MSSQL Database is also known as Microsoft SQL server or simply SQL server. It is developed using T-SQL and ANSI SQL which are also known as the primary query languages for it. It is basically a Relational Model database server for Servers with Windows Operating system or say Windows hosting platform. As Microsoft is very well known for developing technology on a Regular basis with different features and versions for users with specific requirements,  it has also developed versions and editions for MSSQL server.

One of the versions of MSSQL server is 2000 which is also known as the first one.  Later came MSSQL Server 2005 with new features and many Advancements.  The latest version is MSSQL Server 2008 with many advanced features for users with different requirements. As MSSQL Server 2000 is quite an older version and there are hardly users using MSSQL Server 2000 for now, we will be looking at the other two i.e. MSSQL Server MSSQL 2005 and MSSQL Server 2008.

MSSQL Server 2005 :

As MSSQL Server 2005 is released after MSSQL Server 2000, it is also known as the Successor of the same. It is named as “Yukon” which is also known as the codename for MSSQL Server 2005. After a lot of Research and development of MSSQL Server 2000 which was released in the year 2000, MSSQL Server 2005 was launched in October 2005. As MSSQL Server 2005 was released quite a long time after MSSQL Server 2000, several changes have been made.

The System for Error recoveries were made better and the level of control also improved. As the Permissions given to the Users also increased, the algorithm of indexing improved and developed which was very good from the users point of view. So that the errors could be well verified, data pages were checksummed which is a command to indentify errors. The best change which was made was the fact that MSSQL Server 2005 consisted of MSSQL CLR (Common Language Runtime) which ensured that .NET Framework is supported on MSSQL Server 2005.

MSSQL Server 2008 :

The latest version of MSSQL server is MSSQL server 2008 which was realeased on August 6, 2008. The codename for it is Katmai which is also a National Park in the US. It is said that MSSQL Server 2008 was codenamed as Katmai as Katmai is Maintained, Organised and Tunned by itself and MSSQL is said to be developed for the same but in the Niche of Technology.

MSSQL server 2008 includes the feature of data transparent encryption which is basically for the data residing on Encryted Disk. With the motive of better performance and scalability, better compression features are included in MSSQL server 2008 which is a great feature when it comes to compression of databases. Around the data model, the data definition is build as ADO.NET Entity Framework is supported and the data definition is not build solely as it includes reporting tools and replication also.

If you have Windows SQL Server 2008 then the server can be managed via Windows Powershell as it makes databases available via Windows Powershell providers. Also, when it comes to management of Windows Powershell databases then Cmdlets is available to make sure that the management is not difficult for you. Alongwith this feature for management, SQL Server 2008 includes a feature to manage entire database or certain tables of database separately. This feature is called Declarative Management Framework. You can configure entire database or certain tables according to your requirements with this feature.

MSSQL Server 2008 R2 :

Not much information is available for MSSQL Server 2008 R2 as for now and it is being developed and will be available in future, however, some information was announced of MSSQL Server 2008 R2 in 2009 at a Tech Education campaign.

When it comes to MSSQL Server 2008 R2, from the name itself, you can derive that MSSQL Server 2008 R2 is the next step or say higher version of MSSQL server 2008. As MSSQL server 2008 has higher management capabilities and features, MSSQL server 2008 R2 also includes Master Data Services for higher management level. The most important feature is the capability to function more than 64 logical processors and a number of SQL Server instances. As not much information is available for MSSQL Server 2008 R2, we can proceed to know more about the Editions of MSSQL Server 2005 and MSSQL Server 2008.

Hope this information helps

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DotNetNuke (DNN) which is written in VB.NET and has been Gathering many Appreciations from a long time as it is Open Source i.e. Free of Licensing or any Charges with it’s Amazing features. As it has it’s own Content Management System, DNN has also gained some Criticisms i.e. it is said to have some Drawbacks. The Drawbacks are given below :

1. API Reference are unavailable and hence it causes problems to write a Documentation. Due to unavailability of API, the Documentations have to be written in Task Oriented form.

