Basic Troubleshooting Guide -- Volume 1 MSI Technical Support Department
  The Basic troubleshooting guide is intended to provide you with a guide to problems that you may experience with the system:
• Not Posting (no display on power up)
• Stability Problems
• No BOOT (system will boot to a display but will not boot to operating system)
Download PDF Version for offline viewing (2.31MB)
   
 
No Post
  • Power supply issue
  • BIOS problems
  • Non supported components
  • Diagnostic codes
  • Jumper settings
  • Shorting issues
  • Component related issues
     
Stability Problems
  • BIOS related
  • How to identify your motherboard model and BIOS version
  • How to update your motherboard BIOS
  • CPU Temperature
  • Memory Issues
  • CPU Problem
     
No Boot (system does post)
  • Hard drives not detected
  • Hard drives are detected at boot
  • SATA configuration
  • RAID controller configuration
     
nView functions
  • Clone view and Dual view setup
     
TV@nywhere Issues
  • Hardware issues
  • Software setup
  • Audio/Video troubleshooting
     
K8N Neo Serires NEW!
  • FAQ
  • NVIDIA RAID
     
P4 Socket 775 CPU Installation NEW!
  • How to install Pentium 4 socket 775 processors
 
Notebook Remote Controller Slot NEW!
  • How to plugin the remote controller on GX700 correctly
 
   
   
 
No Post - Power supply issues
     
  System has no power
    Verify that power supply is of the appropriate wattage for system.
   
• 300 WATT minimum recommended for most ATX form factor systems.
• On high end systems with fast video card, fast CPU, RAID HD array may require a larger power supply such as a 350 watt
• P4 motherboards require ATX 2.03 spec power supply with ATX 12v 4 pin connector connected to JPW1 4pin power header on the motherboard
    Disconnect power from other devices such as drives, case fans, etc.
    Verify that case power switch is working
   
• Bypass case switch by shorting power switch pins on motherboard with small screwdriver
    Verify that power supply switches are set correctly
   
• Set 115/230v switch
• Setup power supply power switch to ON for power supplies equipped with power switch
• Verify that ¡§Clear CMOS¡¨ jumper JBAT1 is set to pins 1-2 (Keep DATA)
     
  Power supply rating label example
   
The image at the right is an typical power supply rating and wattage, notice the wattage of the power supply on the label. Along with the wattage, the make and model of the power supply as well as the DC & AMP output are listed ------>
  Power supply switches
    Make sure that the power supply is switch to ON for the power supply, and also check to see if the power supply is set to either 115 volt or 230 volt.
     
   
     
  Power supply connections
    Figure below shows typical cable connection found on the power supply
   
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No Post - BIOS problems
     
  Incorrect BIOS settings by user
   
Clear CMOS with jumper JBAT1
With system powered off move jumper JBAT1 from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3 for 15 seconds and then return the jumper to pins 1-2 and retest the system.
 
  Clear CMOS settings by removing battery
   
• First locate the battery on the board. The battery is similar in shape and size to a nickel. (Fig 9-a)
• There should be a small clip on the side of the battery socket. Unclip the battery and the battery should pop up and you can to remove the battery
• Remove the battery for several minutes and then re-install the battery. (Fig 9-b)
   
   
     
  BIOS flash failed during BIOS update
    Try BIOS recovery for AMI or Award BIOS
   
AMI BIOS recovery procedure
• Rename the desired AMI BIOS file to AMIBOOT.ROM and save it on a floppy disk. e.g. Rename A6712VMS.190 to AMIBOOT.ROM
• Insert this floppy disk in the floppy drive. Turn On the system and press and hold Ctrl-Home to force update. It will read the AMIBOOT.ROM file and recover the BIOS from the A drive.
• When 4 beeps are heard you may remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
Award BIOS recovery procedure
• Make a bootable floppy disk
• Copy the Award flash utility files & bios file to the bootable floppy diskette
• Open Notepad and put the following command line e.g. awdfl826B w6777NMS.140 than save to the floppy drive and name as Autoexec.bat
• Restart system with the floppy diskette that contains the Award utility & bios file (it will take less than 2 minutes before screen comes out)
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No Post - Non supported components
     
  Verify that components are supported
   
Check MSI website to verify that CPU being used is supported by motherboard
• CPU support lists available by model on MSI Taiwan website
• In addition to CPU speed being supported, verify that processors core type is supported
• P4 Northwood, P4 Willamette
• AMD XP Thunderbird, Thoroughbred, Barton, etc.
 
