Cool Web Search "Shredder" Update 03/12/03

  • Thread starter Thread starter siljaline
  • Start date Start date
Hi Mad Max - While I strongly suspect that you're trolling now, (even if it
didn't start that way), I'll take one shot (only) at trying to provide some
useful information which might help prevent this from occuring in the
future:

If you want to take steps to defend your machine, there are a number of
things which need to be considered. I would suggest the following:

The minimum necessary to start with are a good hardware or software firewall
and an AV.

For the general hijack case, the best way to start is to get Ad-Aware 6.0,
Build 181 or later, here: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/.
Update and run this regularly to get rid of most "spyware/hijackware" on
your machine. If it has to fix things, be sure to re-boot and rerun
AdAware again and repeat this cycle until you get a clean scan. The reason
is that it may have to remove things which are currently "in use" before it
can then clean up others.

Another excellent program for this purpose is SpyBot Search and Destroy
available here: http://security.kolla.de/ SpyBot Support Forum here:
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi. I recommend
using both normally. After fixing things with SpyBot S&D, be sure to
re-boot and rerun SpyBot again and repeat this cycle until you get a clean
"no red" scan. The reason is that SpyBot sometimes has to remove things
which are currently "in use" before it can then clean up others.


Note that sometimes you need to make a judgement call about what these
programs report as spyware. See here, for example:
http://www.imilly.com/alexa.htm


Next, courtesy of Mike Burgess:

"--Recommended Minimum Security Settings--

Close all instances of IE and OE
Control Panel | Internet Options

Click on the "Security" tab
Highlight the "Internet" icon, click "Custom Level"

1) "Download signed ActiveX scripts" = Prompt
2) "Download unsigned ActiveX scripts = Disable
3) "Initialize and script ActiveX not marked as safe" = Disable
4) "Installation of Desktop items" = Prompt
5) "Launching programs and files in a IFRAME" = Prompt

Click on the "Content" tab
Click the "Publishers" button

Highlight and click "Remove" any unknowns, click Ok

Click on the "Advanced" tab
Uncheck: "Install on demand (other)", click Apply\Ok

Prevent your "HomePage" setting from being Hijacked
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/ietips.htm
_____________________________
Mike Burgess
Information isn't free if you can't find it!
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/"


Note the Publisher setting - this vector is often overlooked.


Then, from me:

You might want to consider installing the SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard
here to help prevent this kind of thing from happening in the future:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html (Prevents malware Active
X installs) (BTW, SpyWare Blaster is not memory resident ... no CPU or
memory load - but keep it updated) The latest version as of this writing
will prevent installation or prevent the malware from running (887 parasites
as of this date) if it is already installed, and it provides information and
fixit-links for a variety of parasites.
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html (Monitors for attempts
to install malware) Both Very Highly Recommended.


Next, install and keep updated a good HOSTS file. It can help you avoid
most adware/malware. See here: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(Be sure it's named/renamed HOSTS - all caps, no extension)


Lastly, with regards to cookies: Courtesy of Mel's Spyware Tools, here:
http://homepage.cooketech.net/~cybermel/Mel's Spyware Tools and Ad Blockers.html

XML-Menu for IE6 - (http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/main.htm, click on IE6
Tools on website) "This package contains a full menu of custom Import XML
files that can be used to manipulate IE6's handling of cookies in the
Internet and Trusted zones (the Privacy tab controls only the Internet
zone). The files are divided into three sets: one "short list" of
recommended files, and two "advanced" lists containing a wide range of
possible Privacy configurations. The ReadMe covers the basics of using
custom XML Import files and details all the files that are available. A
..REG file that can be used to restore the default Privacy tab settings is
included."

This is the technique that I use and, while I do sometimes have to override
on some sites that don't have a Privacy Policy in place, I've found it
almost infallible in stopping bad cookies (I use 1-e, BTW) FWIW, Eric
Howes site, above, is one of the very best on the net with regard to
anything having to do with security. Highly Recommended.