2. As DotNetNuke receives regular updates, the Latest versions are not compatible enough with the Previous one’s which a matter of Concern. However, this problem has been taken care of to a certain limit and with more versions to come in future.

3. Again, the same problem is with Modules of DNN. It is noticed by many that the Modules previously released were not as useful as they were advertised to be. However, the newer versions have been changed to perform and deliver as they are advertised.

4. If you have a website which is in a different language than English then you might get disappointed as Localization of Dynamic Content is not available which  is a really important feature for websites which are in a different language other than English.

It might be possible that inspite of these drawbacks you will choose DotNetNuke for yourself which is done by many and most of them do not consider this as a Bad Decision. If you have DotNetNuke on your Windows Dedicated Server and it’s working slow or you are facing some problems then the reason may be some of the below :

1. Firstly, you should make sure that you have checked the Size of DNN Eventlog.

2. Most probably, the problem is found here itself.

3. The reason for this is the fact that sometimes, there are a lot of activities stored or say present in it’s Eventlog.

4. Most of the website owners do not pay Attention to this and as a result they never remove them or say clear them.

5. As this is Neglected the Performance of DNN Application is not the same as it should be.

6. To solve this problem, you should clear these Logs or say Remove them once you login into the DNN host.

7. After you have Followed the above Step, you will surely Notice a Difference. If you do not then it is suggested that you should contact your Windows dedicated Server hosting provider if you are not finding any reason for the problem.

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Introduction to Enterprise Manager :-

To understand what is Enterprise Manager, you will have to understand what is Microsoft Management Console (also known as MMC). With the help of Microsoft Management Console it will be possible for you to manage different Applications of the Server in a Network of Microsoft Windows. A component which is known as MMC snap-in i.e. Microsoft Management Console snap-in is provided by different Server Applications. You will get an User Interface which will allow you to Manage Server Applications if you get MMC snap-in.

Now, comes the role of Enterprise Manager. Enterprise Manager is the MMC snap-in of Microsoft SQL Server. Enterprise Manager is the Tool which will allow you to Perform Administrative tasks for SQL Server. Now to perform the Administrative tasks, you will have to connnect to MSSQL Database through Enterprise Manager on your Windows Dedicated server You can do this by following the simple steps given below :-

1. Open Enterprise Manager on your Windows Dedicated server.

2. Then, to reach Local you will have to expand the list on the Panel which is on the Left side.

3. Find this option, ‘(local) (Windows NT)’ and finally select ‘New SQL Server Registration’.

4. Now, you will have to Enter the IP address of your Windows Dedicated server.

Note :- Make sure that you Enter the Primary IP address of your Windows Dedicated server, otherwise, it may cause problems.

5. Select the 2nd option now when asked to select an Authentication mode.

6. Now, for the Connection options, select ‘Login Automatically’ and provide the login information i.e. ID and password when you are asked for it.

7. You will be asked to select a Connection Group now. It is also possible to create a new one.

Note :- This is basically done to keep things functioning in a proper manner. If you choose another inspite of having one, it won’t affect your Connection.

8. Once you are done with the 7th step above, simply click on the Finish option and you are done.

Now, you will be provided with an MMC-compliant user which is an Interface which will allow you to perform the following tasks :-

1) Bring together Individual servers and make a group of servers.

2) Determine and form Groups of SQL server instances.

3) Create different SQL Servers for each Registered Server.

4) Administration of all the SQL Server databases of different Registered Servers and manage all SQL server databases, Logins, Permissions, Users, Objects etc.

5. Determine and work on all SQL server tasks on each separate server.

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ASP.NET is basically known to be the Next Generation to Microsoft’s Active Server Pages which is also know as ASP. Both of these i.e. ASP.NET and ASP are Web Application Frameworks which allows the Programmers to create Different and Unique Web pages and Websites which can be used to provide people with different Web Services. When ASP was invented, it was released as an Additional Service with IIS (Internet Information Service).

Later, ASP and ASP.NET became the main components and people Started using Windows Operating system due to these two. ASP.NET was released in January 2002 much after ASP got sucess. The first version of ASP.NET was 1.0.