    Verify that video card is supported
   
• Many of the newer chipsets will not support 3.3v AGP cards, only 1.5v AGP cards can be used on many of the P4 chipsets.
• Motherboards that require 1.5v AGP spec will list requirement in manual.
• Check with video card manufacture or verify ¡§Golden Finger¡¨ (figure below) to determine if video card is 1.5v or 3.3v AGP spec.
        
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No Post - Diagnostic codes
     
  Verify POST beep codes
    Continues beeps or 1long 2short beeps = possible memory error
    • Try re-seating memory or test with different memory
    1long 2short or 8short beeps = possible video card problem
    • Try re-seating video card, test system with known good video card
    High/Low tone (siren sound)= CPU is overheating.
    • Verify that CPU heatsink is properly installed and power connected
     
  Check diagnostic LED codes from D-Bracket
    Motherboards equipped with D-Bracket may provide useful diagnostic codes for common problems on the diagnostic LEDS.
    • Listing of diagnostic LED codes can be located in manual for your motherboard .
     
  AMI Beep Code
   
Deep Code   Description
1 short   DRAMS refresh failure
2 short   Parity circuit failure
3 short   Base 64k RAM failure
4 short   System timer failure
5 short   Process failure
6 short   Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
7 short   Virtual mode exception error
8 short   Display memory Read/Write test failure
9 short   ROM BIOS checksum failure
10 short   CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
11 short   Cache Memory error
1 long, 3 short   Conventional/Extended memory failure
1 long, 8 short   Display/Retrace test failed
     
  AWARD Beep Code
   
Deep Code   Description
1 Long, 2 Short   A video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot intialize the video screen to display any additional information
Any other beep(s)   RAM problem
     
  What are the LED definitions of D-Bracket?
   
D-Bracket™2   Description
  System Power ON
-The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or not installed properly.
  Early Chipset Initialization
  Memory Detection Test
- Testing onboard memory size. The D-LED will hang if the memory module is damaged or not installed properly
  Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting
  Initializing Keyboard Controller
  Testing VGA BIOS
- This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the screen
  Processor Initialization
- This will show information regarding the processor (like brand name, system bus, etc...)
  Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)
  Initializing Video Interface
- This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter
  BIOS Sign On
- This will start showing information about logo, processor brand name, etc...
  Testing Base and Extended Memory
- Testing base memory from 240K to 640K and extended memory above 1MB using various patterns
  Assign Resources to all ISA
  Initializing Hard Drive Controller
- This will initialize IDE drive and controller
  Initializing Floppy Drive Controller
- This will initializing Floppy Drive and controller
  Boot Attempt
- This will set low stack and boot via INT 19h
  Operating System Booting
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No Post - Jumper settings
     
  Verify jumper settings on motherboard
    Motherboard jumpers for particular model are normally located in section 2 ¡§Hardware setup¡¨ of the manual.
    On motherboards equipped with jumpers to set the FSB speed, verify that the FSB speed is set correctly for your CPU.
   
• Athlon based systems may require jumper setting
  • CPU FSB 200 = 100MHz on motherboard
  • CPU FSB 266 = 133MHz on motherboard
  • CPU FSB 333 = 166MHz on motherboard
  • CPU FSB 400 = 200MHz on motherboard
• P4 based systems do not normally use a jumper to set the FSB speed, the FSB speed will be auto detected on P4 systems.
     
  Verify that the CMOS jumper is set correctly.
    Clear CMOS jumper (normally JBAT1) must be set to ¡§Keep settings¡¨ to allow the system to POST
    If JBAT1 is set to ¡§clear CMOS¡¨ position the motherboard will not power on or post
   
• On most MSI motherboards you will set JBAT1 as listed below
  • JBAT1 pins 1-2 Keep settings
  • JBAT1 pins 2-3 Clear CMOS settings
  • Verify the correct setting for your motherboard in manual as the correct setting may vary from model to model
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No Post - Shorting issues
     
  Motherboard Grounding to case causing No Post
   
Test the motherboard outside of the case to verify that the motherboard is not shorting to the case and causing a problem
  • With only the CPU and heat sink, memory, and video card (or onboard video) connected to the motherboard, place the motherboard on a non-conductive surface and retest the motherboard
  • Check the case mounting standoffs to verify that they are lining up correctly with the mounting holes on the motherboard.
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No Post - Component related issues
     
  Eliminate comoponents as possible cause
   
Test system with minimal components installed.
  • With only CPU w/ heat sink, memory and video connected retest system
Verify that all of the components on the system are in good working order
  • Test motherboard with known good components
  • Test components on known good system
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Stability Problems - BIOS related
     
  Verify that you have the latest BIOS
   
BIOS updates can fix many stability problems
  • Memory timing issues
  • CPU ID issues
Latest BIOS update can be found on the MSI website or obtained using the Live Update utility.
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Stability Problems - How to identify your motherboard model and BIOS version
     
  How to identify the BIOS version
    Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS version. It is usually in the format:
A6590VMS V5.2 091096 where:
1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI W = AWARD
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.
6th digit refers to the chipset of the MB (example: V = VIA, S = SiS, I = Intel, A = AMD)
7th - 8th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers.
V5.2 refers to the BIOS version.
091096 refers to the date this BIOS is released.
     
