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Windows XP Reboot Loop: Help!

ttotheizzay, on Wednesday June 11, 2008 11:55:04 AM
my computer is stuck in a reboot loop. i have an intel pentium 4 desktop computer. it is windows xp home edition. the problem happened after i installed the windows service package 2 (i know, im a little behind). it seemed to install the update fine but after i restarted my computer i couldnt seem to get to my desktop. the computer manages to get to the light blue windows xp loading screen but instead of entering my desktop the computer reboots and the whole process starts over again. after reading other forums, i tried the F8 method but couldnt seem to make it work. last known configuration and safe mode dont seem to work but i may have not done them correctly; im no computer whiz. but after pressing the "disable automatic restart on system failure" option, i got this error message on the "blue screen of death" (this happened after the light blue xp loading screen instead of it restarting like it usually does):
STOP: c000021a Unknown Hard Error
Unknown Hard Error

what should i do? i dont want to have to reinstall windows xp and lose my data as i have some important documents and music mp3s on it. ive read about possibly doing a repair install? how does that work, would it work, and would it save my data? is there another option? thanks in advance.
Configuration: Windows XP
Firefox 2.0.0.14
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Allwyn, on Sunday June 15, 2008 06:41:32 PM
Hi,

Let us try to repair windows.
Insert your Windows XP CD and restart the computer.
The Windows Installation wizard will appear.
Carefully proceed, till you find an option to "Repair...."
Click on Repair. Let it complete. This should fix our issue.

Note : IF CD is not detected automatically, you have to re-set BIOS configuration.
Press Del or F10 (depends) when the system starts and then set the Boot Priority.
Here make sure, CD drive is before Harddrive.

All the best.
Allwyn
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prashant, on Tuesday July 29, 2008 12:25:48 PM
Hi,
I am facing something similar. but atleast I am getting my desktop seen , after that if I click on either explorer, Iexplorer or any other program from the program menu it reboots.

It says an error message with blue color screen stating that probably due to recently installed new hardware or software is causing this problem. But I have not installed any software or hardware as such.

What I tried so far -
1. System restore in the safe mode. - restore successeded but result is the same
2. Virus scan - No result

My Dell Laptops details -
1. Windows Xp Home Edition with SP2
2. Intel core duo

I dont have orginal CD of Win XP, unfortunately due to added cost I have not opt to buy one.

Could you suggest me how to repair the Win XP without having CD ?

This looks like Os problem only, because if it has to something with hardware malfunctioning then in my other partition I have Windows Vista Home Basic also that works fine.


Thanks & Regards
Prashant
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computing, on Tuesday October 7, 2008 09:49:26 PM
Hey, I'm Edwin. Well, I have the same problem or at least similar. I ordered the Windows XP Home Edition disk from HP. I just had to pay with credit card $23.00 dollars including shipping which isn't that bad. Anyway, they asked me for my Serial Number and Product Number which comes on the back of my PC Tower. I got their number calling 411 and calling also the guys from microsoft. You should check if your Task Manager window still works by pressing CTRL + ALT + DELETE and from there you should click New Task in File and run your Programs from there. I recommend you to create a shortcut icon of the System Restore and leave it on your desktop so if something is malfunctioning or running weird, you could do a System Restore as I just told you, using the Task Manager window and opening the Restore Icon. If you don't know how to create shortcut copies, well. Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then right click where it says System Restore and click on Send to Desktop.

My problem is that now I don't get any response using the Alt Ctrl Delete keys combination on the desktop. I can only see the background pic of the desktop and no files are there at all. I right click and left-click the mouse but nothing shows. Now, my files are gone and I can't do the System Restore neither the System Recovery so I also need help.

If you do a System Recovery you will lose all the data (songs, files, videos and pictures) You may still be able to do a System Restore or System Recovery tho, when you turn on your computer and it is about to start, hit as many times F8. Then from there go to Windows XP System Recovery on Safe Mode. You may be able to bring your computer back to normal from there as when you first bought it without having to buy a Windows XP Home Edition disk yet. Your computer may also have come with a program that can make a Windows XP Home Edition disk. You just have to buy the 2 DVD disk and find out how to make a copy from your own computer. Someone in here may no. E-mail me if I find out later, I'll let you know, ok.

