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10-e.book Page ii Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM Copyright © 2001. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 210 series User’s guide Original Issue: February 2001 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
210-e.book Page iii Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM iii First things first We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Your guides To help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.
210-e.book Page iv Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM iv An Online guide is your helping hand on-the-go, with easy to access, detailed and linked information about your computer. To access the online guide: 1 Click on Start, Programs, TravelMate. 2 Click on TravelMate Online guide. Lastly, there may be a Read me first sheet included with your package which contains important reminders and updates. So, please read through it.
210-e.book Page v Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM v Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.
210-e.book Page vi Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM vi Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack: • Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries. • Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. • Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible.
First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer iii iii iv 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1 A TravelMate tour Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk AcerMedia drive Using software Audio Adjusting the volume Power management Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Traveling i
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210-e.book Page 2 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM Your TravelMate computer combines highperformance, versatility, power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner.
210-e.book Page 3 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 3 A TravelMate tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer. Front view # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. 2 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse.
210-e.book Page 4 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 6 Click buttons (left, center and right) The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a scroll up/down button. 7 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. 8 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.
210-e.book Page 5 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 5 # Item Description 5 Speaker/ Headphone-out jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 6 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). 7 Microphone-in jack Accepts a mono/stereo condenser microphone. 8 Volume control Controls the volume of the speakers. 9 Video capture kit slot Accepts the video capture kit option on the left side of the computer.
210-e.book Page 6 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 4 LED indicator Lights up when the AcerMedia drive is active. 5 Eject button Ejects the compact disc from the drive. 6 Emergency eject slot Ejects the compact disc when the computer is turned off. See page 46 for more detail. 7 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter. Rear view # Item Description 1 PS/2 port Connects to any PS/2-compatible device (e.g.
210-e.book Page 7 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 7 # Item Description 5 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 64K colors at 1280x1024 resolution. 6 Modem jack Connects to a phone line. Bottom view # Item Description 1 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory. 2 Hard disk anti-shock protection Protects your hard disk against shocks.
210-e.book Page 8 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 8 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 4 AcerMedia bay release latch Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removal or swapping. 5 AcerMedia bay Houses an AcerMedia drive module. 6 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 7 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 8 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw).
210-e.book Page 9 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 9 Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Mobile Pentium® Celeron® processor with 128 KB cache • 64-bit memory bus • AcerMedia bay (removable CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive) • Built-in floppy drive • High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • NiMH main battery pack • Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) Display • 12.1", 13.3" or 14.
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210-e.book Page 11 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 11 Indicators The computer has six easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. The Power and Sleep status icons are visible even when you close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed. Icon Function Description Power Lights when the computer is on. Sleep Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode.
210-e.book Page 12 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
0-e.book Page 13 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 13 Embedded numeric keypad The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired access Num lock on Num lock off Number keys on embedded keypad Type numbers in a normal manner.
210-e.book Page 14 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 14 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: á á + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) á + E (Explores My Computer) á + F (Finds Document) á + M (Minimizes All) Shift + á + M (Undoes Minimize All) á + R (Displays the Run...
210-e.book Page 15 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 15 To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function Description Fn-F1 Hot Key Help Displays help on hot keys. Fn-F2 Setup Accesses the computer’s configuration utility. Fn-F3 Power Management Scheme Toggle Switches the power management scheme used by the computer (function available if supported by operating system). See “Power management” on page 23.
210-e.book Page 16 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 16 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Hot key Icon Function Description Fn-F7 Touchpad Toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker Toggle Turns the speakers on and off. Fn-↑ Contrast up Increases the screen contrast. (Available only to models with HPA display.) Fn-↓ Contrast down Decreases the screen contrast. (Available only to models with HPA display.) Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
210-e.book Page 17 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 17 4 Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International. If not, select and click on Properties; then select United StatesInternational and click on OK. 5 Click on OK. To type the Euro symbol: 1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard. 2 Open a text editor or word processor. 3 Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol.