   
     
  How to identify your motherboard model version and ERP number
   
Motherboard model is located between PCI slots listing both the model name and model number   The ERP number is located on the side of the last PCI slot near the edge of the motherboard
     
 
Model name: KT6 Delta
Model number: MS-6590 		  ERP number: 010 as listed under M/LOT
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Stability Problems - How to update your motherboard BIOS
     
 
• Download the latest BIOS for your motherboard from the MSI website.
• Extract the BIOS files to a blank formatted floppy disk
• Boot the system with a bootable floppy disk l
  • A Windows 98 or ME startup disk can be used, or you can create an MS-DOS startup disk under Windows XP.
   
• To create an MS-DOS startup disk under Windows XP, right click on the 3.5¡¨ floppy drive icon under my computer and select format. On the format dialog box check the box next to ¡§Create MS-DOS startup disk¡¨
• Replace the boot disk with the floppy disk containing the BIOS files
• At the A:\ prompt, you will type in the following command
    A:\FLASHUTILITY BIOSFILE.VER
• The flash utility will be the .EXE file included in the BIOS download
  Example: ADSFI712.EXE =BIOS FLASH UTILITY
• The BIOS file will end with the version number  
  Example: A6728ims.210 = BIOS file version 2.1
• To update the BIOS using the example above you would type the following command
    A:\ADSF712 A6728ims.210
Follow the onscreen prompts to update the BIOS
• Reboot the system once the BIOS update has been completed
• DO NOT TURN OFF THE POWER or RESET/REBOOT the SYSTEM before the BIOS update is completed, stopping the BIOS UPDATE before it is completed will cause the system to become non-functional
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Stability Problems - CPU Temperature
     
   
• Verify that CPU is not exceeding recommended temperature by checking the CPU temperature in the BIOS under PC Health status
• Check CPU heatsink/fan is properly installed
  • Verify that any cover over the thermal interface on the bottom of the CPU HSF is removed
  • Verify that CPU HSF is recommended for your CPU
• Check for CPU overclocking which may cause overheating
  • Check CPU FSB clock
  • Check CPU Vcore voltage
• Check computer case for proper ventilation
   
   
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Stability Problems - Memory Issues
     
   
• Check memory timing in the bios
  • Set memory timing by SPD for automatic timing settings (Fig-a)
  • If that doesn't help, set memory timing manually according to memory specification listed on memory (Fig-b) or by contacting the manufacture.
• Test with a single stick of memory
  • Test each piece of memory individually to verify memory is in good working condition
  • Test each DIMM slot on the motherboard
• Re-seat the memory in the DIMM slot to verify that it is properly installed.
   
(Fig-a) (Fig-b)
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Stability Problems - CPU Problem (not heat related)
     
  • Disable CPU internal cache (maybe listed in Bios as L1 & L2 cache (Figure below))
  • Test motherboard with a different CPU or test CPU on another motherboard to verify that the CPU is good
     
   
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No Boot (system does post) - Hard drives not detected
     
 
• Check jumper settings on all IDE devices
• Verify that IDE controller is configured correctly in the BIOS
• Check to make sure that the drive is connected to the correct controller
  • Make sure drives are configured correctly for RAID
  • Verify Onchip IDE configuration for ICH5 SATA operation is set correctly
• Test drives with different IDE/SATA cables
     
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No Boot (system does post) - Hard drives are detected at boot
     
  • Verify boot sequence is set correctly for your configuration in the BIOS under Advanced BIOS Features
  • Test system with bootable floppy disk or with a bootable cd
     
   
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No Boot (system does post) - SATA configuration
     
  Configure BIOS Settings
    Configuring BIOS Settings for the Intel ICH5(R)
   