See if any of this helps
 
John John:
Don't blame the tire manufacturer if the tread separates and the wreck that
ensues. Don't blame the SUV manufacturer if their vehicle is unstable. I
think I'm beginning to understand your way of thinking. It's not what you
say , but what you don't say. Right?
 
Save your breath, Jim, either he's a troll, or just a plain useless 'luser.
I tried to personally email him something which would have resolved all his
problems, but even after "un-munging" his address, the mail bounced.
His loss, not mine.
I'm not in the habit of talking to brick walls, so am giving up. I suggest
others may contemplate doing the same.
 
Jim:
You're right , I'm just looking to pick a fight now.
Thanks for your interest and for providing the information. Would you
believe that I have almost everything you recommended ? Of course I did not
when I had the most problems. I'm still very much a beginner at this
computer thing and not learning very rapidly. I'm the first to admit that.
I'll have to try that HOSTS suggestion.
Hope I haven't burned too many bridges here tonight, but some things did
need saying and no one else seems to have the inclination to do so. That's
always been my biggest fault, I'm easily baited & I do tend to tilt at
windmills. I do appreciate your reply and was surprised to see something
positive out of this mess.
 
YW, Mad Max - Glad you found at least some of it useful. I just noticed
that I forgot to update the SpywareBlaster count - it's actually up to 952
parasites defended against currently. :)

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In
 
"john":
The email address you say you used is not my main one. It is a throw away.
And either it is now full of spam from my ranting here tonight, or somehow
your mail was rejected. I'll check it tomorrow and see what the problem
might be. It is after 2:30AM here and I'm going to bed. Anyway , I've said
all on the subject that I have to say, many times over. I tire of pounding
sand into a rat hole.
Again, I sincerely hope I have not burned too many bridges tonight.
One last thing . If you wanted to go into my back yard ,should I warn you
that my half chow-half yellow Labrador, as mean as sin and almost as big as
a miniature horse, is back there waiting for some unsuspecting person to
come into his yard ? Maybe that isn't a good example, but there you are. I
would not allow you to go into his yard, but that's just me,so go ahead, if
you must.
And if you meant to insult me by calling me a troll,or a useless loser,
it's late and I am tired of fighting.

john said:
Save your breath, Jim, either he's a troll, or just a plain useless 'luser.
I tried to personally email him something which would have resolved all his
problems, but even after "un-munging" his address, the mail bounced.
His loss, not mine.
I'm not in the habit of talking to brick walls, so am giving up. I suggest
others may contemplate doing the same.

--
John
Hi Mad Max - While I strongly suspect that you're trolling now, (even
if it
didn't start that way), I'll take one shot (only) at trying to provide
some
useful information which might help prevent this from occuring in the
future:

If you want to take steps to defend your machine, there are a number of
things which need to be considered. I would suggest the following:

The minimum necessary to start with are a good hardware or software
firewall
and an AV.

For the general hijack case, the best way to start is to get Ad-Aware
6.0,
Build 181 or later, here:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/.
Update and run this regularly to get rid of most "spyware/hijackware" on
your machine. If it has to fix things, be sure to re-boot and rerun
AdAware again and repeat this cycle until you get a clean scan. The
reason
is that it may have to remove things which are currently "in use"
before it
can then clean up others.

Another excellent program for this purpose is SpyBot Search and Destroy
available here: http://security.kolla.de/ SpyBot Support Forum here:
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi. I
recommend
using both normally. After fixing things with SpyBot S&D, be sure to
re-boot and rerun SpyBot again and repeat this cycle until you get a
clean "no red" scan. The reason is that SpyBot sometimes has to remove
things
which are currently "in use" before it can then clean up others.


