Gigabyte G-MAX N501 User Manual

G-MAX

N501 User’s Manual

Notebook Computer N501 User’s Manual

Original Issue: 2004/06

This manual guides you in setting up and using your new notebook computer G-MAX N501. Information in the manual has been carefully checked for accuracy and is subject to change without notice.

No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without prior written consent.

Trademarks

Product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective companies.

Microsoft®, MS-DOS, Windows ®, and Windows ® Sound System are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Intel®, Centrino™, Pentium ® M, Banias, Calexico are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

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Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect yourself and your notebook.

When Using Your Notebook

CAUTION: Do not operate your portable computer for an extended period

 Do not attempt to service the notebook yourself. Always follow installation instructions

closely.

 Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such

as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage from burns.

 Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that the cable is not

located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.

 Place the AC adapter in a ventilate d area, such as a desktop or o n the floor, when you use

it to run the computer or to charge the battery . Do not cov er the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter while it is inside a carrying case.

 Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your notebook computer. Doing so can

cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

 Use only the AC adapter and batteries that are approved for use with your notebook. Use

of another type of battery or AC adapter may risk fire or explosion.

 Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.  Before you connect your notebook to a power sour ce, ensure that the voltage r ating of the

AC adapter matches that of the available power source.

- 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan.

- 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60Hz in western Japan.

- 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

 If you use an ex tensi on cabl e wi th your AC ada pter, ens ure tha t the total ampe re r ating of

the products plugged in to the extension cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.

 To remove power from your notebook, turn it off, disconnect the AC adapter from the

electrical outlet, and remove the battery.

 To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any

cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.

 Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with local authorities for

disposal instructions.

 When setting up your notebook for work, place it on a level surface.  When traveling, do not check your notebook as baggage. You can put your notebook

through an X-r ay security machine, but nev er put your notebook through a metal de tector . If you have your noteb ook checked by hand, be sure to ha ve a charged battery av ailable in case you are asked to turn on your notebook.

 When traveling with the hard drive removed from your notebook, wrap the drive in a

non-conducting material, such as cl oth or paper . If you have the drive checke d by hand, be ready to install the drive in your notebook. Your can put the hard drive through an X-ray

of time with the base resting directly on your body. With

extended operation, heat can potentially build up in the base. Allowing sustained contact with the skin could cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

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security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.

 When traveling, do not place your notebook in overhead storage compartments where it

could slide around. Do not drop your notebook or subject it to other mechanical shocks.

 Protect your notebook, battery, and hard drive from environmental hazards such as dirt,

dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.

 When you move your notebook between environ ments with very different temperature

and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within your notebook. To avoid damaging your notebook, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate bef ore using your notebook.

NOTICE: When taking your notebook from low-temperature conditions into

a warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow your notebook to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.

 When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain relief loop, not on the

cable itself. As you pull ou t the connector, keep it evenly a ligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

 Before you clean your notebook, turn it off, unplug it from its power source, and remove

the battery.

 Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges,

not its pins.

CAUTION: When using your telephone equipment, basic safety

precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons, including the following:

 Do not use this product near water, for example, near a bathtub, washing bowl, kitchen

sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.

 Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may

be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

 Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.  Use only the power cord indicated in this manual.

• If the battery is not properly handled, there may be a risk of explosion; make sure you are using the same or equivalent battery.

• Please dispose the used battery accordin manufacturer.

• Please be aware that cracked, deeply scratche d or other poor quality disk used in this drive may cause dama

WARNING: Possible voiding of Warranty

to the instructions given by the

e to the drive and data in the disk. Such discs may break at high-speed rotation. If full care is not exercised in relation to this matter you may void the warranty to this product.

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Regulatory Notices

Federal Communications Commission Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 1 5 of the FCC rules. These limits are de signed to pr ovide rea sonable prote ction against harmful interference in a residential installation.

Any changes or modifications made to thi s equipme nt may voi d the user's a uthority to oper ate this equipment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energ y. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  Connect the equ ipm ent i nto a n outl et o n a ci rcui t differen t from that to whic h the receiver

is connected.

 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  All external cables connecting to this basic unit must be shielded. For cables connecting to

PC cards, see the option manual or installation instructions.

Modifications

The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance may void the user’s authority to operate the equipmen t.

Cables

Connections to this device must be made with shielded cables with metallic RFI/EMI connector hoods to maintain compliance with FCC Rules and Regulations.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) PART 68 Warning

This equipment complies with P art 68 of the FCC Rules. On the bottom of the computer is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC Regist ration Number and R N

umber (REN) for this equipment. You must, upon req uest, provide this information to your

telephone company. FCC Part 68 Registration Number: 6CTTAI - 25876 - FB – E

REN: 0.8B

The REN is useful to dete rmi ne th e qu antit y of de vice s y ou ma y conne c t to y our tel eph one an d still have those devices ring when your number is called. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the REN's of all devices should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices you may connect to yo ur line, as determined by the REN, you should call your local telephone company to determine the maximum REN for your calling area.

inger Equivalence

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If your MODEM causes harm to the telephone network, the local Telephone Company may discontinue your service temporarily. If po ssible, they will notify you in advance. However, if advanced notice isn't practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will be informed of your right to file a compl a i nt w ith the FCC.

Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning for your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain an uninterrupted telephone service.

CE Notice (European Union)

Marking by the symbol

indicates compliance of notebook computer G-MAX N203 to the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive of the European Union. Such marking indicates that this notebook computer G-MAX N203 system meets the following technical standards:

 EN 55022 — "Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of

Information Technology Equipment. "

 EN 55024 — "Information technology equipment - Immunity characteristics - Limits and

methods of measurement."

 EN 61000-3-2 — "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3: Limits - Section 2: Limits

for harmonic current emissions (Equipment input current up to and including 16 A per phase)."

 EN 61000-3-3 — "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3: Limits - Section 3:

Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in low-voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current up to and including 16 A."

 EN 60950 — "Safety of Information Technology Equipment."

NOTE: EN 55022 emissions requirements provide for two

classifications:

 Class A is for typical commercial areas.  Class B is for typical domestic areas.

To determine which classification applies to your notebook, examine the FCC registration label located on the back panel of your notebook. If the label indicates a Class A rating, the following warning applies to you r notebook:

RF INTERFERENCE WARNING: This is a Class A produc t. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio frequency (RF) interference, in which case the user m ay be required to take adequate measures.

This notebook computer G-MAX N501 device is classified for use in a typical Class B do mestic environment.

A "Declaration of Conformity" in accordance with the preceding directives and standards has been made and is on file at Gigabyte Computer Corporation.

CCC Notice (China Only)

On Class A systems, the following warning will appear near the regulatory label:

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Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

BSMI Notice (Taiwan Only)

Most notebook computer G-MAX N501 computer products are classified by the Bureau of Standards, Meteorology and Inspection (BSMI) as Class B information te chnology equipment (ITE).

This notebook computer G-MAX N501 device is classified for use in a typical Class B domestic environment.

CANADIAN DOC NOTICE

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications.

"Le présent appareil numérique n'èmet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Commun ications du Canada".

Macrovision License of Notice

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by methods and claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual rights owned by Macrovision Corporation, and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision C orporatio n and is intend ed for h ome and other li mited vi ewing us es only u nless authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering of disassembly is prohibited.

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About Your Notebook Computer G-MAX N501

Congratulation for having purchased your new

All-In-One Notebook Computer G-MAX N501. Your notebook computer G-MAX N501 incorporates the remarkable performance and flexible connectivity, to give you a fine-tuned set of computing tools for reasonable price.

Your new notebook computer G-MAX N501 is dedicated to professional elite who demands excellent efficiency like you.

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VIII

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About This User’s Manual

Welcome to your All-In-One

Notebook Computer G-MAX N501 User’s Manual. This manual covers everything you need to know in learning how to use your notebook computer G-MAX N501. This manual also assumes that you know the basic conc epts of Windows and the PC. You will start doing a lot of great and fun things with your notebook computer G-MAX N501.

This manual is divided into eight chapters：

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

introduces you to the features of your notebook computer G-MAX N501.

gives you useful details on using your notebook computer G-MAX N501.

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

tells you how to look after your notebook computer G-MAX N501.

talks about PC Card peripherals and how to use them.

goes into more detail about power management and explains how to conserve power while on the move.

introduces you to BIOS, how to recover your system, and how to change its fundamental settings.

gives you tips on solving typical problems you may run up against.

instructs you on how to deal with common system problems.

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There is no need to read th e manual from the beg inning to end. Simply find your way to the section that interests you using the index, or browse through the manual.

You will come across the following icons in the manual:

Helpful pointers and tricks to get more from your notebook computer G-MAX N501

To help you note and avoid possible damage to your notebook computer G-MAX N501's hardware or software, or loss of your work

Points out possible dama death

e to property, personal injury or

Contents

Safety Instructions……….………………………………………………… Regulatory Notices………………………………………………………….. About Your Notebook Computer G-MAX N501……………………. About This User’s Manual…………………………………………………. 1 Introducing Your Notebook Computer G-MAX N501…………3

