Comments for Where can I download Windows XP?

Comment from mike on 2009-11-01

2009-11-01T17:34:02Z

IT is NOT illegal to download any copy of software full stop what is illegal is using a fake key that in the end is what you pay for the key to activate it hence all the 30/60/90 day evaluations then you can purchase online a key to permanently activate it all software companies usually do this I use allot of Autodesk software you can download all there software which runs in to the thousands of pounds for a free 30 day trail direct from there site its not piracy! and again I have a similar problem I have a laptop with a genuine key but the partition where the back up was kept became corrupt all I’m after is a downloadable copy then I will activate it with the key on my laptop more than likely it will ask me to contact Microsoft because it has already been activated which i have done before on other instillations and all will be sorted! Why should I have to fork out for something I already paid for???

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Comment from johnno on 2009-10-20

2009-10-20T07:04:39Z

Leo, I admire your honesty and principles,it's a shame the companies you are defending don't apply the same.

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Comment from Dubby on 2009-10-19

2009-10-19T07:07:18Z

My father purchased XP professional quite some time ago, my problem is - he purchased an upgrade. He no longer has the earlier OS discs that this xp disc needs to install. My computer has suffered a serious setback from an infinite reboot loop (bad SPTD.sys) error that forced me to attempt to reinstall windows via that upgrade disc. This fixed the infinite reboot loop, but I am now *U*N*A*B*L*E* to install ANY of the XP service packs, let alone run windows update OR internet explorer. I'm a student in college, and I NEED a working computer or I will fail my classes. I've already spent 60$ on fancy PC/Windows repair type programs, to no avail. No stores sell XP anymore, windows 7 is coming out in a few days, and I refuse to touch vista with even a 10 foot pole. I'm left with a few options.

1) Wait for windows 7 and spend 350$~
2) Download an illegal copy of Windows XP and use my legal serial number to repair this installation
3) Purchase Vista _now_ for several hundred
4) Buy a legal copy of windows XP via amazon/ebay/etc. and hope it arrives quickly

Either way, I am going to fall behind in my classes because of this issue. What would *you* do, Leo?

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Comment from muhammad on 2009-09-24

2009-09-24T23:35:56Z

download the newest version of windows xp 30 days .after 30 days windows xp is expired. please makes clarify the place for down load windows xp 30 days

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Comment from marcus on 2009-09-18

2009-09-19T03:08:16Z

Many people such as myself already bought xp when it first came out and if you think 50 dollars is bad now it was 300then. Cds do not last forever and it is NOT illegal to download if you already bought it and have your own key. Its like downloading a nes emulator not illeagle to download if ALREADY OWN IT. Go out and buying it is a stupid answer for many people such as myself. Thank god for torrents and smart people. Go out and waste your money if you want but I refuse.

Unless you're making up your own laws, yes - even downloading it is illegal, whether or not you have a license key. Whether or not you'd be prosecuted for what's clearly a "good faith" effort on your part to restore something you already own is up for grabs, but don't let that fool you: downloading the image is illegal.

19-Sep-2009

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Comment from Oliver on 2009-07-25

2009-07-25T18:32:49Z

I have a Thinkpad notebook. It came with XP Home installed but no installation CD because of the Access IBM. That hidden partition has long ago been deleted and I don't have XP boot CD to install it.
Instead of XP HOME(for which I have license key) I am using XP Pro illegally. I would like to download XP Home and use it instead of XP Pro but there aren't any available.

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Comment from Scott on 2009-06-11

2009-06-11T14:59:55Z

Stupid. Of course downloading illegally is morally wrong and abstract, but most people here will be traffic from search engines, searching "how can i download..." etc. Only to come here and find you telling them to go buy it. Legally, yes, good answer. Realistically, no. Everyone knows how to buy a product, you don't need to tell us the intricacies of purchasing items. Cheers, Leo.

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Comment from kevin on 2009-04-03

2009-04-03T15:09:06Z

Hi Leo, I bought windows XP and lost power at home when power came up and rebooted windows XP was not on my desktop and my product key number is not takeing. Microsoft will not issue a new product key since ii was a 3rd party softwear, is there anyway to correct the issue!

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Comment from Tien Nguyen on 2009-03-25

2009-03-25T14:01:50Z

I am a firm believer in buying what is valuable to you! It is a small price to pay for such a useful product.

