Firmware S4 install - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I bought a S4 from Three a while ago.
Today, after waiting ages for the latest firmware updates, noticed that my region code is BTU, and that the latest firmware for this region is the first one! This angered me alot so I wanted to install some of the latest updates that have region code DBT, I hear if you install this your region code will change and then I'll get all the future ones too..
I am very new to this, so this topic is basically asking for help..
What will happen? Can I change region code to DBT this way?
And what do I need to do, I found some guides that tell me to use Odin, but say I need unlocked bootloader and I am not aware of how to do this.
Thanks

Related

[Q] Help with latest stock firmvare for my S4, UK, BTU. Confused what is what...

Hi, I got S4 I bought it in UK 3 (three) network.
I am trying figure out what firmvare I am on, is it stock or three modified.
And if I can flash phone to any better never, so I can get updates faster.
Phone is simlock free
GT-I9505
4.2.2
I9505XXUAMDM
I uploaded screenshot from about menu.
Phone region in Kies says BTU
What I found and I am confused is this :
http://droidviews.com/2013/the-latest-xxubmea-firmware-update-for-galaxy-s4-gt-i9505-brings-major-improvements-features/
On that webpage its "United Kingdom (H3G): H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653.zip"
where H3G is three network however I cant update by OTA or Kies, mine says I got latest.
So would it be safe and worth it to flash to "United Kingdom (H3G): H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653.zip" ?
or better wait for OTA update, may b when three release it??
the other thing is, I dont see H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653 on http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9505&details=Galaxy_S_4
why it is not on there ?? official samsung firmvare web?
Please someone explain me, and advice on that (H3G): H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653.zip
safe? better then my current? is it official? and why I not get it, if my phone on three?
Thank You
Kris
Right Kris your phone is simfree and it's currently got the latest firmware for simfree S4's in the UK
3's early S4's came simfree before they brought out their own lock branded one's, you won't get updates from 3 but from Samsung which will take longer to get.
3 have their own branded firmware which is MEA, which is currently the latest firmware out atm in this country.
If you want to get updates quickly but don't want to root or go down the custom road then you need to flash your S4 with 3's branded firmware like I've done, your S4 will still be unlocked, so no need to worry on that front.
But remember once you've flashed 3's firmware you need to wipe & reset so that it installs 3's csc so you can get updates from both 3 themselves via ota, or by using Kies.
This is a link to the latest S4's 3 firmware, if you wish to flash using Odin.
http://samsung-updates.com/details/10625/Galaxy_S_4_Snapdragon/GT-I9505/H3G/I9505XXUBMEA.html
CSC?
thx for reply
so u posted link to the same firmvare ver. as I did in first post H3G...
ok I understand
however I thought Its like samsung updates comes out first, then networks take them and modify and release, means samsung sahould be before three updates? why other way around?
so is it worth to update it? or I should wait
is it that firmvare three branded?
my other question is, what if I change CSC code, lets say to POLAND
then I get OTA update after reboot?
like they says in this article :
http://droidviews.com/2012/how-to-change-csc-in-samsung-galaxy-phones/
thx
ixon2001 said:
Right Kris your phone is simfree and it's currently got the latest firmware for simfree S4's in the UK
3's early S4's came simfree before they brought out their own lock branded one's, you won't get updates from 3 but from Samsung which will take longer to get.
3 have their own branded firmware which is MEA, which is currently the latest firmware out atm in this country.
If you want to get updates quickly but don't want to root or go down the custom road then you need to flash your S4 with 3's branded firmware like I've done, your S4 will still be unlocked, so no need to worry on that front.
But remember once you've flashed 3's firmware you need to wipe & reset so that it installs 3's csc so you can get updates from both 3 themselves via ota, or by using Kies.
This is a link to the latest S4's 3 firmware, if you wish to flash using Odin.
http://samsung-updates.com/details/10625/Galaxy_S_4_Snapdragon/GT-I9505/H3G/I9505XXUBMEA.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung have this tendency to update network handsets well before simfree ones, just the way they work to keep the networks happy in the UK at least.
Yes that 3 firmware is branded what you get is the 3 logo at bootup & you get 3 apps that it.
If you mix CSC ie change the BTU or H3G csc to polish csc you won't get any updates at all, as your in the UK your better off using BTU which you currently have or H3G which you get if you flash 3's firmware, and just change the language to polish, if you want Polish updates then your gonna have to flash a full Polish firmware.
As for updating or just sit and wait well that upto you
So I think best option is just stay on what I am on now, and just wait bit longer...
the one more option I thinki about is may b flash unbranded firmvare like polish or german if available
like from: http://droidviews.com/2013/the-latest-xxubmea-firmware-update-for-galaxy-s4-gt-i9505-brings-major-improvements-features/
not sure they unbranded
Thank You for explanation...
ixon2001 said:
Samsung have this tendency to update network handsets well before simfree ones, just the way they work to keep the networks happy in the UK at least.
Yes that 3 firmware is branded what you get is the 3 logo at bootup & you get 3 apps that it.
If you mix CSC ie change the BTU or H3G csc to polish csc you won't get any updates at all, as your in the UK your better off using BTU which you currently have or H3G which you get if you flash 3's firmware, and just change the language to polish, if you want Polish updates then your gonna have to flash a full Polish firmware.
As for updating or just sit and wait well that upto you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah if you not to sure on flashing then it best to stay with what you have now and just wait for the MEA update from Samsung which should be due soon, the only reason I flashed 3's branded firmware is because i'm too bloody impatient.
ixon2001 said:
Yeah if you not to sure on flashing then it best to stay with what you have now and just wait for the MEA update from Samsung which should be due soon, the only reason I flashed 3's branded firmware is because i'm too bloody impatient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are there any links to official stock roms that are quicker (not hotfile)