1.1 Front Side………………….…………………….……………………………………4

1.2 Right Side ...............................…………………….……………………8

1.3 LeftSide ……………………………………………..………………………………. 10

1.4 Back Side………………………..……………………………………………………12

1.5 Bottom Side………………………………………………………………………….14

2 Operating Your Notebook Computer G-MAX N501…………17

2.1 Turning Your Notebook Computer G-MAX N501 On/ Off…….18

2.2 Keyboard and TouchPad……............................................21

2.3 Configuring Your Screen Display………………………………………….26

3 Care and Maintenance ………………………………………………29

3.1 Taking Care of Your Notebook Computer G-MAX N501……..30 Taking Care of Your AC Adapter…………………………………………..30

Ⅱ Ⅳ Ⅶ Ⅸ

Taking Care of Your Battery Pack...….…………………………………31

3.2 Clean and Serving……………………………………………………………….32

3.3 Maintaining the LCD Quality……………………… ………………………..32

3.4 Maintaining Your Hard Disk………………………………………………….32

3.5 When You Travel…………………………………………………………………..33

4 Peripherals……………………………………………………………….35

4.1 PC Cards ……………………………………………………………………………….36

4.2 Adding and Removing SD Cards………………………………………….38

4.3 Printers………………………………………………………………………………….38

4.4 Memory Modules…………………………………………………………………. 39

5 The Power System…………………………………………………….41

5.1 Power Management……………………………………………………………..42

5.2 Battery………………………………………………………………………………….44

6 Setting / BIOS………………………………………………………....49

6.1 Using the Express Recovery Utility………………………………......50

6.2 Running the BIOS Setup Program……………………………………....51

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6.3 The Main Menu……………………………………………………………………..53

6.4 The System Devices Menu…………………………………………………..54

6.5 The Security Menu………………………………………………………………. 57

6.6 The Boot Menu……………………………………………………………………..58

6.7 The Exit Menu……………………………………………………………………….59

6.8 How to Upgrade the BIOS..…………………………………………………..62

7 Troubleshooting……………………………………………………..…65

7.1 Frequently Asked Questions……….……………………………………….66

8 Specifications……………………………………………………………69

Appendix A World Wide Service…………………………………………..……….73

W orld Wide Service Locations List…………………………………………………..74

1 Introducing your

notebook computer G-MAX N501

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Your notebook computer G-MAX N501 is a fu lly

Windows compatible portable personal computer. With the these powerful features in mobile computing, your notebook computer G-MAX N501 makes a natural high-performance companion. With leap of technology and compact, your notebook computer G-MAX N501 runs on a whole wide range of gener al business, personal productivity, entertainment, and professional applications. It is ideal for use in the office, at home, and on the road.

Y our notebook computer G-MAX N501 mak es an ideal choice for use in the office, the schoolroom, at home, on the road and all other occasions.

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1.1 Front

3 10

4 5

1 2 3 4 5

LCD Module Latch 6 Device Status Lights Display Easy Buttons TouchPad TouchPad Button

7 8 9

Optical Digital Drive Keyboard

Power Bu tton Keyboa rd Status Lights

6 7

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1.1.1 LCD Module Latch

Secures the display case to your notebook computer G-MAX N501. To open the display, slide the latch to the right and lift the display. When you close the display, the latch will secure it automatically.

1.1.2 Display

Your display is a 15” / 14.1” COLOR TFT/XGA + LCD.

1.1.3 Easy Buttons

These 2 buttons launch your favorite programs.

Launches a pre-configured program.

1.1.4 TouchPad

The TouchPad works like a desktop mouse. For more information see Keyboard and TouchPad in Chapter 2.

1.1.5 TouchPad Buttons

The left and right TouchPad buttons work like the left/right buttons on a standard mouse.

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1.1.6 Device Status Lights

Indicates power on; flashing indicates standby mode. Indicates battery status. For details, see Battery. Indicates wireless communication status.

1.1.7 Optical Digital Drive

The optical digital drive provides a means for you to import/export data and small files into/from your notebook computer G-MAX N501. Depending on the configuration of your notebook computer G-MAX N501, you may either be able to record CDs or play DVDs.

To remove the Optical Digital Drive:

1. Slide the ODD Module Latch to the left.

2. Gently pull the ODD from the ODD Module Bay.

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1.1.8 Keyboard

The keyboard includes a numeric keypad and the Microsoft® Windows® logo key .

See Keyboard and TouchPad in Chapter 2 for more on using keyboard shortcuts.

1.1.9 Power Button

Press to turn your notebook computer G-MAX N501 on. For more on power settings, see Power Management.

Windows XP, which comes preinstalled, goes into the shutdown sequence automatically if you press the power button while on. You can configure this in Control Panel: Power Options – Advanced.

1.1.10 Keyboard Status Lights

Indicates uppercase letter function enabled Indicates numeric keypad enabled Indicates function enabled

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1.2 Right Side

1 2 3

Speaker AC Adapter connector Air Vent

1.2.1 Speaker

To adjust the system speaker volume, look under the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties of the Control Panel. Refer to Windows details. Many software programs, such as multimedia applications, also include their own volume controls.

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1.2.2 AC Adapter Connector

Use this connector to attach the AC adapter to your notebook computer G-MAX N501. You can connect an AC adapter when your notebook computer G-MAX N501 is switched on or off.