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Comment from Andrew on 2009-03-23

2009-03-24T01:12:41Z

Download Azureus this would be the way to find a copy . Also remember that windows XP/Vista can be activated on another pc after 120 days.

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Comment from Burpus Meow on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:18:38Z

This thread reaises a number of questions. Acquiring a working copy of XP without paying the richest man in the whole world still more money is technically illegal; but then we all know that the lawmakers in Congress are a bunch of bagmen and if you pay them enough money [ooops, sorry, "campaign contributions"] you can practically write your own law and have it passed. That's how Hollywood, the MPAA, does it. Illegality aside, let's turn to ethics. Microsoft is hardly an ethical company, it is, in fact, a convicted monopolist, with a history of trying to destroy any competition. If it was a proper software company it wouldn't be yanking XP off the market arbitrarily, determined to bully the whole world into buying Vista and soon, Windows 7. It should keep XP available permanently for those who like and want it; ought to be available off-the-shelf at Newegg, Walmart, or other stores for about $50. And at this point they could charge for a service pack 3 or 4... and many would buy it. XP is a "legacy" operating system very stable and proven, and it's going to be around for at least 20 years. But, since this rich and greedy monopolist does only what it thinks is good for it and doesn't care about anybody else; as far as I'm concerned it doesn't deserve any consideration. I make the decisions on what sw is used on 500+ computers, and there will be nothing past XP unless the work a particular person does requires sw that has to have Vista to run. For most office grunt work, the free Open Office is all anyone needs, and that's on 400+ computers now.

Thanks for reading.

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Comment from Charles on 2009-03-15

2009-03-15T14:08:39Z

my XP displays that its not my genuine XP and now i have a original Key how to re-register with out reinstalling the windows

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Comment from Carl on 2009-03-13

2009-03-13T14:54:13Z

Leo, I purchase a pc with Windows XP home new, then I went online and purchase two Windows PX Professional upgrade new in the box and had ship to me. I had problems installing, anyway this went for some time.Come to fine out my disks are bad.I try contact the dealer, no longer there,I contact Micrsoft,they make me give them all these little bitty numbers all over the disks,Then said YES there real but your screw.You have to go to your dealer and get them .I explain this is your dealer and he is out of business.Please help Carl

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Comment from Sal on 2009-03-09

2009-03-09T23:09:24Z

I have windows 98 on my computer. Can XP be installed and replace 98? (I cannot afford a new computer right now.) If so, how much would the software cost?

I am also having trouble with my CD drive. It will open 2007 software for my digital camera. Would the drive: Allow me to install XP & reinstall my AOL software?

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Comment from elphie on 2009-03-07

2009-03-07T12:59:35Z

Hi Leo! I just wanted to say thank you. I just got my new iPod Touch and it said I needed to have Windows XP sp2, Windows Vista or later. So I thought it might be easy to just go download it. But then I asked myself something. 'Is it even legal?' So thank you for helping me not get into legal trouble at the age of 11. Yeah, Im 11, lol.

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Comment from Michelle on 2009-03-06

2009-03-07T03:52:08Z

Hi Leo,
A week ago, my brother told me to install Vista Black Edition on my Mac computer. The mac computer came with both Windows XP and well, Apple. It is a MacBook laptop. I had commented on his computer, which he installed Vista on, because it looked more 'stylish' and easier to use. He gave me the download link and I downloaded it. It took about 2-3 hours, and when I went onto it, it said something along the lines of "Warning : Jack 80 could not be registered" or something. I didn't pay attention to it, and I realised later that it meant the AUDIO. I don't have any sound at all and my headphone jack is glowing red. I searched it up on google about how to fix this -I tried flipping the switch inside the jack with a toothpick- , but it didn't work. It is very inconvient without sound because I was working on a project on Sony Vegas and I am unable to continue due to this problem. I checked to see if the Apple version of my computer had sound, and it did. Which means the problem is Vista, not my audio jack. I want to switch back to Windows XP, but, like you said, it is illegal... Advice, please?