Note that sometimes you need to make a judgement call about what these
programs report as spyware. See here, for example:
http://www.imilly.com/alexa.htm


Next, courtesy of Mike Burgess:

"--Recommended Minimum Security Settings--

Close all instances of IE and OE
Control Panel | Internet Options

Click on the "Security" tab
Highlight the "Internet" icon, click "Custom Level"

1) "Download signed ActiveX scripts" = Prompt
2) "Download unsigned ActiveX scripts = Disable
3) "Initialize and script ActiveX not marked as safe" = Disable
4) "Installation of Desktop items" = Prompt
5) "Launching programs and files in a IFRAME" = Prompt

Click on the "Content" tab
Click the "Publishers" button

Highlight and click "Remove" any unknowns, click Ok

Click on the "Advanced" tab
Uncheck: "Install on demand (other)", click Apply\Ok

Prevent your "HomePage" setting from being Hijacked
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/ietips.htm
_____________________________
Mike Burgess
Information isn't free if you can't find it!
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/"


Note the Publisher setting - this vector is often overlooked.


Then, from me:

You might want to consider installing the SpywareBlaster and
SpywareGuard
here to help prevent this kind of thing from happening in the future:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html (Prevents malware
Active
X installs) (BTW, SpyWare Blaster is not memory resident ... no CPU or
memory load - but keep it updated) The latest version as of this
writing
will prevent installation or prevent the malware from running (887
parasites
as of this date) if it is already installed, and it provides
information and
fixit-links for a variety of parasites.
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html (Monitors for attempts
to install malware) Both Very Highly Recommended.


Next, install and keep updated a good HOSTS file. It can help you avoid
most adware/malware. See here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (Be sure it's named/renamed
HOSTS - all caps, no extension)


Lastly, with regards to cookies: Courtesy of Mel's Spyware Tools, here:
Click to expand...
http://homepage.cooketech.net/~cybermel/Mel's Spyware Tools and Ad Blockers.html
Click to expand...
 
OK now I understand your point, you've made it perfectly clear that you
are an idiot. You probably also think that your local library or the
bookstore should be the ones to blame for the contents of the books they
lend or sell.

John
 
Sheesh!!! I'm getting so sick of people that have to blame someone for
every little thing that goes wrong. They can't face the fact that they
made a mistake, correct it, and go on about life... Your reference to
the tire manufacturer is not even close to the case of clicking on a
link ffrom a site and screwing up your computer. In the tire case, the
manufacturer was liable. In the case of your computer YOU are liable
because YOU clicked on the link.
 
My entire point was that I was infected with numerous things after selecting
a place that Google recommended.
Click to expand...

That is not what you said. See there's the problem with Newsgroups. You
can't say something and then latter claim not to have said it because you've
put it out there in black and white for all the world to see.

In your original post you said: (mind you I'm cutting and pasting so these
are your words)

"My last visit to Google netted me two viruses , a Trojan Horse and a
Homepage Hijacker."

This statement is false.

I replied;

"For the record visiting Google did not infect your or anyone else's
computers. Foolish and unsafe computing practices following a visit to
Google may well have."

This statement is true. (like it or not)
I am totally amazed that so many chose to
blame me for going to that recommended place and claimed that Google had
absolutely nothing to do with me being sent there.
Click to expand...

You're the one with his finger on the mouse. You were not "sent" there you
chose to go. There is no other person involved to blame. You requested
travel brochures. (links from Google) No one forced you to travel. The
Internet is a place known to be riddled with virii and other disease. If you
choose to travel there without proper immunizations against such disease and
subsequently become infected there is no one at fault except the traveler.
If your travel agent reccomends a trip to Africa and you contract Malaria is
that the travel agents fault? (it's rhetorical. really.)

You should take the time to read what is
included in your message, the canned part. Do I believe that is an accident
or is it laced with venom on purpose ?
Click to expand...

I have no clue what you're talking about here.
By the way , exactly what was incorrect and misleading about my statement
Click to expand...
?

You said a visit to Google infected your computer. It did not.
You might have a problem convincing true believing Christians that Google is
perfect, since in their eyes this cannot be true.
Click to expand...

Again, no clue what this means or what it has to do with anything.
If you do nothing else , answer this single question . Is it your opinion
that I am lying about what I claim happened ?
Click to expand...

I never said you lied. I said you were wrong. You are wrong. All I (and many
others) did was point out that you did not get a virus or whatever from
Google. Regardless of what kind of spin you want to put on it now that is
what you said. Truth is truth.