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While the AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide, power connectors and power strips vary from country to country. Ensure you use compatible cable or correctly connect the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet. Failure to do so may cause fire or damage to equipment.

1.2.3 Air Vent

An internal fan creates airflow through the vents, preventing your notebook computer G-MAX N501 from overheating.

When it gets hot, your notebook computer G-MAX N501 will switch on the fans, which may make some noise. This is normal, and does not mean there is a problem.

Never block, push objects into, or allow dust to gather in the air vents. Doing so may damage your notebook or cause a fire.

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1.3 Left Side

1 USB Connector 2 Infrared Port 3 PC Card Port 4 SD Card Port 5 Audio Ports 6 Wireless Communication Switch 7 Speaker

1.3.1 USB Connector

Use this port to connect a USB device, such as a mouse, full-size external keyboard, or printer, to the notebook computer G-MAX N501.

USB is a peripheral expansion standard that supports a data-transfer rate of up to 480 Mbps. USB peripherals have a single standard for cables and connectors. You can install and remove USB devices while the computer is on. This is known as "hot swapping".

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1.3.2 Infrared Port

Use this port to send and receive infrared (IR) signals to and from other IR-compatible devices. Supports a transfer rate of up to 4 Mbps per second.

1.3.3 PC Card Port

Supports one type II PC Cards. For more information, see in Chapter 4.

1.3.4 SD Card Port

Supports one Secure Digital card, which is used in digi tal still camera and various forms of portable information equipment.

1.3.5 Audio Ports

You can connect a headphone or an external speaker to the port and a microphone to the

connected to the

port. The built-in speakers are disabled when a device is

port.

1.3.6 Wireless Communication Switch

Turns the wireless communication function on or off. The wireless communication LED

activated.

on the front panel lights when the function is

1.3.7 Speaker

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1.4 Back

1 2 3 4

Security Cable Connector 5 Modem Jack Para llel Port 6 Network Jack External Monitor Port 7 USB Ports x 2 8 IEEE 1394 Port

TV-out Port

1.4.1 Security Cable Connector

To protect your notebook computer G-MAX N501 from theft, you can purchase an antitheft device. Instructions for use are included with such devices.

Before purchasing any antitheft device, check that it will work with your notebook's security cable connector.

1.4.2 Parallel Port

Use this port to connect parallel devices, such as a printer.

To protect your notebook computer G-MAX N501, wait 5 seconds after turning it off before disconnecting any external device.

1.4.3 External Monitor Port

Use this port to connect an external monitor to your notebook computer G-MAX N501. See Configuring Your Screen Display, Chapter 2-3.

1.4.4 USB Connectors

Use these ports to connect up to three USB devices, such as a mouse, full-size external keyboard, or printer.

USB is a peripheral expansion standard, and this standard is united for cables and connectors. You can install and remove USB devices while the computer is on. This is known as "hot swapping”.

1.4.5 Modem Jack

The modem jack allows you to connect your notebook computer G-MAX N501 to a telephone line with a standard RJ-11 connector.

Never connect the modem jack to a digital line. The high current of a digital line could damage the modem.

1.4.6 Network Jack

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The RJ-45 network jack allows you to connect your notebook computer G-MAX N501 to a local area network (LAN).

Be careful not to plug the telephone line into the slightly larger network connector.

1.4.7 TV-out Port

Use this port to connect a television set. See Chapter 2-3 “Configuring Your Screen Display” for more details.

1.4.8 IEEE 1394 Port

The IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect devices that utilize IEEE 1394 technology to your computer. This technology is widely used in consumer products such as digital cameras.

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1.5 Bottom

1 Battery Release Latch 4 Memory Module Cover 2 Battery Pack 5 ODD Module Release Latch 3 HDD

1.5.1 Battery Release Latch

The battery release latch secures the battery pack. To release, simply slide the latch across. The battery pack will pop up.

1.5.2 Battery Pack

With a charged battery pack installed, you can use your notebook computer G-MAX N501 without connecting it to an electrical outlet. For more details, see

Battery, Chapter 5.

To remove the battery pack:

1. Slide the Battery Pack Release Latch to the left.

2. Gently pry the Battery Pack from

the computer chassis.

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1.5.3 HDD

The HDD should only be removed if you need to repair or replace the installed HDD unit.

To remove the HDD:

1. Remove the screw securing the HDD to the chassis

2. Gently pull the HDD out.

Do not replace the HDD on your own! If the HDD requires replacing, take your notebook computer G-MAX N501 to your dealer or a service technician.

1.5.4 Memory Module Cover

The memory module(s) is (are) housed beneath the memory module cover.

1.5.5 ODD Module Release Latch

This releases the optical digital drive (ODD). Slide it to the left and then carefully pull the ODD from its bay.

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