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Comment from Cameron on 2009-03-04

2009-03-04T12:13:19Z

Hi Leo, I did read the above and I may be foolish for thinking my situation is different somehow..all this gives me a brain-ache I really don't deserve.
I bought a 2nd-hand Compaq presario w/ XP pro on it (it has the product sticker proving it's a licensed, not pirated version)~ I don't know the original place of purchase ~ the PC itself is in bad shape and I've been building a new tower (just needs the new hard drive connected) ..I'm disabled on a fixed income,It's taken forever to just get up and running online ..so I cannot just prove/verify to Microsoft that I bought (not pirated) their OS from the product sticker serial code # and re-burn a new installation disc ? I understand needing to pay for upgrades to VISTA, but if you already paid for the current version ..why is this hard ?? (There MAY have BEEN discs with the computer originally ~ I don't know ~ but it seems ridiculous that if I can show 'authentication'of ownership I should have to re-purchase XP pro ..a small replacement fee for the new discs (or download) *with product code of course ! seems fair and reasonable enough to me ..all I wanted was to get/burn a replacement disc so I would have it for emergency purposes and to hopefully just re-install the OS I've already paid for onto this newer,better tower I've stuggled so hard to build ...Is there no hope for my plight? I'm no techie ..just where would I look for this 'magical' file which might contain the 'retail license' (does it have a common name I can do a file search for?) Please Leo, If you can spare a minute I'd be greatful !!

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Comment from stef on 2009-02-13

2009-02-14T04:45:34Z

okay, so the disc drive on my computer is broken or disabled or something. i bought it seconed hand . i cant install software from a disc so how do i update my computer to window xp. i have windows ME abd cant do jack with it.

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Comment from Barry on 2009-01-11

2009-01-12T02:29:20Z

@JC WATTS google wga activator and download and patch yur OS i did and my copy of XP pro is genuine now lol i have like 7 types of pro 4 vistas and windows 7 beta cracked all downloaded, i guess im good for a while

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Comment from John on 2008-11-29

2008-11-29T14:09:59Z

Hi, Leo, you're *slightly* wrong on a couple of details.

First: on the 23rd, you told someone that there's nothing wrong with transferring a purchased XP Home license from one machine to another. This is actually *wrong*, if the copy of XP came with the machine. OEM licenses allow installation only on the computer they were purchased for - and you can tell you have an OEM license by the sticker. If you have a license sticker? That's an OEM license, and you CANNOT transfer it to another machine.

If it's a retail license, you'll have a separate folder with the license key *there*. Those are legal to move from one machine to another, but also cost more than twice as much.

Second: there is nothing illegal about distributing the windows disk itself. Since all Microsoft-created Windows XP disks of a given flavour (Home/Pro, OEM/Retail/Volume) are identical, it doesn't matter where you get the CD as long as you have your own personal legitimate key. Even better, even "Branded" XP disks like Dell's are just normal disks with a different loader - so, even if you don't have the Dell disk that came with your Dell computer, you can still use a normal Microsoft disk, and the only difference will be that you won't have some of your drivers. You'll have to install them manually from the internet.

But yeah. You're wrong about the legality of moving a copy from one machine to another, and you're wrong about the legality of redistribution of the media itself, as long as you're not modifying the disk, bypassing the protection, or distributing the keys.

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Comment from Ben Lee on 2008-11-24

2008-11-25T00:37:21Z

Hi..me again,I was wondering if you've tried the free program "Xp-ISO builder",apparently you can convert a recovery disc into a full installation disc.Have you any experience with this or know of anyone who has succesfully used this program?...Thanks for your reply!

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Comment from Ben Lee on 2008-11-23

2008-11-23T10:07:03Z

PS..Continued from above...Would it matter if the Operating Systems were different "SP" versions?...I think the dead computer was Windows XP SP1 and the one with the recovery disc is SP2.Thanks...

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Comment from Ben Lee on 2008-11-23

2008-11-23T09:28:48Z

I have two working computers and one dead one.One of my computers came with Windows Vista and the other 2 came with Windows XP Home Edition(Only one of them has a revoery disc).Im wanting to downgrade the Vista to XP,my question is,would I be able to downgrade to XP using the disc from my working PC and then use the COA or Product key of the dead PC to activate Windows?...Would this work?..The dead PC is a desktop same as the other PC but the Vista is a Laptop.

Nothing wrong with transfering the installation - meaning using the product key - of Windows XP from your dead PC to the Vista machine. However you will need an installation CD, not a recovery CD. And depending on the installation CD, it may not accept the product key you have.