[Q] Cant update via Kies. CSC doesnt match. Newbie Questions

Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
Kies 2.6 says " Your Device's Current firmware version is not supported to update firmware via Kies. " (see attch)
I'm total newbie with these CSC codes and nor googling helped me out with all my questions:
How to make CSC and phone sales codes match safely without flashing official rom?
I bought AFR version S4 designed for Kenya in republic of Georgia (Asia/Europe). There is no firmware designed for Georgia. So does this mean I will never be able to obtain updates OTA or via Kies?
Phone INFO and such apps didnt work coz it couldnt find "preconfig" file.. Does this mean flashing is the only way? Which websites are good for official stock firmwares?
Old Post
Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
My BB number is : I9500XXUBMG9
Here is my question..
1) Will this baseband region phone ever receive OTA update?
2) if NOT, then should i use services that samfirmware.com offers?
if YES, then can i install official firmware originally created for another baseband? For example can i use Russian I9500XXUGNG3 kitkat on my I9500XXUBMG9 ?
Doesnt it void waranty?
What are the risks of bricking? i mean basebands differ from each other, isnt that problem?
Also Im dissapointed with 2G call voice, sometimes i barely hear caller.. Can this be Baseband problem? I think this bmg9 baseband was originally for IRAQ carriers and im here in Georgia, which doesnt have specific baseband i guess...
I would be extremely grateful to those who answer me in this hard time ^^
same question
GGACH said:
Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
My BB number is : I9500XXUBMG9
Here is my question..
1) Will this baseband region phone ever receive OTA update?
2) if NOT, then should i use services that samfirmware.com offers?
if YES, then can i install official firmware originally created for another baseband? For example can i use Russian I9500XXUGNG3 kitkat on my I9500XXUBMG9 ?
Doesnt it void waranty?
What are the risks of bricking? i mean basebands differ from each other, isnt that problem?
Also Im dissapointed with 2G call voice, sometimes i barely hear caller.. Can this be Baseband problem? I think this bmg9 baseband was originally for IRAQ carriers and im here in Georgia, which doesnt have specific baseband i guess...
I would be extremely grateful to those who answer me in this hard time ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same question for my sg s4. i wanted to buy an android wear lg g watch, but unfortunately because my phone won't update to kitkat 4.4.2 and is stuck with 4.2.2 jelly bean (kies says firmware is not compatible..bla..bla, and the OTA phone update says 'firmware up to date'....i can't make the the watch work... thank you this will be much help for alot of people!
GGACH said:
Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
My BB number is : I9500XXUBMG9
Here is my question..
1) Will this baseband region phone ever receive OTA update?
2) if NOT, then should i use services that samfirmware.com offers?
if YES, then can i install official firmware originally created for another baseband? For example can i use Russian I9500XXUGNG3 kitkat on my I9500XXUBMG9 ?
Doesnt it void waranty?
What are the risks of bricking? i mean basebands differ from each other, isnt that problem?
Also Im dissapointed with 2G call voice, sometimes i barely hear caller.. Can this be Baseband problem? I think this bmg9 baseband was originally for IRAQ carriers and im here in Georgia, which doesnt have specific baseband i guess...
I would be extremely grateful to those who answer me in this hard time ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate ,
First thing if you are in 4.2.2 is a shame to upgrade the bootloader..is Knox free
Your official updates most like it are blocked because you do not have the right CSC , download a nice little app from the market call PHONE INFO there it will tell you what your CSC is , this app can also change your CSC as long as it is available in the rom ( if you do backup first changing the CSC will do a factory reset)
Regarding your questions
1 OTA are CSC dependent
2 Samfirmware is good , and reliable you can go that way also