By Edwin Perez.
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Dave, on Sunday October 26, 2008 04:26:17 PM
I had same issue when after much trial and error that it was a defective ram stick causing my issue. I even put it in a different machine to confirm and it did the same thing. Turn off your machine and try installing the ram one stick at a time to see if it will boot properly with only one stick in. Repeat until you have tried all the sticks individually. It may give you a message saying the boot config. has changed. Tell it to continue. Hope this helps. Dave
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hippo, on Sunday November 23, 2008 04:59:33 AM
u just enter cmos setup menu, and just configur urs setting to default value.
restart computer after saving the cmos setting.
press f8 and start computer in safe mode and remove services.exe from start up list for that u just open run command and type msconfig..


next u can try by running system scanner.

for that u just open run command.
type

sfc \scannow but be sure that u must have an win xp cd in yours cd rom.]

best of luck.
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Dharm, on Wednesday November 26, 2008 05:44:17 AM
Hi friend

Thanks for the support of SFC

THanks again from heart
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mz1234, on Tuesday October 28, 2008 11:10:24 PM
what is i do not have the cd that the computer came with?
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RECGrl, on Wednesday October 29, 2008 02:51:11 AM
So I also have a corrupted Windows, however, I cannot find my Windows XP disc anywhere. My friend was going to use his, but he lost it as well. Is there a way I can get a new one, or would it be better if I bought a new computer? (its 4 years old) If I do need to buy one, how can I get all of my important files and pics off my computer? Thanks!

RECGrl
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mausam, on Sunday November 23, 2008 08:23:18 AM
hello
my computer not install sound driver (realtek ac,97 audio) the installion starting then the computer automatically restart..blue screen of death" (this happened after the light blue xp loading screen instead of it restarting like it usually does):
STOP: c000021a Unknown Hard Error
Unknown Hard Error

my computer is stuck in a reboot loop. i have an intel pentium 4 desktop computer. it is windows xp professional edition. the problem happened after i installed the windows service package 1 (i know, im a little behind). it seemed to install the update fine but after i restarted my computer i couldnt seem to get to my desktop. the computer manages to get to the light blue windows xp loading screen but instead of entering my desktop the computer reboots and the whole process starts over again. after reading other forums, i tried the F8 method but couldnt seem to make it work. last known configuration and safe mode dont seem to work but i may have not done them correctly; im no computer whiz. but after pressing the "disable automatic restart on system failure" option, i got this error message on the "blue screen of death" (this happened after the light blue xp loading screen instead of it restarting like it usually does):
STOP: c000021a Unknown Hard Error
Unknown Hard Error
sir i again reinstall the window then i install the sound driver the problem same..plz must be reply me waiting 4 ur reply...
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client, on Friday December 26, 2008 11:56:48 AM
you turn of your computer and go to BAR.after feating it will be better to sleap.


by
dont mind
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theresa, on Wednesday November 26, 2008 09:07:21 PM
What if you dont have hte CD? is there any way to do it without it? (win32 system config corrupt)
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Den, on Friday December 12, 2008 09:57:16 PM
Someone help please my computer has done something weird for some reason my task manger won't open so that i can't reboot and the start menu won't work either .... any suggestions?
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Vindee, on Tuesday December 23, 2008 02:23:27 PM
I too had the same problem and this is how I fixed it.

This issue is bcos of a malware , I downloaded spybot from http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_­4-10122137.html , ran the program , it found about 16 bad registry entries, it had an option of cleaning them too.

It's free of cost and is an awesome s/w . I have spent about 45 hours in research , tried installing thousands of software's and atlast it was spybot which fixed my issue.
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rockerdave, on Friday December 26, 2008 02:19:45 PM
I've tried that and it did not work for me still have same problem what did I do wrong? and how do I correct it
can you help?
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lissette, on Monday December 22, 2008 01:10:55 PM
hi i have a dell latitude d 400 and i dont have the thing to put a cd in so what should i do?
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BruceC Seattle, on Sunday January 4, 2009 03:34:21 AM
Seems you know what your saying so here is the problem:
XP SP2 Disk
DX58SO MB - 3GB memory, ATI PCEx card & i&Extreme cpu..

Upon boot it takes me to the HIT ENTER so Windows can start loading...ugh NO Keyboard!
1. Tried hauling out of mothballs PS@ KB with PS@ to USB adapter...ugh - NG
2. Tried to power down and reset BIOS...successful but to no avail!
3. Pushing F2 at startup (since keyboard does not work) doesn't go there...back to square 1.