- Leo
23-Nov-2008

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Comment from Libbie on 2008-11-17

2008-11-17T22:09:09Z

You can buy a copy of Windows XP at most Staples stores for $99.

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Comment from ruppert on 2008-11-16

2008-11-17T03:25:08Z

ok wise guy, answer me this i have a product key and it came with my computer which i paid for and windows xp was installed in this computer which I PAID FOR. and now the crappy windows OS does not fuction. you are telling me that i have to pay for the same product twice? mind you i didnt get the copy of windows os cd with my compy. but i do have my key. all i need is the stupid download of the cd. I can burn my own.

Wise guy? Hey, I don't make the rules. You need to contact the place you got your computer from. To the best of my knowledge that's the only way to get a legal copy of the OS that should have come with your computer in the first place without paying for a new copy. And that's why I keep harping on people to insist on getting an install CD when they get a new computer.

- Leo
17-Nov-2008

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Comment from Jason on 2008-11-02

2008-11-03T02:09:12Z

What if someone was dumb and partitioned their hard drive, thus destroying the restore partition? I had a legitimate version of Windows XP and I have the activation key pasted on the side of the computer. Where can I download the software to activate with my legitimate license?

You'll have to contact the manufacturer of your computer.

- Leo
03-Nov-2008

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Comment from my name on 2008-10-28

2008-10-28T16:18:46Z

Seriously, the right thing to do, the legal thing to do, and the most problem-free thing to do is not to use Windows.

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Comment from Kevin on 2008-09-25

2008-09-26T00:35:27Z

I have a Compaq computer that came with WINDOWS xp on it. Compaq and Hewlitt Packard do not send the install disks to their own product, This is a cost saving strategy that works untill you want to upgrade your hard drive. I had a puny 40GB hard drive, so I wanted to get a bigger hard drive to set my old computer up as music server.
Compaq won't send me the setup disk, even after I said I AM GONNA BUY DELL NEXT TIME!!! They don't care to much about my money, so Blank Em'. The problem is, my old computer is out dated, but as a music server, it will do just fine with 2 gigs of memery, and a 500GB harddrive(these are maxxed out) Now noone said anything about links to get a copy. The Computer came with Windows xp Home Edition, I have the Product Key, So lets have some
links people, If Microsoft won't help me out I will go get linux and work on my own patches to make Rapsody work with it!!!

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Comment from Duane on 2008-09-03

2008-09-03T22:17:48Z

Simply downloading a copy Windows XP is not the issue. The issue is, where did you get your product key? I think Microsoft should make it available to download because all you're getting is the install media. You still have to activate it and that's where the issue of legitimacy comes in. I would guess that most people looking to download Windows are looking to re-install legitimate copies.

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Comment from Wolfgang Krunse on 2008-07-11

2008-07-11T10:06:43Z

what if windows xp is not available to be bought because microsoft has widtrawn it from sale. And what if Vista won't run the university designed software for data analysis and oncology disease models. What if the customer does not want to buy a massive supercharged computer but is tied to windosw software because of its previous market dominance. Go to some countries where they cell reasonably priced computers with xp installed but illegally by US standards, or abandon Oncological research, Class action sue microsoft for hindering life saving research. There are no easy answers al long as microsoft want to dictate what software the customer is allowed to buy. Better a health consumer and AIDS activist law suit against the company than that we give up research.

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Comment from Henry on 2008-07-09

2008-07-09T14:51:08Z

They have everything in Vietnam: Windows XP, Vista, even Microsoft Office 2007. Only 50 cents for 1 CD with the product key.

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Comment from Leo on 2008-05-10

2008-05-10T17:53:41Z

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Please see this article - it includes the links:
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_get_windows_xp_sp3_on_cd.html

Thanks,

Leo

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Comment from Paul on 2008-03-19

2008-03-19T19:34:22Z

Getting a legit copy of XP is nearly impossible now that Vista is in every retail outlet in the world.

Many people do not like Vista because of the compatability issues - Vista simply does not like most programs over 4 to 5 years old, and sometimes getting a patch from the program designer is impossible.

I was really wanting a copy of XP Pro and found it impossible to buy - Vista would have caused too many problems wi th the system I needed it for.

I found a way to get a legit copy, but it involved using a non legit copy.

I installed a non legit copy, updated with a Genuine Advantage tool from microsoft, when the warnings came up on my system that it was not a genuine product, there was a little star icon in the l/h tray and when I clicked on it I was able to get a propper key from Microsoft - thus giving me a legit copy of Win XP Pro.