• Under Advanced BIOS Features
(Fig-a)
  • Boot Sequence ¡V Select your S-ATA hard drive
• Under Integrated peripherals
  • Onboard Promise ¡V Disable
  • On-Chip IDE configuration (Intel ICH5(R) Only) (Fig-a)
  • Operate Mode ¡V Select Native mode for Windows XP, Select Legacy mode for Windows 9x/ME/2000
  • ATA Configuration ¡V Select S-ATA only
  • S-ATA Keep Enabled ¡V Yes(Default)
  • P-ATA Keep Enabled ¡V Select Yes
  • P-ATA Channel Selection ¡V Both(Default)
  • Combined Mode Option ¡V P-ATA 1st Channel(Default)
  • S-ATA Ports Definition ¡V P0-1st/P1-2nd
  • Configure S-ATA as Raid(ICH5R Only) ¡V Select No for single hard drive configuration
    Configuring BIOS Settings for the Promise Controller
   
• Under Advanced BIOS Features
  • Boot Sequence ¡V Select your S-ATA hard drive
• Under Integrated peripherals
  • Onboard Promise - Select as S-ATA
  • On-Chip IDE configuration(Intel ICH5(R) Only)
  • Operate Mode ¡V Select Native mode for Windows XP, Select Legacy mode for Windows 9x/ME/2000
  • ATA Configuration ¡V Select P-ATA only
  • S-ATA Keep Enabled ¡V Select No
  • P-ATA Keep Enabled ¡V No(Default)
  • P-ATA Channel Selection ¡V Select Both
  • Combined Mode Option ¡V P-ATA 1st Channel(Default)
  • S-ATA Ports Definition ¡V P0-1st/P1-2nd(Default)
  • Configure S-ATA as Raid(ICH5R Only) ¡V Select No for single hard drive configuration
    Configuring BIOS Settings for the VIA VT8237
   
• Under Advanced BIOS Features
  • Boot Sequence ¡V Select your S-ATA hard drive
• Under Integrated peripherals
  • VT8237 SATA-IDE Controller ¡V Make sure its enabled
     
  Installing Windows 200/XP on a single S-ATA Hard Drive
   
• Right after booting off of the Windows cd, you need to push the F6 key when prompted (Fig-a)
• Next when prompted (Fig-b) install the correct driver from the floppy disk provided with the motherboard, press the S key to specify the driver, and select the correct driver depending on which controller you are using, then press enter key to continue.
• After this Windows 2000/XP will continue the installation, and will detect the S-ATA hard drive to be installed onto.
   
 
(Fig-a)   (Fig-b)
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No Boot (system does post) - RAID controller configuration
     
  Configure RAID Array First
    For the VIA VT8237 RAID
   
• Push the Tab key once prompted to enter the Via VT8237 Setup.
• Next, Select Create Array (Fig-a)
• Select Array mode, and choose either Striping or Mirroring, then select the first option, Auto Setup to configure the RAID Array (Fig-b), then go back to the Main Menu screen, and select the Select Boot Array option (Fig-a), to make the array you just created bootable .
   
 
(Fig-a)   (Fig-b)
    For the Promise RAID
   
• Push Control-F once prompted to enter the Promise RAID Setup.
• Next, select Auto Setup (Fig-a)
• Now select Performance (Striping) or Security (Mirroring), and then push Control-Y to configure the RAID Array and save the settings. (Fig-b)
   
 
(Fig-a)   (Fig-b)
    For the Intel ICH5R RAID
   
• Push Control-I once prompted to enter the Intel ICH5R RAID Setup.
• Next, select option 1. Create RAID Volume, (Fig-a)
• Now name the RAID Volume, then select the Raid Level, RAID0(Stripe) or RAID1(Mirror), next choose the Strip Size, and then create the volume. (Fig-b)
   
 
(Fig-a)   (Fig-b)
     
  Next Configuring BIOS Settings for RAID Array
   
• Under Integrated Peripherals
  • Depending on which controller you are using, ICH5R, Promise, or Via VT8237, make sure to enable the RAID option.
• Under Advanced BIOS Features
  • Boot Sequence ¡V Select your RAID Array
  • Save and exit out of the bios, and boot off of the Windows cd.
     
  Installing Windows 2000/XP on a RAID Array
   
• Right after booting off of the Windows cd, you need to push the F6 key when prompted (Fig-a)
• Next when prompted (Fig-b) install the correct driver from the floppy disk provided with the motherboard, press the S key to specify the driver, and select the correct driver depending on which controller you are using, then press enter key to continue.
• After this Windows 2000/XP will continue the installation, and will detect the RAID Arrayto be installed onto.
   