NOTE: Memory loads correctly...lite on USB plug goes green and I'm at wits end...next stop INTEL and/order take $1200 back to Reseller for refund which I hate...

Your comments would be great appreciated.
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fayaz, on Thursday July 10, 2008 08:00:23 AM
i hav a problem of ip conflict how to find to which system the same ip is assigned through cui made or gui?
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markowen, on Thursday July 31, 2008 09:34:17 PM
flash your bios to a beta edition for sp3 be sure your not running a black listed windows or go back to sp1 and use firefox best of luck microsoft is playing hardball
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Sylvie, on Friday August 15, 2008 04:21:30 PM
I still have the same problem. The computer re-boots, I get as far at the desktop (without the icons). I hear it working in the background and all of a sudden the computer restrart. It goes on like that until I get tired and shut down the computer.

I did the Repair options in the Widows XP installation but it didn't do anything.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Sylvie
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pradeep, on Tuesday August 19, 2008 02:32:27 PM
when i start xp pro The computer re-boots
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sandy, on Thursday October 30, 2008 08:23:05 AM
change the ram also check smps
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asho, on Sunday August 31, 2008 03:38:52 PM
my computer is stuck in a reboot loop. i have an intel pentium 4 desktop computer. it is windows xp home edition. the problem happened after i installed the windows service package 2 (i know, im a little behind). it seemed to install the update fine but after i restarted my computer i couldnt seem to get to my desktop. the computer manages to get to the light blue windows xp loading screen but instead of entering my desktop the computer reboots and the whole process starts over again. after reading other forums, i tried the F8 method but couldnt seem to make it work. last known configuration and safe mode dont seem to work but i may have not done them correctly; im no computer whiz. but after pressing the "disable automatic restart on system failure" option, i got this error message on the "blue screen of death" (this happened after the light blue xp loading screen instead of it restarting like it usually does):
STOP: c000021a Unknown Hard Error
Unknown Hard Error

what should i do? i dont want to have to reinstall windows xp and lose my data as i have some important documents and music mp3s on it. ive read about possibly doing a repair install? how does that work, would it work, and would it save my data? is there another option? thanks in advance.

Configuration: Windows XP
Firefox 2.0.0.14
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computing, on Tuesday October 7, 2008 09:55:21 PM
There's some softwares for you not to lose data of if your computer is broken you may still extract your data. Well, google.com and search for Selkie Rescue Data Recovery o you have to use a so-called crossover cable.

Another one is called, DERescue Data Recovery Master, another Smart Data Recovery Enterprise or e-mail this guy...

john@smithesmail.com

There's also something else called BootMagic.
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the mystic, on Wednesday September 3, 2008 10:35:26 PM
I had the same (or similar) problem, which caused me loads of anxiety over these past few days.
I have a Dell Dimension 5150 PC.
My symptoms: After Windows XP SP3 update, I experienced the same reboot loop. After disconnecting the keyboard/mouse, Windows loaded just fine. Plugging in a Wacom Tablet caused the same problem again. Plugging in the Printer: ditto. Not so with my external Hardrive. But without a keyboard or mouse, there is little you can do. So I took the PC tower to a local service tech (Dell Support wanted to reload the OS, but that would have ditched my files).

Service Tech at Computer Trends was able to fix the problem. I received my PC back this afternoon.
Here are his notes:
SYSTEM DID NOT UPDATE TO SP3 PROPERLY. MANUALLY COPIED USB FILES INTO %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32 FROM SERVICE PACK. SYSTEM NOW BOOTS WITHOUT BLUE SCREEN. ISSUE RESOLVED.

So, unless you know how to do that, don't screw around with it. Take it to a Service Technician. It cost me $ 50.-- plus tax.

Case closed.
Cheers and good luck
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f(x), on Monday October 6, 2008 10:09:29 AM
I got the same problem.

