologne Zoo for a health check and identification. They were unharmed and not danger noodles, so they were released back outside near where they started.

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#27

I Found This While Scrolling Through My Camera Roll From 2018, Enjoy

I Found This While Scrolling Through My Camera Roll From 2018, Enjoy

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Boredest Panda
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AAAHH! IT'S LIKE A GODZILLA MADE OF WIRES! WIREZILLA!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!!

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What is the worst thing that’s ever happened to your computer, phone, or other device, Pandas? Have you ever worked in tech support or asked for help from someone in that line of work? Have you ever had to deal with clients who took awful care of their devices? What’s the best and worst experience you’ve had with support staff?

We’d like to hear what you have to say. Swing on by the comments if you have a moment.

#28

I Said "Put It In Rice." Not "Put Rice In It"

I Said "Put It In Rice." Not "Put Rice In It"

techsupportgore Report

#30

Just Set It On Fire

Just Set It On Fire

techsupportgore Report

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Peter Parker
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No worries, it is going to catch fire all by itself soon.

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#32

Customer States "Our Intercom At The Gate Doesn't Work" Meanwhile In The Connections Box

Customer States "Our Intercom At The Gate Doesn't Work" Meanwhile In The Connections Box

trdsc7797 Report

#33

User Spilt Coffee On His Laptop - So He Put It In The Oven To Dry It Out

User Spilt Coffee On His Laptop - So He Put It In The Oven To Dry It Out

smarthawk Report

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H_NGM_N
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, when has putting something electronic in the oven EVER fixed it?

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#34

“There’s Something Wrong With The Printer In The Lab...”

“There’s Something Wrong With The Printer In The Lab...”

techsupportgore Report

#37

Pretty

Pretty

Son0fSun Report

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Cerridwn d'Wyse
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know if somebody manufactured one that looks sort of like that people would buy it

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#38

This Must Be The Work Of A Madman

This Must Be The Work Of A Madman

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Mike F
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't get over the hdds hanging from randomly mounting cases. 🤷

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#39

Dont Use Lemonade To Clean Your Mouse. I Thought The Acidity Would Clean Off The Buildup Of Crumbs And Cheeto Grease But It Just Attracted These Ants. I Left Home For 2 Days, Just To See This On My Desk

Dont Use Lemonade To Clean Your Mouse. I Thought The Acidity Would Clean Off The Buildup Of Crumbs And Cheeto Grease But It Just Attracted These Ants. I Left Home For 2 Days, Just To See This On My Desk

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#40

Ps5 In For Hdmi Replacement. Kid Said “I Pushed The Cable In A Little Too Hard”

Ps5 In For Hdmi Replacement. Kid Said “I Pushed The Cable In A Little Too Hard”

cdq1985 Report

#41

Wondering The Story Behind This

Wondering The Story Behind This

FinishedToxicity Report

#42

I Think My Psu Has Some Kind Of Error

I Think My Psu Has Some Kind Of Error

the123king-reddit Report

#44

"You Can Fix Your Sisters Phone Right? It Gets Hot Sometimes And Turns Itself Off A Lot". "What's That Smell?" Battery Acid. Literally Battery Acid

"You Can Fix Your Sisters Phone Right? It Gets Hot Sometimes And Turns Itself Off A Lot". "What's That Smell?" Battery Acid. Literally Battery Acid

techsupportgore Report

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Gwyn
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm always amazed how long teens will use phones with screen cracks, banged up corners, and scratched up camera lenses.

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#45

User Calls About Disc Being Stuck In Another Computer, Mentions Off Hand About This Laptop. They Had Been Using And Charging It Like This For Weeks

User Calls About Disc Being Stuck In Another Computer, Mentions Off Hand About This Laptop. They Had Been Using And Charging It Like This For Weeks

techsupportgore Report

#46

Go Check The Switch Closet. We Think Something Might Have Gotten Unplugged Somewhere

Go Check The Switch Closet. We Think Something Might Have Gotten Unplugged Somewhere

reddit.com Report

#47

Customer Brought In This Imac For Not Powering On... This Is How He Apparently Uses It

Customer Brought In This Imac For Not Powering On... This Is How He Apparently Uses It

techsupportgore Report

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#48

The Nastiest Mouse I Have Ever Seen In The Field. Make No Mistake, That Is Not Dust. That Is...uh...hand-Grease

The Nastiest Mouse I Have Ever Seen In The Field. Make No Mistake, That Is Not Dust. That Is...uh...hand-Grease

techsupportgore Report

#50

“Can You Recover The Data?”

“Can You Recover The Data?”

Spore-Gasm Report

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#51

Say Hello To Big Bertha, A 1.69 Tb Text File. Over 108 Billion Lines

Say Hello To Big Bertha, A 1.69 Tb Text File. Over 108 Billion Lines

XandrowH Report

#53

Shipping Thousands Of Dollars Worth Of Computers With No Packaging Material

Shipping Thousands Of Dollars Worth Of Computers With No Packaging Material

techsupportgore Report

#54

"On A Scale Of One To Ten How Recoverable Is The Data On This Disk?"

"On A Scale Of One To Ten How Recoverable Is The Data On This Disk?"

Orgy-Wan-Kenobi-Sama Report

#55

One Of My Clients Upgraded His Phone But Kept His Old Screen “Protector”

One Of My Clients Upgraded His Phone But Kept His Old Screen “Protector”

techsupportgore Report

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Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would be fine, with appropriate Velcro tapes on the protector and on the back of the phone.

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#56

Tired Of Losing Your Adapter?

Tired Of Losing Your Adapter?

elchepibe Report

#58

The Things You Find Working A Helpdesk Job At A Failing University

The Things You Find Working A Helpdesk Job At A Failing University

Rilough96 Report

#59

Work From Home Equipment Returned

Work From Home Equipment Returned

UaintNOgangsta Report

#60

Just Had A Laptop Returned That Has A Used Bandaid As A Webcam Cover

Just Had A Laptop Returned That Has A Used Bandaid As A Webcam Cover

LEGOjon96 Report