We will be Discussing about ASP.NET version 2.0 which has a unique feature called the “Membership Feature” which is the best feature for the people who want to store important Files and Documents in a Secure place. It also has an authorization feature which makes it easier to verify the users accessing the Files and Documents. It’s just kind of a Store which will allow users to keep private data safe. For this service, you will have to Populate ASP.NET Membership Class. You can do this by following the steps given below :

1) Fist step is to create a Database and you can do this by using MSSQL Server 2000 or MSSQL Server 2005.

Note : MSSQL Server 2005 Express Edition is recommended as it is an Advanced version and it is Open Source i.e. Free of Cost.

Important : We are following the below given steps in assumption that you already have ASP.NET 2.0 Installed.

2) Now, go to Command Prompt, and Enter the given below commands :

cd [your asp.net 2.0 path]
Typically at this path: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727

3) Again, you will have to enter the commands given below in the Command prompt in the following manner :

aspnet_regsql.exe -S [DB Server Name] -U [DB login] -P [Password] -A all -d [Database name]

Congratulations! The population of ASP.NET For Membership class is done on your Windows Dedicated Server

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ColdFusion is basically a Programming Language like Active Server Pages (ASP) and Java Server pages (JSP) which are also products of Microsoft. It is a good Programming Language which can be used to create Dynamic Web pages. Another best Advantage which is offered by Coldfusion and is not available with other Programming Languages like Active Server Pages (ASP) and Java Server Pages (JSP) is the fact that it allows the Developers to create Dynamic Websites which were attached to Databases which are not in Front i.e. Backend Databases.

As other Programming Languages, Coldfusion has many Versions right from 1.0 to 8.0.1. Till the Version 4.5 was Released, Allaire was not in a Merger with Macromedia. It was later in 2001 when Allaire and Macromedia Merged and once they Merged together, they launced Macromedia ColdFusion version 5.0. After this, they launched Macromedia ColdFusion MX (6.0) later in June 2002. Coldfusion 5.0 and ColdFusion MX 6.1, both of them are supported on Windows. In this Tutorial, you can check the steps to Install ColdFusion 5.0 and ColdFusion MX 6.1 on Windows Dedicated Server with Windows 2003 Operating system and IIS 6. Before you Start the Installation process, make sure, The Components for ColdFusion Application Management and Macromedia ClusterCats are not Supported on this platform.

1. The first step for installation should be to download ColdFusion MX 6.1 Updater. Once you have downloaded this, Start with the installation of ColdFusion MX 6.1 Updater.

2. Once you do this, ColdFusion will be able to Detect and Configure IIS accordingly.

Installing ColdFusion 5 on your Windows Dedicated server :

If you have done the above steps correctly, it is time to start the installation of ColdFusion 5 now. You might be worried now as ColdFusion pages will not process correctly at this point of time but don’t worry. Check the steps below to install ColdFusion 5.

Important : When you start the installation process, you will be prompted that the Installation is done on an Unsupported platform. Select “Continue” and select ‘Other’ for the webserver and the reason you will have to do this is the fact that IIS will not be detected.

1. After following the above steps, you will have to add a Web Service Extension to IIS for ColdFusion.

2. Now, Run IIS manager.

3. Select “Add a New Web service extension” after you Open Web Service Extensions.

4. You will be asked for a name for your Web service extension(Recommended - ColdFusion). Once you are done, type the path to the Connector (c:\cfusion\bin\iscf.dll).

Note : Extension status should be set to allow, then click “OK”.

5. According to the requirements, Enable iscf.dll in the Web Service.

6. Now, to the iscf.dll extension, Map .dbm and .cfm

7. Click the “Home Directory” tab and click the “Configuration” button once you have done that.

Note : The tab “Mappings” should be opened on top.

8. Find the “Add” button and click.

9. The Extension should be “.cfm” and the Executable should be c:\cfusion\bin\iscf.dll or it can be at any other place where it is installed.

10. Now, you will have to repeat the 8th and 9th step again but make sure that you substitute .dbm for .cfm for the extension.