I downloaded and installed a program to monitor my CPU's temperature it requires to restart because of some .dll added to windows folder. I rebooted and since then I get the log in screen where it wants me to choose from; Safe Mode, Last Known Good Config".all the way to Boot Normally no matter which option I choose I get the same results. i tried to select "disable auto boot" and the XP loads but it turns to a blue screen with an error message.

please tell me what should I do.
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themystic, on Monday October 6, 2008 03:36:30 PM
go the rout I took. Service tech can easily fix that. He would have to restore some corrupted USB port protocol. Here are his notes after the fix (don't know if that is any help):
SYSTEM DID NOT UPDATE TO SP3 PROPERLY. MANUALLY COPIED USB FILES INTO %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32 FROM SERVICE PACK. SYSTEM NOW BOOTS WITHOUT BLUE SCREEN. ISSUE RESOLVED.
Cheers
Otto
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computing, on Tuesday October 7, 2008 10:02:57 PM
I've done the same over and over again. I think these new SP2 and SP3 aren't really reliable. Since then my computer is acting weird and I got it messed up. Some other programs wouldn't run anymore because of these 2. Does anybody know how to reset configuration to Defaults. I don't have that opiton when I press F1. It askes me for my password and I don't know how to re-configure my computer to an state before now. I also tried the Last Known Best Recent Configuration and nothing happened. I did the System Recovery and it goes frozen or stops running. The charging line that tells me it's uploading or working gets stuck at the end and nothing happens. Then I have to power off the computer and try other things.
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Helpless dad, on Wednesday October 8, 2008 03:18:14 PM
My son called from college and asked if there is anyway to get back his data after performing a Windows recovery. Evidently he had a virus that would not allow him to do much of anything. The Windows recovery worked, but now his school papers/projects are gone. Anyone know if they can be saved or does he have to do them all over?

Helpless dad
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computing, on Wednesday October 8, 2008 07:37:55 PM
1 solution...


Remove the hard disk inside your computer and connect it to a computer which is working and take the back up, and this process will make sure that all your data is 100% safe and in case you have any doubt in taking backup reply to my email, will certainly help you.
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LR, on Wednesday December 31, 2008 05:44:27 PM
I'm having this same problem. First I used registry well and placed all duplicate files in recycle bin. Then did something stupid and went to a restore date because of audio problems. I did not save important documents first. The restore date got the computer stuck in an endless reboot. If I take my hardrive out how do I hook up to another laptop? I have a gateway and so does my son, but they are different laptops They both have windows xp home edition. Any help would be appreciated. LR
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GJ, on Wednesday October 22, 2008 07:04:54 PM
Answer...Not to worry, the files are there, but if you haven't gotten them back yet, I'd take it to a professional...probably about $50 is worth it.

Judy
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helper, on Thursday October 30, 2008 12:40:38 PM
Try running the program Restorer 2000
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will, on Tuesday November 4, 2008 02:06:16 AM
Do you know if anybody has access to your computer? I know a funny but annoying prank is to put "shutdown -r -t 00" into a batch file and put it in msconfig. That might be the problem. good luck tho
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sniper12, on Saturday November 8, 2008 08:59:53 AM
Hi,

I got the same problem you had. Apparently, I tried everything system recovery, run it to save mode or last system configuration that works. Still it keeps or restarting. My last option was to replace hard drive. Now its running like a new PC but I want to retrive all the data from my old hard drive.
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howied48, on Friday November 14, 2008 03:13:48 PM
it has to do with your registry after installing sp3,i had it and fixed it myself,below is what i did after going on in safe mode. HOW TO STOP ENDLESS LOOP REBOOT FROM SP3 1.) First, boot into Safe Mode. After a reboot or two, you’ll probably be given that option, but if not, just tap the F8 key a few times once you see the Windows logo pop up on your screen. 2.) Once you're in Safe Mode, go to Start, Run and type in "regedit" (without the quotes). 3.) That will launch the Registry Editor. Next, you’ll need to navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Intelppm4.) Once you're there, look in the right hand side pane for an entry that says Start. Right click it and select Modify.5.) In the Value Data box, replace the 1 with a 4. Hit OK to exit the Registry Editor and then reboot your computer.
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charmuse1, on Sunday November 16, 2008 08:00:29 AM
Likewise, I am having problems reinstalling Windows XP Professional. The sytem repair, and new partition have been repeatedly to the point of installing device drivers. That is where the mouse and keyboard are unusable. Why? I have been at this for hours and hours. Time is truly a luxury and computers can be unreliable, expensive, and quirky gadgets. It is good that many posts include some helpful information as if we are in a problem-solving team, together.