You then proceeded to go on a tirade about my spiritual beliefs including
statements such as;

"Like so many claiming to be what your handle claims, you are narrow
minded , judgmental and about as far as one that claims to be a Christian
,can be. Don't flaunt it if you aint got it."

This statement is off topic, and utterly uncalled for. It is understandable.
People with anger management difficulties will often take a "cheap shot"
when confronted with their own mistakes and for this I forgive you. I do
apologize if my pointing out your error caused you any embarrassment.

It was a simple statement of fact. It has nothing to do with being
judgmental. It certainty has nothing to do with ones spirituality.

You have been a humorous diversion Max and for this I thank you. I truly
hope you manage to work your problems out and find some peace.

(and I had such high hopes that logic would prevail <g>)

D
 
john:
I'm going to do something ,that for me is completely out of character.I'm
taking you at your word that you were trying to email me with a solution to
all my problems and I give you the benefit of the doubt that you were not
just trying to bait me with name calling.
I checked that mail box and found it empty, which was a surprise.
You might try again if you so desire. I don't know why your mail was
bounced. I would certainly be eager to receive a solution to all my
problems. Of course I'm sure you did not mean that literally.


john said:
Save your breath, Jim, either he's a troll, or just a plain useless 'luser.
I tried to personally email him something which would have resolved all his
problems, but even after "un-munging" his address, the mail bounced.
His loss, not mine.
I'm not in the habit of talking to brick walls, so am giving up. I suggest
others may contemplate doing the same.

--
John
Hi Mad Max - While I strongly suspect that you're trolling now, (even
if it
didn't start that way), I'll take one shot (only) at trying to provide
some
useful information which might help prevent this from occuring in the
future:

If you want to take steps to defend your machine, there are a number of
things which need to be considered. I would suggest the following:

The minimum necessary to start with are a good hardware or software
firewall
and an AV.

For the general hijack case, the best way to start is to get Ad-Aware
6.0,
Build 181 or later, here:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/.
Update and run this regularly to get rid of most "spyware/hijackware" on
your machine. If it has to fix things, be sure to re-boot and rerun
AdAware again and repeat this cycle until you get a clean scan. The
reason
is that it may have to remove things which are currently "in use"
before it
can then clean up others.

Another excellent program for this purpose is SpyBot Search and Destroy
available here: http://security.kolla.de/ SpyBot Support Forum here:
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi. I
recommend
using both normally. After fixing things with SpyBot S&D, be sure to
re-boot and rerun SpyBot again and repeat this cycle until you get a
clean "no red" scan. The reason is that SpyBot sometimes has to remove
things
which are currently "in use" before it can then clean up others.


Note that sometimes you need to make a judgement call about what these
programs report as spyware. See here, for example:
http://www.imilly.com/alexa.htm


Next, courtesy of Mike Burgess:

"--Recommended Minimum Security Settings--

Close all instances of IE and OE
Control Panel | Internet Options

Click on the "Security" tab
Highlight the "Internet" icon, click "Custom Level"

1) "Download signed ActiveX scripts" = Prompt
2) "Download unsigned ActiveX scripts = Disable
3) "Initialize and script ActiveX not marked as safe" = Disable
4) "Installation of Desktop items" = Prompt
5) "Launching programs and files in a IFRAME" = Prompt

Click on the "Content" tab
Click the "Publishers" button

Highlight and click "Remove" any unknowns, click Ok

Click on the "Advanced" tab
Uncheck: "Install on demand (other)", click Apply\Ok

Prevent your "HomePage" setting from being Hijacked
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/ietips.htm
_____________________________
Mike Burgess
Information isn't free if you can't find it!
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/"


Note the Publisher setting - this vector is often overlooked.


Then, from me:

You might want to consider installing the SpywareBlaster and
SpywareGuard
here to help prevent this kind of thing from happening in the future:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html (Prevents malware
Active
X installs) (BTW, SpyWare Blaster is not memory resident ... no CPU or
memory load - but keep it updated) The latest version as of this
writing
will prevent installation or prevent the malware from running (887
parasites
as of this date) if it is already installed, and it provides
information and
fixit-links for a variety of parasites.
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html (Monitors for attempts
to install malware) Both Very Highly Recommended.