Important : If you want to go in the suggested manner then simply rename any templates with a .dbm extension to .cfm and omit this step as this step has backwards compatibility with the ColdFusion extension used before which was named as nomenclature (.dbm instead of .cfm).

11. The Final Step is to Restart ColdFusion.

Cogratulations!! Cold Fusion has been installed on your Windows Dedicated server Hosting Package.

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Introduction :

Dot Net Nuke which is also known as DNN in Short is a Web Application Framework which consists of it’s own Content Management System (CMS). DNN is an Open Source i.e. a Free Application from Microsoft which is yet another benefit. It is written using Windows ASP.NET Framework and VB.NET and the Content Management System of it is Highly Customizable according to the requirements of the User. It is mostly used for the Creation, Distribution and management of Websites, Intranet and Extranet and can Customized through Modules and Skins.

Features of DotNetNuke :

1. Installation : The installation process of DNN is very simple and you can install DNN within a short time once you have downloaded the Application. Some of the Web Hosting providers will provide you with DNN already installed on the Web hosting package/Server.

2. Use : DNN is made with a Motive to provide Administrators, Designers, Web developers and People of other niches with ease of management and use. User Interface provided by DNN makes it even easier for everyone to manage other things which can be really difficult at times.

3. Potential : You will have the Power to manage many websites once you have installed DNN. Managing many websites at the same time will never be difficult with DNN.

4. Amazing Tools : DNN already has Exceptional tools which will allow to manage everything in the best possible way. The tools provided can help you with the management of Website Hosting, Web design, Security, Content etc.

5. Languages Supported : DNN includes Multi-Language support that allows Users to translate Selected websites into the Languages they wish to.

6. Advantage : DNN offers the User an Over-Edge advantage to use the Technologies such as Visual Studio, Windows Server, SQL Server, ASP.NET 2.0 and IIS.

Installing DotNetNuke (DNN) on Windows Dedicated Server :

1) First you will have to Download MSI Installer of DNN from it’s website itself and save it on your Windows Dedicated server.

2) Next step will be easier if you have Plesk control panel with your Windows Dedicated server. Anyways, the step is to Create MSSQL Database and assign Name and Password to it.

3) Now, Upload the DNN Folder into the httpdocs folder of the Domain name on which you wish to install DNN once you are done with the extraction Zip file on your Local Machine.

4) Next, httpdocs Folder should be setup as “Modify Permissions”. Also, provide “Modify Permissions” to IWAM_ & IUSR_ users and this task can be done through File Manager Option in your Plesk control panel if you have it.

5) It is also possible to install DNN in the Subfolder of your Domain name and if you wish to do this then you will have to set it as an Application Directory. To do this, go to the Web Directories in Plesk control panel on create new Virtual Directory Option.

6) After you have followed the above steps properly, go to dotnetnuke.com/DNN

7) Finally, you will have to start the DotNetNuke (DNN) Installation Wizard.

Installation Wizard of DotNetNuke (DNN) :

Please note that the Installation Wizard we are working on is Version 04.08.04

1. Welcome :

Welcome message will be Displayed once you login into the Installation Wizard of DotNetNuke. You will also get an Option to choose the Installation Method, Select “Custom”. Also, you will get an Option to choose the Language (Please note : We have Chosen English Language).

2. Checking File Permissions :

DotNetNuke has many File upload Capabilities for Modules, Skins and Content.

Note : Custom Security Settings are required by these features and the reason for this is the fact that Application should be able to create and remove files in your website. Current File Permissions will be checked now so that these features will work properly.

3. Configure Database Connection :

Now you will have to configure the Database which will be used by DotNetNuke. You will get 2 Options if you are using Database i.e. SQL Server 2005. The use of Database files are supported by SQL Server 2005 and this should be used mostly. Hence, you should select the Database Option.

Note : If you are using SQL Server 2005 Express Edition then you will have to choose the File Option.

Now, Select the Database SQL Server 2000 or 2005.

Enter the Database Information accordingly.