This cost me, but it was worth it to be able to get XP Pro.

You might like to pass this on to everyone pulling their hair out with Vista.

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Comment from Jesse on 2008-01-14

2008-01-15T05:37:27Z

OK
So i have a legitimate copy of windows installed on my PC, with a XP serial, but i lost the CD .It would be stealing, if i download a pirate copy, and use my legitimate serial? Really all your paying for is the serial, i should be able to get a copy of the software anytime, from any computer.Take Steam for instance.If i ever need a copy of counterstrike,i connect to steam and download it to my computer. Actually , i have it on 4 or 5 computer's, just cant use em at the same time.So i dont understand why it would be illegeal to download software, for which you own a copy of.

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Comment from Quilnux on 2007-07-29

2007-07-29T13:30:08Z

Debbie: I have contacted Microsoft about your question (also because I had a situation come up regarding the same) and per a Microsoft rep, if the Product key is not used or, is to be used on the same device it was originally used on you can use a copied version of the installation media (CD). They are only concerned with the license itself. They said if I wanted to make multiple copies of the installation media for my organization I could, I just cannot install it on any computers unless I have a product key for each.

jnhin: regardless of how you put it stealing is stealing. Whether you are stealing from a person from their house or stealing from a developing corporation (making a copy) stealing is stealing since you didn't pay for a non-free product. if you really want to get down to details thats fine as long as you understand both scenerios are illegal thats all that matters.

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Comment from Louis Brenner on 2007-07-28

2007-07-28T22:12:36Z

The only thing I liked about that response is the fact you said he should look into Linux, but other than that, I find it absolutely hysterical that you said 5 times that it would be illegal and never once told him that his PC is probably too old to even run XP. Or if it can, it would be so hard to use that he would be downgrading within a few days. Also, I HATE when people say that pirating is stealing. Yes it is illegal, but it is not theft. If I were to go in your home and steal your favorite piece of software, you would no longer have it, correct? Correct. If I ran in there, made a copy of it, and left you the original, would it be theft? No. I personally use Linux and would HIGHLY recommend PCLINUXOS 2007 - it runs fantastic on PCs that old and is, to my experience more user friendly than even Windows. Since we know you won’t be doing any gaming, it will fit all your needs. http://www.pclinuxos.com/ and a cd burning utility and you are well on your way.
I don't recommend pirating software, especially if there is a free alternative out there (which in many cases there is usually more than one) but it is NOT theft. It is copy right infringement - and considering most the price of XP pays for their legal and patent fees for their STOLEN code...I don't think they the little that they get.

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Comment from Ryan on 2007-07-28

2007-07-28T18:49:21Z

In his case, XP would be illegal to download since he has no key, but wouldn't it be legal if you had a key and had lost the disc? That way you are not actually stealing what the company values, the key. You are taking a copy of the disc.

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Comment from Debbie on 2007-07-21

2007-07-21T15:19:59Z

In regards to getting Windows XP:
You can go to MSN/Windows and request a CD, they will send it to you for FREE & at the same time you should also request a Windows sp2, because you will want to upgrade to sp2 eventually. But they are both free & legal. You have to download windows xp first, and the in a couple of days download sp2. I have requested the CD's to use if the worst happens. Really, they are happy to send you the CD's.

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A comment on: Where can I download Windows XP?

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Comment from Murdia on 2007-07-21

2007-07-21T09:59:55Z

in India 80% of PC owners have pirated version of Window XP. Reason is obvious a middle income group person finds it difficult to dole out 200 to 300 dollers just for the soft ware. A pirated CD coast you just one or two dollars. And a pirated version except hurting your conscience it does all the routine functions. An original CD after it is burnt it can not be reused, if per chance there is an error in loading or a virus requiring to re-boot the PC you have to spend again Rupees ten to twelve thousnd. You may not agree but it is a big amount. So what the end useer does, he burns the CD and first make a copy of it on his flopy and keep on re using it. I do not think that even in USA a middle income group PC owner would like to dole out ten to twelve thousand dollars for an original XP. Microsoft is facing the problem of pirated CD's from China and other developing countries. So only solution is to seconds version of XP CD's which are being offerred in US markets too.

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A comment on: Where can I download Windows XP?

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