 
(Fig-a)   (Fig-b)
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nView functions - Clone view and Dual view setup
     
  nView: Clone Function duplicates the exact content of the primary display to the secondary (TV/2nd monitor)
  nView: Dual View Function expands the screen of the primary display to the secondary (TV/2nd monitor) and allows both the primary and secondary to display different contents
     
 
• Connect the TV/2nd Monitor to the video card before powering up the computer   • Click "FX5700" Tag
• Go to Display Properties by right-click on the Desktop Screen • nView Display Mode
• Click on Settings • Clone or Dual View Function
• Click on Advanced    
 
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TV@nywhere Issues - Hardware issues
     
  Hardware Installation
   
Card not detecting
  • Re-seat the card in PCI slot
  • Try installing into another PCI slot
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TV@nywhere Issues - Software setup
     
  Software Installation
   
Will not auto run
  • Manually run "demo32.exe" file from auto run folder in CD (usually drive D)
Requires a serial number
  • Found on CD label (Fig-a) or on CD sleeve (Fig-b)
After starting installation follow onscreen directions.
 
 
(Fig-a)   (Fig-b)
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TV@nywhere Issues - Audio/Video troubleshooting
     
  Will not detect channels
   
• Ensure source is set to TV (Figure below)
• And device is set to Conexant 2388
• Also standard is set to NTSC_M
 
     
  Not detecting channels correctly
   
• Ensure correct country is selected (i.e. USA)
• Also input should be set to antenna or cable depending on your setup.
  Note: digital cable not supported
   
 
     
  No sound or video when capturing from external video source
   
• Make sure sound and video output from source device are connected to composite Video In or S-Video In and Line In of TV card and sound card respectively
   
 
     
  Sound but no video
   
• Ensure source is set to composite or S-Video depending on input being used.
• Ensure cable is connected to Video Out on source
• Start source playing before activating PVS software.
   
 
     
  Video but no sound
   
• Ensure audio input is set to Line In   • Make sure Line-In is selected in sound properties recording controls
• Also check that sound card is listed under Audio Input Device
• Check that audio cable is connected to Audio Out on source and Line In on sound card • Make sure Line-In volume is not too low
   
 
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K8N Neo Series - FAQ
     
 
Question: System fan and power supply fan are spinning but the CPU fan is not, and the motherboard does not post
Answer: If this occurs, the 12V 4pin power connector (JPW1) needs to be connected to the motherboard
     
 
Question: Can I RAID and IDE hard drive with a SATA hard drive?
Answer: Yes you can, just make sure to enable the correct controller in the BIOS, under integrated peripherals/onboard device/RAID config.
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K8N Neo Series - NVIDIA RAID
     
  How to configure the onboard RAID
   
• First, you need to go into the motherboard bios, under integrated peripherals/onboard device/Raid config, and enable the IDE/SATA connection you are using in which you want to Raid, and then save and exit out of the bios.
   
 
   
• Next you will need to setup your raid configuration, by pushing F10 to enter Raid setup. (Fig 53-a)
   
 
   
• Now select Striping, Mirroring, Striping+Mirroring, Spanning.
• Next push the tab key, and select the striping block size you want.
• Push the tab key again, and select the hard drives you want to include in the Raid array.
• Then push F7 to save and finish the Raid array.
   
 
   
• Now push Ctrl-X to exit the Raid setup, after exiting the Raid setup, restart your system and go into the motherboard bios.
   
 
   
• Go to Advanced BIOS Features, select the 1st/2nd/3rd boot device as hard disk. Then go to the Hard Disk Boot Priority option, and select the hard drive you want to boot from, and then save and exit out of the bios.
   
 
     
  How to install Windows 2000/XP using the onboard RAID
     
   
• Right after booting off of the Windows cd, you need to push the F6 key when prompted
   
 
   
• Next when prompted push the S key, and install the Nvidia Raid Class Driver, then push the S key again, and install the Nvidia Nforce Storage Controller Driver, in which the screen will look like this, then push enter to continue.
   
    
   
• After this Windows 2000/XP will continue the installation, and will detect the Raid array to be installed onto.
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P4 Socket 775 CPU Intallation
     
  How to install Pentium 4 Socket 775 Processors
     
   
     
   
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
     
Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
     
Step 7 Step 8 Step 9
     
Step 10 Step 11 Step 12
     
Step 13 Step 14 Step 15
     
   
Please make sure the black plastic cap is on the CPU bracket to protect the socket pin when the CPU is not installed or when sending the board for service.
     
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Notebook Remote Controller Slot

     
  How to plugin the remote controller on GX700 correctly
   
Correct Wrong
   
Correct Wrong
   
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