210-e.book Page 18 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 18 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB or serial mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
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210-e.book Page 20 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • AcerMedia drive bay • Floppy disk drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. AcerMedia drive The AcerMedia drive bay accepts a wide variety of media drive modules for use with your computer.
210-e.book Page 21 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 21 Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the AcerMedia drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1 Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD movie disc; then close the DVD tray. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to input the region code. DVD discs are divided into 6 regions.
210-e.book Page 22 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 22 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio. The built-in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers are easy to access. There are audio ports on the left panel of the computer. See “Left view” on page 4 for more information on external audio devices. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is easy with a rotary volume control knob on the left panel.
210-e.book Page 23 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 23 Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video memory.
210-e.book Page 24 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Moving around with your TravelMate This section gives you tips and hints on things to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s). 3 Shut down the operating system. 4 Turn off the computer.
210-e.book Page 25 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 25 you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display, and press any key. If the power indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. Press, slide and release the power switch to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after a period of time it is in Sleep mode.
210-e.book Page 26 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer.
210-e.book Page 27 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 27 Traveling with the computer “when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client’s office building or traveling locally” Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area.
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210-e.book Page 29 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 29 Securing your computer Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords. Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the left panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible key-based computer security lock.
210-e.book Page 30 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 30 • 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized access to your hard disk. Even if the hard disk is removed from the computer and moved to another computer, it cannot be accessed without the Hard Disk Password. Important! Do not forget your Setup and Hard Disk Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.
210-e.book Page 31 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 31 Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you successfully entered the password, you are presented with a correct entry symbol. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the following message or symbol appears. Slide and hold the power switch for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.
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210-e.book Page 34 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer, let’s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to add options, upgrade components for better performance, and customize your computer.
210-e.book Page 35 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 35 Expanding through options Your TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience. AcerMedia bay modules To swap drive modules in and out of the AcerMedia drive bay, follow these steps: 1 Turn your computer off. 2 Close the display cover. 3 Turn the computer over. 4 Slide and hold the AcerMedia drive bay release latch (a); then pull out the drive module from the AcerMedia drive bay (b).
210-e.book Page 36 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 36 2 Customizing my computer Fax/data modem Some models have a built-in V.90 56Kbps AC97 Link fax/data modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem. To use the fax/data modem port, connect a phone cable from the modem port to a telephone jack. Start your communications software program. See your communications manual for instructions.
210-e.book Page 37 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 37 Popular type III cards include flash memory, SRAM, fax/data modem, LAN and SCSI cards. CardBus improves on the 16-bit PC card technology by expanding the bandwidth to 32 bits. ZV (Zoomed Video) allows your computer to support hardware MPEG in the form of a ZV PC card. Note: Refer to your card’s manual for details on how to install and use the card and its functions.
210-e.book Page 38 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 38 3 2 Customizing my computer Press the slot eject button (a) to pop out the eject button; then press it again (a) to eject the card (b). Upgrade options Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance. Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
210-e.book Page 39 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 39 Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: 1 Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. 2 Remove the screw from the memory cover; then lift up and remove the memory cover.
210-e.book Page 40 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 40 2 Customizing my computer 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot, then gently press it down until it clicks into place. 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size.
210-e.book Page 41 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 41 Using system utilities Notebook Manager The computer has a built-in system setup program called Notebook Manager. The Windows-based Notebook Manager allows you to set passwords, the startup sequence of the drives, and power management settings. It also shows current hardware configurations. To start the Notebook Manager, press Fn-F2 or follow these steps: 1 Click on Start, Programs, then Notebook Manager.
210-e.book Page 42 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 42 2 Customizing my computer BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (basic input/ouput system). Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 during the POST (power-on selftest) while the TravelMate logo is being displayed.
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210-e.book Page 44 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
210-e.book Page 45 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 45 Frequently-asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy answers and solutions are provided for each one. I pressed the power switch and opened the display, but the computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power indicator: • • • If it is not lit, no power is being applied to the computer.