Server : IP\SQLEXPRESS
DB_Name : ________

Uncheck Integrated Security

DB_User : ________
DB_Pass : ________

4. Host User Configuration :

The Details for the Host or the Super User Account should be provided now.

Important : You should make sure that you provide a proper Username and Password to this user as this User has access to all the Portals Created on the website and you should make sure that the Username and Password used is quite safe.

5. Install Optional Modules :

You can install Modules if you need here. DotNetNuke is highly Extensible.

6. Install Authentication Services :

You will get an Option to choose the System you wish to install as DotNetNuke supports a Number of Systems if they are Authenticated.

7. Install Optional Skins and Containers :

You can choose the Skins and Containers for DotNetNuke here as it has a good Skining Capability.

8. Install Language Packs :

You can choose the Language you wish to have as DotNetNuke supports a number of Languages.

9. Title of Portal :

You will have to configure the Host (or initial) Portal (website) Here. It is necessary for you to create an Administrator user account now.

Note : This Particular user can access all the Portals and use them accordingly. Hence, with the Host user you should make sure that you provide a Username and Password to keep it Private and safe.

10. Congratulations

This is a Moment of Joy for you as you must have Sucessfully Installed DotNetNuke.

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Once you have Installated MySQL server on your Windows Dedicated server you will have to Start MySQL on it. Now, this process can be difficult if you do not follow the steps properly. You can follow the steps given below to Start MySQL from the Windows Command Line :

Note : These steps can be used to start MySQL on any Version of Windows. There are no such restrictions depending on the version.

1) You will have to start the Console Window which is also known as DOS window to start the mysqld server from the Command Line and enter the Command given below :

C:\> “C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1\bin\mysqld”

2) Path of mysqld on your Windows Dedicated server will depend on the Location on which MySQL is installed on your Windows Dedicated server.

It is also possible for you to stop the working of MySQL Server on your Windows Dedicated server by simply executing the below Command :

C:\> “C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1\bin\mysqladmin” -u root shutdown

Important : You will have to bring in the mysqladmin with the -p option if the MySQL root user account has a password and you will need to provide the password when it is asked for.

3. Once the above command is used, it brings the MySQL Administrative utility into action and informs mysqladmin to establish a connection with the server and tells it to shutdown.

4. The Default Administrative account in the MySQL System is the MySQL Root user and the command is responsible to connect as the same.

Important : Users in the MySQL Grant system are independent from any other users using logins under Windows.

5. Now, if you are facing a problem with the starting of MySQL then you should check the error logs to see whether the Server dropped any messages there to indicate the main reason for the problem.

6. Most probably, the error logs in Windows Dedicated server is found in the C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1\data which is a directory. This file is found with a suffix which is .err (which basically means error).

Note : If the above steps don’t work for you, you can also try to start the server using mysqld –console. If you use this command to start the server, you may get some useful information on the Screen that will help you to get rid of the problem which you are facing.

7. Now, if the above solutions don’t work for you then you will only have a single option available for you which is to start mysqld with the –standalone and debug options.

8. In the above solution, mysqld writes a log file C:\mysqld.trace which should give you the answer why mysqld does not start.

Note : You can also use the Command mysqld –verbose –help to check all the options which is avialable and are supported by mysqld.

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MySQL can be easily installed Manually and the process is quite simple then it seems to be. If you are using Noinstall package to install MySQL then just follow the steps given below to install MySQL on your Windows Dedicated Server Before you follow the steps given below to install MySQL on your Windows Dedicated Server make sure the below steps are given to install MySQL from Zip Archive. Steps are given below :

1. Go to the Desired Directory where you wish to install MySQL and once you are there Extract the Archive.

2. Now, create a file with an Option.

3. The Server type of MySQL is to be chosen now.

4. Now you can start the MySQL Server once you are done with the installation.

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Microsoft has been famous for upgrading it’s Operating systems from time to time and providing more features with the improved standards and versions of the Operating system. The latest Version of Windows Operating system is Windows 2008 Operating system and it also has some Editions and one can select an Operating system according to the requirements as Windows provides different features with each Versions and Editions of Windows Operating system. As we are aware of the fact that Windows Operating system requires licensing fees, you should be careful while choosing your Operating system Version and Edition. To help you while choosing your Windows 2008 Operating system Edition on your dedicated server hosting package, here are some of the features of different Editions of Windows 2008 Operating system.

1. Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition

This version is considered to be more or less similar to Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition. It has the capability to provide you with features through which the Security level of the Server can be increased. Hot add processor capabilities are included with this Operating system Edition and it can also be used to setup a number of Servers in a Cluster. The Licensing cost is one factor which bothers an Organization and if you have an Organization which is facing the same problem then Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition is for you as it has the amazing capability to merge the applications together which finally results into reduced costs.

2. Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition

This version will provide your Windows Dedicated server an Enterprise platform which is suitable for small or large Businesses. The best part of this version is the Hardware Virtualization capabilities it provides which is good for Large scale Virtualization and organizations as this feature helps the organization to reduce the costs for applications which are required. This Operating system provides organizations with a Strong platform with reduced costs as it also provides High Quality Virtualization solutions.

3. Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition

Standard Edition of any Version of Windows is considered to be the best as it has a good balance of all the features and hence Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition is considered to be the best 2008 Operating system. Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition provides higher level of Control over the Server with Never before Management Techniques including Virtualization Techniques and features which adds up to the Performance of the Server. This version is highly recommended if you need a very Secured Operating system which reduces your time consumption provides the Organization a highly dependable platform.

4. Windows HPC Server 2008 Edition

This version includes many Monitoring features which is the best option for people who require high reliability and higher Capabilities for Computing. The Stability of this Version provides the User with Ultimate level of control and Flexibility. It is also capable to cope up with Linux based HPC platforms which is a Unique feature in this operating system Version. Most of the batch and service oriented applications are supported by this version which is yet another benefit.

5. Windows Web Server 2008 Edition

This version is suitable for you if you wish to have it on a Single web server i.e. a Dedicated Server. This version is highly stable and hence can be used for a high Specification Dedicated server. Usually, this Version is provided with the latest versions of IIS 7.0, ASP.NET, and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

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IIS is the webserver for Windows Dedicated servers. Installation of PHP 5 be done but it is recommended that you confirm with your web hosting provider before installing it on your Windows Dedicated server.

Note : Below given steps are for installing PHP5 on Windows Dedicated server with Windows 2003 Operating system. Make sure that IIS 6 and Windows 2003 Server is already installed on your Server before you try the steps given below to install PHP5.

1. Download Zip Package of PHP from it’s website. Make sure that you install the Zip Package only, otherwise, the below given steps won’t work.

2. Now, Extract the Zip package to a Directory on the Harddrive of your Server. (It is recommended that you extract the files to C:\PHP and the below steps are given assuming that you have done the same)

3. Right click My Computer and select Properties from the Start Menu after you have added C:\PHP to your path. Once done, Click Environment Variables button from the Advanced tab.

4. Now find Path and Edit it (You will find Path under System Variable). Add the semicolon (;) at the End of Variable Value and finally add C:\PHP.

5. It is necessary to Configure IIS now. You can do this by opening the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager from Administrative Tools.

6. Now, configure Web Service Extension and Web sites according to the steps given below :

Web Service extension - Add New Web Service Extension once you right Click on the Web Service extension Folder. Keep the Extension Status to Allowed after you have setup the Extension Name to .PHP and added C:\PHP\PHP5ISAPI.DLL to the Necessary Files.

Web Sites - Right click once you have selected the “Websites” folder and select Properties. Click the Configuration Button from the Home Directory Tab. Now add an Application Extension after clicking Add. Add PHP as Extension and Execute C:\PHP\PHP5ISAPI.DLL. The other settings should be left as the same.

Click OK and proceed.

Now PHP5 is installed on your Windows 2003 Server.

You can follow the steps given below to check the PHP installation :-

a) Create a file with PHP Extension. For exam: xyz.php.

b) Add the following lines of text and then save the file into your website directory.

Example : C:\INETPUB\WWWROOT

c) Finally, use your browser to read the file. example : http://localhost/test.php

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