NETGEAR WNDA3100, WNDA3100-100NAS User Manual
NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10329-01
December 2007
© 2007 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved..
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your product at
http://www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and timely notices of product
and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support information card.
E-mail: support@netgear.com
North American NETGEAR website: http://www.netgear.com
Trademarks
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, ProSafe, and Auto Uplink are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and Vista are registered trademarks of Micros oft Corporation.Other brand and
product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
Maximum Wireless Signal Rate Derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 Specifications
Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic,
building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
Safety and Regulatory Notices
FCC Statement
The WNDA3100 has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide rea sonabl e pr otecti on ag ai nst harmful int erferen ce in a resi dentia l in stal lation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to 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 is found 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 or devices
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v1.0, December 2007
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by Netgear could void the user’s
authority to operate the device.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements
SAR Statement
The NETGEAR WNDA3100 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance. The FCC has
established detailed SAR requirements and has established that these requirements have been met while installed in host
notebook computer.
RF Exposure Information
The radio module has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET 65C (01-01) and found to be compliant to the
requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections, 2.1093, and 15.247 (b) (4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency
devices. This model meets the applicable government requirements for exposure to radio frequency waves. The highest
SAR level measured for this device was 0.74 W/kg.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210 du Canada.
“To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from
windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.”
“Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une licence, il doit être utilisé à
l’intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son
antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.”
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WNDA3100 product
package.
Èesky
[Czech]
Dansk
[Danish]
Deutsch
[German]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N
USB Adapter WNDA3100
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR
RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
Anforderungen und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG
befindet.
je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
overholder de væsentlige
in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden
v1.0, December 2007
iii
Eesti
[Estonian]
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N
Español
[Spanish]
Ελληνική
[Greek]
Français
[French]
Italiano
[Italian]
Latviski
[Latvian]
Lietuviø
[Lithuanian]
Nederlands
[Dutch]
Malti
[Maltese]
Magyar
[Hungarian]
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-
Português
[Portuguese]
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
USB Adapter WNDA3100
relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax Dual
is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax Dual
Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/
ΕΚ.
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100
saistîtajiem noteikumiem.
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N
USB Adapter WNDA3100
nuostatas.
Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to
atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
de andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-
vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja
cumple con los requisitos esenciales y
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ
est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux
è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre
in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en
N USB Adapter WNDA3100 jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn
relevanti li hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
és az 1999/5/EC irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
N USB Adapter WNDA3100
stosownymi postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi
megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100
Directiva 1999/5/CE.
está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da
iv
v1.0, December 2007
Slovensko
[Slovenian]
Slovensky
[Slovak]
Suomi
[Finnish]
Svenska
[Swedish]
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100
direktive 1999/5/ES.
v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100
Smernice 1999/5/ES.
spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100
koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med
de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
1999/5/EG.
tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WNDA3100
Publication Date: December 2007
Product Family: Wireless-N USB Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10329-01
Publication Version Number: 1.0
v1.0, December 2007
v
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v1.0, December 2007
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................... x
How to Print This Manual .................................................................................................. x
Chapter 1
Basic Setup
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................... 1
Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................... 1
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines .....................................................2
What Is in the Box .............................................................................................................3
WNDA3100 Default Wireless Settings ..............................................................................3
Installation ......................................................................................................................... 4
Installing the WNDA3100 Software .............................................................................4
Connecting the Wireless-N USB Adapter ................................................................... 5
Using the Smart Wizard to Set Up Your Wireless-N USB Adapter ............................. 6
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................... 8
WNDA3100 Icon Colors ..............................................................................................9
Smart Wizard Status Bar ............................................................................................. 9
Wireless-N USB Adapter LED ................................................................................... 11
Placing the USB Adapter Cradle ..................................................................................... 11
Removing the WNDA3100 Software ............................................................................... 13
Upgrading the WNDA3100 Software ...............................................................................13
Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility .............................................................. 1
Understanding the Smart Wizard ...................................................................................... 2
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area ........................................................................... 2
Finding a Network ..............................................................................................................4
Profiles ...............................................................................................................................5
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vii
Adding Profiles ............................................................................................................ 5
Setting Up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router .......................................... 5
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile .......................................................7
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection ..............................9
Wireless Security .............................................................................................................10
Using Wireless Security Features ................................................................................... 10
Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................... 11
Setting Up WPA-PSK Security ........................................................................................ 12
Setting Up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................... 13
Statistics Tab .................................................................................................................... 15
About Tab ........................................................................................................................ 16
Advanced Settings ...........................................................................................................17
Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Wireless Performance .....................................................................................1
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth ................................................................................. 2
Overview of Home and Small Office Networking Technologies ......................................... 3
Assessing Your Speed Requirements ......................................................................... 4
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips .........................................................................................................1
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly .............................................................................3
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems ................................................................ 3
Appendix A Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings
Technical Specifications ..................................................................................................... 1
Factory Default Settings .................................................................................................... 2
Appendix B Related Documents
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v1.0, December 2007
About This Manual
The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
describes how to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100. The information in this manual is intended for readers
with intermediate computer and Internet skills.
Conventions, Formats, and Scope
The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs:
• Typographical Conventions. This manual uses the following typographical conventions::
Italic Emphasis, books, CDs
Bold User input, IP addresses, GUI screen text
italic URL links
• Formats. This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.