Next, install and keep updated a good HOSTS file. It can help you avoid
most adware/malware. See here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (Be sure it's named/renamed
HOSTS - all caps, no extension)


Lastly, with regards to cookies: Courtesy of Mel's Spyware Tools, here:
Click to expand...
http://homepage.cooketech.net/~cybermel/Mel's Spyware Tools and Ad Blockers.html
Click to expand...
 
John John:
Sorry, but you just stepped out of your area of expertise. Yes, libraries
and bookstores have been held legally responsible for holding and
distributing certain books. I am not going to attempt to list those books
,with a couple of exceptions. Catcher in the Rye, as an example a book some
refer to as a Classic. Pornography ,as an example. And in many states
pornography can be anything that the locals want. The library in my
neighborhood cut pages out of books because the librarian thought the
content was unsuitable. The local librarian was threatened with arrest for
displaying certain books. And those are only a few incidents that took place
in my city. There are multitudes of such happenings anyplace you care to
look.
So, I will not call you an idiot, nor stupid. You are simply uninformed and
ignorant of the facts.
 
Mad said:
The library in my
neighborhood cut pages out of books because the librarian thought the
content was unsuitable. The local librarian was threatened with arrest for
displaying certain books.
Click to expand...

An interesting town you live in. Why go through the time consuming,
boring task of cutting out pages in books when you can just have a good
ol' fashion book burning party? And why not burn the person who looks
after the Dewey card index right atop the pile? Wouldn't he/she be the
"Google" of the library?

John
 
OH OH, The librarian that you mention cutting the pages out
of books because "SHE" thot they were unsuitable is the first
step of smashing the 1st Amendment... The second step with
which she took became the start of DICTATORSHIP of telling
people they will only read or view what "SHE" deems appropriate.
I am glad I am an older gent and somewhat out of the mainstream
where this topic is going... Leave it for the young ones to sort out,
but there is NO body going to tell me what I can or cannot view.
Like one old friend of mine said, "They will pry my guns from my
dead cold hands"...
Burt

John John:
Sorry, but you just stepped out of your area of expertise. Yes, libraries
and bookstores have been held legally responsible for holding and
distributing certain books. I am not going to attempt to list those books
,with a couple of exceptions. Catcher in the Rye, as an example a book some
refer to as a Classic. Pornography ,as an example. And in many states
pornography can be anything that the locals want. The library in my
neighborhood cut pages out of books because the librarian thought the
content was unsuitable. The local librarian was threatened with arrest for
displaying certain books. And those are only a few incidents that took place
in my city. There are multitudes of such happenings anyplace you care to
look.
So, I will not call you an idiot, nor stupid. You are simply uninformed and
ignorant of the facts.
 
HillBilly:
As to the first point you attempted to make. I did as I said. Asked for a
simple tutorial, and was presented with options. In your eyes I became
infected because I did something stupid. I admit only to following a link
Google presented to me ,that claimed to be one thing but was another. No,
Google did not infect me, it merely provided the path and the means to
arrive at the place of infection.

Regarding your next statement. It may be acceptable in your part of the
world to call someone a fool, but not where I come from. Your response (
canned though it is ) calls everyone to whom you reply a fool. That
statement , like it or not is true.
Regarding my travel plans for Africa. Correct me if I am wrong, but is it
not a requirement that in order to travel there one must first provide proof
that they have received the necessary injections ?
And any travel agent worth his salt would advise the traveler of any type
danger involved . If you believe the travel agent bears no responsibility
for sending his client to a place known by him to be dangerous or with a
plague, you have a lot to learn about the legal ramifications involved . You
are right about one thing. It was my finger on the mouse, clicking every X I
could find trying to get out of the places that Google provided a path .
You seem to have a basic flaw in your perception that you are totally
protected. No you are not. You will never be and no one will be unless those
who produce the Viruses etc. choose to cease spreading them. No Virus
protection program can now or will ever be able to stop all Viruses all the
time. Does that make you a fool because your Virus program is not now and
will never be able to provide a barrier against things that have yet to be
produced ?