I will confirm that the keyboard, mouse, and usb are bios-activated. Actually, the problem seems to have more to do with usb conflicts or not being accurately recognized by the system. Perhaps there is something to be said for the advice about using old install cds or serial peripherals.

Anyway, here is a way to save your data:

Buy a usb enclosure for your corrupted EIDE, SATA, or other brand of hd. For the past year or so, every hd that I forced to fail was miraculously restored by simply removing it from the cpu and inserting it into a USB enclosure. The enclosures come in a variety of flavors, so be careful and do good e-shopping. i have tried two different companies so far and had one enclosure go bad. Also, the price range starts around $20-$50, depending on bells and whistles.

We should just become official OS beta-testers! Bye..
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darter, on Tuesday November 25, 2008 08:17:06 AM
Hate to say this but, I tried everything I could get my fingers on to no avail. Messed with everything from BIOS to video drivers, repair instal and even reloaded windows without dumping/formatting. It always went back to the loop. The only symptom I had was a dying wireless card before the endless loop. What a PAIN. I doubt the card caused any problems but it made me realize just how stupid it was to even think about saving hardware. I played it really smart. I purchased and installed a new motherboard and hard-drive. I hooked up the old drive as a slave and simply, quite simply dragged and dropped all those important files worth more than any drive or pain of reloading program files. My new internal 500 Gb drive was $59.00 and the entire replacement took about 45 minutes. Pick up a backup drive, external 500Gb or larger. (I saw one on sale today, a 750 Gb for $69.00 at Office Depot.) No excuses! They're just too inexpensive to not have one. Backing up is a snap. whitecanyon.com sells a system saver program that wipes drive except the operating system. Very cool! They also have secureclean, a great inexpensive tool that keeps deleted files from building up on your drive. Download hdtune and everest home edition (goto majorgeeks.com) to keep an eye, a free eye at that on the health of your system, before crashes happen. Hdtune showed me a bad sector on another computer a few months ago. I purchased a new drive and the very next day, the old one died. SP3 also caused me a world or problems. If you haven't downloaded it, don't. Kill auto windows update and only download via the custom option. Don't do SP3. There are cables you can put between a new drive and old one on a laptop and copy the entire drive. Yes, OS included. Great for upgrading! Good luck!
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reservam03, on Wednesday December 3, 2008 01:20:13 PM
I have a boot-loop problem!

My computer model is Advent T9317- my OS is windows XP media centre. When I turn my computer on, it loads up and then starts to ask me what configuration I want: ‘safe mode’, ‘last known configuration’ and so on. When I choose any of them, the screen goes black, then loads up the BIOS again and start to ask me again (safe mode blablabla) – on the top of the screen it says ‘sorry for the inconvenience the hard drive might be corrupt’. I tried recovering the system because my computer has built in recovery thingie madgig when I first got it and I used it to fix my computer the first time I got it but don’t have the recovery disc when I first got it. And because I have the recovery system inside my hard drive, I can’t go to it too because the second time I broke the pc, I sent it to a local IT people and they fixed it by partitioning the hard drive again so im guessing that they deleted the files that will help recover my system and I think now the recovery disc that I can buy from the advent company wont work as well because the IT people partitioned my hard drive. I tried a windows xp media centre disc from a friend – inserted it, but still wont work on my pc, my pc cant read the disc, I went to the bios and change the hard drive boot up and placed cd rom before the hard drive but still wont read the windows xp media centre disc, I don’t know how to fix my pc. What if I just install new OS to it, will that work?!
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dan, on Thursday December 4, 2008 06:17:09 AM
hi,

pleasse try one of the live linux cds.put it in the cd drive and start the machine it should work without changing or installing in your hard drive.i suggest ubuntu 8.04 or knoppix 5.1.they are free.

once the live cd is working go to the system applications and go to gpart or (the software that partitions the drive).that should show the available partions in your machine.

from there you can see whether your recovery partion is still there.

then go to the actions in the menu and if you could see the recovery partion make it bootable.only one partion can be bootable at a time.normally your c drive will be bootable.

log off from the live linux cd and start the machine.this should start the recovery if it is still there.
------------------------------------------------------------­------------------------------------------------------------­----------------------------------

the other option is talk to your machine manufacturer and find the key combination that can activate the recovery partion provided it is not erased.

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