Warning: Ignoring this type of note may result in a malfunction or damage to the
equipment.
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
• Scope. This manual is written for the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100 according to these specifications:
Product Version NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100
Manual Publication Date December 2007
For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies, see the links to the
NETGEAR website in Appendix B, “Related Documents.
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://www.netgear.com/support.
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes the following:
• Buttons, and , for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time
• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.
• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product
model.
• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
How to Print This Manual
To print this manual, you can choose one of the following options, according to your needs.
• Printing a page from HTML. Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to
a major topic. Select File > Print from the browser menu to print the page contents.
• Printing from PDF. Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in
order to view and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
– Printing a PDF chapter. Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
• Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left corner of any page in the chapter
you want to print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a
browser window.
• Click the print icon in the upper left of your browser window.
– Printin g a PDF version of the complete ma nual. Use the Complete PDF Manual link at
the top left corner of any page.
• Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left corner of any page in the manual.
The PDF version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
• Click the print icon in the upper left of your browser window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your wireless local area network (WLAN).
Advanced wireless network set up is covered in “Network Connections and Wireless Security” in
Chapter 2.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of
several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take
steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The wireless USB adapter
provides highly effective security features, which are covered in “Using Wireless
Security Features” in Chapter 2. Use the security features appropriate to your
needs.
What You Need Before You Begin
You nee d to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can set up your
wireless USB adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100,
please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a PC with a Pentium
available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
Note: The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a
USB v1.1 port, the WNDA3100 is limited to that port’s maximum speed,
which is 14 Mbps.
•A CD drive.
300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
• Vista, Windows XP Home, or Windows XP Professional. Some versions of Windows ask for
the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of the
WNDA3100 driver software.
Note: Windows XP users must install SP2 or install the KB822603 hot fix (update),
which fixes the USB 2.0 host controller driver. Go to the following link to install
the hot fix:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=
733dd867-56a0-4956-b7fe-e85b688b7f86
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
For best performance, place the wireless USB adapter at least 4 feet (over 1 meter) away from the
wireless router or access point.
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range that varies significantly based on
the physical location of the computer with the wireless USB adapter. For best results, avoid
potential sources of interference, such as the following:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz cordless phones
Note: If there is 2.4 GHz interference at your location, such as from a cordless phone, you
can change the setting to 5 GHz for better wireless throughput. See “Advanced
Settings” on page 2-17.
In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed
with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the effective range decreases if such materials are
between the devices.
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What Is in the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
• USB cable and adapter cradle
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100
• Resource CD, including:
– Driver and configuration utility software
– NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
(this document)
– Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
– PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty and Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
WNDA3100 Default Wireless Settings
If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network
and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you must
identify the wireless network and wireless security settings that are already defined.
Your RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 basic factory default settings
are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID), Any (First available network)
Note: For the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 to
communicate with a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must
be set up to use the same wireless network name (SSID).
• Network mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc), Infrastructure
• Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption, Disabled
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
Installation
To complete this installation you must:
1. Install the WNDA3100 software.
2. When prompted, insert the wireless USB adapter and follow the Windows XP Found New
Hardware wizard prompts (unless using Vista).
3. Set up the wireless USB adapter to connect to your wireless network.
Installing the WNDA3100 Software
Note: Do not connect the wireless USB adapter until you are prompted to do so.
To install the software:
1. Insert the Resource CD. If the W elcome screen does not open, browse the files on the CD, and
double-click Autorun.exe.
2. Click Install the Software.The Software Update Check screen displays:
Figure 1-1
3. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to install
from the CD.
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the NETGEAR WNDA3100 software.
• For Windows XP, if a Windows logo testing message appears, click Continue Anyway.
• If a message that Windows Vista cannot verify the publisher of this driver displays, click
Install this driver software anyway.
5. When the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Installation Complete screen displays, click Next.
Connecting the Wireless-N USB Adapter
After you have installed the NETGEAR Smart Wizard, the following screen displays:
Figure 1-2
To connect your wireless USB adapter:
1. Locate an available USB port on your computer.
Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your computer, the throughput of the
WNDA3100 will be limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.
2. Insert the wireless adapter in a USB port on your computer.
• For best results, put the wireless adapter at least 4 feet (1 meter) from your router.
• To use the USB cable, connect it to the wireless USB adapter and a USB port. See
“Placing the USB Adapter Cradle” on page 1-11.
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual
3. For Windows Vista computers, the adapter and driver are automatically added. Click Next and
then go to the following section “Using the Smart Wizard to Set Up Your Wireless-N USB
Adapter” on page 1-6. For Windows XP computers, the Found New Hardware Wizard
displays.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions for the Found New Hardware Wizard.
5. When the NETGEAR Smart Wizard screen returns, click Next.
Using the Smart Wizard to Set Up Your Wireless-N USB Adapter
After you have connected the wireless USB adapter, the following screen displays:
Figure 1-3
Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless adapter either with the NETGEAR Smart
Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration utilities.
• NETGEAR Smart Wizard. Reveals more information about each network and makes it
easier to troubleshoot network connection problems.
• Windows configuration utilities. See the Windows documentation or the NETGEAR
application note at: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm.
To set up your wireless USB adapter with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard:
1. Click Next to proceed.
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