Next. You do not see the venom in your canned response because you choose
not to, not because it is not there.

Again, you are correct . I did not get the infections from Google.
Google simply provided the means for me to arrive at the infected place. Of
course Google accepts no responsibility for its actions or recommendations.
Why should they ,unless they are forced to do so.
Lets see, Cheap shot . Lets have another look at your canned message and
consider the cheap shot included within.
You will be relieved to know that you caused me not the slightest bit of
embarrassment. Also, as I stated previously. Not verbatim ( wouldn't want
you to go off on that rant again ) . I do not care one way or another what
your beliefs are , spiritual or otherwise. What I do care about is being
called a fool , by someone who puts his spiritual beliefs in everyone's face
and then cries foul when called a Hypocrite.
And now the HillBilly is a Psychologist. Or is it a Psychiatrist ?
You provoke and bait, call people fools and condemn them for doing nothing
more that you yourself do every time you sit down at your keyboard.
Remember, no one can ever be totally protected.
And if you think that you are, then it is you who is the fool.

And last, at long last. That you find me amusing is nothing less than
pompous ,as is your last statement. By the way , instead of concerning
yourself with my problems, you might consider having a long hard look at
your own. And while you are saying that prayer for me , you might say one
for yourself as well.
 
John John:
If you believe those kinds of actions only take place in my city , or my
country, then you really are uninformed. And sadly, there are no more Dewey
decimal cards available to the public in my city. Everything is now on
computers and is a horrific mess.
I will pass your suggestions on to the local librarian, who I will see later
today, to pick up yet another Tomb about Windows XP, which I have on
reserve.
Ye Gods! I believe we have almost had a civil conversation. I sincerely hope
we can have more in the future and leave all this controversy in the past.
 
Burt:
Right you are! When I discovered the book in question I took it straight to
one of the librarians and showed it to her. It seems the head librarian took
the opportunity to censor a few "unseemly photos". I have no idea what they
could have been. All I know is that the missing pages also included the last
part of an article, which bit the dust along with the photos.
Guns, what guns? I have no guns. That is my story and I'm sticking to it.
Lets just say I'm pretty well covered in that department. Guns are not yet
illegal here, but registration is required. Is that not the first step in
removing all gun rights ?
Mad Max
 
If the librarian were to cut pages out of books around here we'd burn
her. (We haven't gotten over the witch thing yet!) That's not to say
that a library should have pornography and such, there are other places
for that kind of stuff.

I'll let off a bit and provide a couple of useful links.

Windows XP Professional
Resources, How-to Articles, and Communities for the IT Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/default.asp

Microsoft Windows XP Home
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/default.asp

LabMice.net
Windows 2000/XP/.Net Resource Index
http://www.labmice.net/

How Search Engines Work
http://searchenginewatch.com/webmasters/article.php/2168031

Search Engines
What they Are, How They Work, and Practical Suggestions for Getting the
Most Out of Them
http://webreference.com/content/search/

No hard feelings.

John
 
John John:
Thanks for the advice etc. And no hard feelings. I may have ran out of
bridges to burn . I am almost positive that there will be ramifications for
taking the stand as I did. There is no doubt that I could have been more
diplomatic and simply accepted what I was told , bowed down and thereafter
remained silent and repentive.
In the past I have received a good deal of valuable assistance from the MVPs
and others. I have always expressed my gratitude for their efforts on my
part and will continue to do so , if anyone ever again is willing to give me
advice if asked. There is no doubt I need them much more than they need me.
This string has become so long and ungainly that I am having difficulty
locating any new messages. Probably , it would be best if I just shut up and
sat down, finally.
 
Is your address madmax 1300 @ mail .com (with spaces removed) ?

That's what I used - that bounced.

"mail.com" doesn't sound much like an ISP to me.
 
john:
That is it & you're right , it isn't much , but it is free . Lots of popups,
popunders and gratuitous advertising. Got it in a hurry just to have an
address for NGs etc. ..and that is all it is used for.
 
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