210-e.book Page 46 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 46 3 Troubleshooting my computer Image is not full-screen. Make sure that the resolution is set to 800x600 for 12.1” or 1024x768 for the 13.3" and 14.1" TFT LCD. Right-click on your Windows desktop and select Properties to bring up the Display Properties dialog box. Then click on the Settings tab to make sure that the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution.
210-e.book Page 47 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 47 The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to the PS/2 connector on the computer’s rear. If it works, contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable may be loose. The serial mouse does not work. Check the following: • Make sure that the serial cable is plugged securely into the serial port.
210-e.book Page 48 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 48 3 Troubleshooting my computer I get a “Not Enough Space for Allocation” error message from the Sleep Manager program. This is an error message that may appear when Sleep Manager is creating the Hibernation file. There are several different reasons that may cause this error: • The hard disk has enough free space, but this free space exists as small fragments. The free disk space that Sleep Manager requires needs to be contiguous.
210-e.book Page 49 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 49 Troubleshooting tips This notebook computer incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems. In addition, this series of notebook computers ship with PC-Doctor, a powerful diagnostic tool, that helps you determine hardware configuration and clarify hardware or software problems. • If the system reports an error message or an error symptom occurs, see “Error messages” on page 50.
210-e.book Page 50 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 50 3 Troubleshooting my computer Error messages If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action. Error Messages Corrective Action CMOS Battery Bad Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. CMOS Checksum Error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
210-e.book Page 51 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 51 Error Messages Corrective Action Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Connected Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Keyboard Interface Error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Memory Size Mismatch Press F2 (during POST) to enter the BIOS Utility; then press Esc to exit and reconfigure the computer.
210-e.book Page 52 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 52 3 Troubleshooting my computer Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. Our worldwide network of service centers are there to give you a helping hand. An ITW passport comes with your computer. This passport contains all you need to know about the ITW program.
210-e.book Page 53 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 53 If there are error messages or beeps reported by your computer, write them down as they appear on the screen (or the number and sequence in the case of beeps). If you are able to run the PC-Doctor diagnostic tests, locate the log file by selecting Windows, Testlog in the PC-Doctor menu bar. If you haven’t registered your notebook computer, you will be required to register during your first call to Acer.
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210-e.book Page 56 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
210-e.book Page 57 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 57 Microprocessor • Intel® Mobile Pentium® Celeron® processor with 128 KB cache Memory • Main memory expandable to 512MB • Dual 144-pin soDIMM socket SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) • 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One 3.5-inch internal floppy drive • One high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • One 5.25-inch internal removable CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive Display and video • 12.1", 13.3" or 14.
210-e.book Page 58 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 58 Appendix A Specifications I/O ports • Built-in: • One type II /type III CardBus socket • One RJ-11 phone jack • One DC-in jack (AC adapter) • One parallel port (ECP/EPP compliant) • One external monitor port • One PS/2 keyboard/mouse port • One speaker/headphone-out jack • One audio line-in jack • One microphone-in jack • Two USB ports • One 9-pin RS-232 serial port (UART16550) Weight and dimensions • 2.8 kg (6.
210-e.book Page 59 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 59 AC adapter • 60-Watt • Auto sensing 100~240Vac, 50~60Hz Options • 64-/128-/256-MB memory upgrade module • PS/2 Y-bridge cable • Additional AC adapter and battery pack • USB video capture kit • External numeric keypad • External battery charger • InviLink 802.11b wireless LAN PC card • Lucent AP-100 802.
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210-e.book Page 62 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.
210-e.book Page 63 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 63 This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
210-e.book Page 64 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 64 Appendix B Notices This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Rčglement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.
210-e.book Page 65 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 65 1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 3 Do not use this product near water. 4 Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
210-e.book Page 66 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 66 Appendix B Notices f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service. 12 Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman. 13 Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire.
210-e.book Page 67 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 67 CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig hĺndtering. Udskiftning mĺ kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandřren.
210-e.book Page 68 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 8:55 AM 68 Appendix B Notices tested by NSTL using the YMark2000 test, and has been found to meet NSTL's standards for Year 2000 hardware compliance. For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center Web site (http:// global.acer.com/service/pcy2000.
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