Second part of your questions
1 you can flash firmware for other countries , that is not a problem , BUT you may have problem with what languages are available , specific country services may not be available , no OTA
2 As long as you only flash stock rom (odin) you will not void the warranty
3 Briking is always a risk but when flashing not for different basebands
4 Maybe , for sure the right baseband would help
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:58 PM ----------
pasyuj.samonte said:
i have the same question for my sg s4. i wanted to buy an android wear lg g watch, but unfortunately because my phone won't update to kitkat 4.4.2 and is stuck with 4.2.2 jelly bean (kies says firmware is not compatible..bla..bla, and the OTA phone update says 'firmware up to date'....i can't make the the watch work... thank you this will be much help for alot of people!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Same as above check your CSC probably is for another country
OTA / CSC
First thing if you are in 4.2.2 is a shame to upgrade the bootloader..is Knox free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea why Knox free is better ^^ i googled but not enough i guess.. does it makes problems with rooting or smthing?
Your official updates most like it are blocked because you do not have the right CSC , download a nice little app from the market call PHONE INFO there it will tell you what your CSC is , this app can also change your CSC as long as it is available in the rom ( if you do backup first changing the CSC will do a factory reset)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alrighty. I dw-ed two apps, both named Phone Info. I just have a questions:
If I change CSC code to USA will I get OTA updates as soon as USA citizens get it? Doesnt it depend that im outside of USA?
Is there any cons for changing CSC?
My country, is not listed in CSC codes.. Is there a way i can always get OTA updates?
1 you can flash firmware for other countries , that is not a problem , BUT you may have problem with what languages are available , specific country services may not be available , no OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wont flashing firmware change CSC too? If I install russian firmware will i be able to get OTA updates as soon as it rolls out for russia? Or will OTA completely be blocked?
Thanks a lot, and sry for late reply
GGACH said:
I have no idea why Knox free is better ^^ i googled but not enough i guess.. does it makes problems with rooting or smthing?
Alrighty. I dw-ed two apps, both named Phone Info. I just have a questions:
If I change CSC code to USA will I get OTA updates as soon as USA citizens get it? Doesnt it depend that im outside of USA?
Is there any cons for changing CSC?
My country, is not listed in CSC codes.. Is there a way i can always get OTA updates?
Wont flashing firmware change CSC too? If I install russian firmware will i be able to get OTA updates as soon as it rolls out for russia? Or will OTA completely be blocked?
Thanks a lot, and sry for late reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
A knox free bootloader is important if warranty some how is important for you , other wise there are the same
Regarding your first set of questions
1 Not an expert on kies but as long as all the csc inpho match it should , unless there is an issue with kies registration or IP
2 CSC give you country specifics network set ups , differnt countries have different set ups , fastdormancy , special services.......
3 you need to flash a stock rom from your country or region
Yes flashing firmware may change the csc code.

[Q]Why can't I update my stock software?

So last night I flashed stock firmware from sammobile,after that I flashed the appropriate modem for the wifi to work.Everything is good but I tried from curiousness the Update Software button.It says my software is modified and I can't update it.Why?! I just flashed the stock firmware without rooting it or anything.What can I do?
calinoii said:
So last night I flashed stock firmware from sammobile,after that I flashed the appropriate modem for the wifi to work.Everything is good but I tried from curiousness the Update Software button.It says my software is modified and I can't update it.Why?! I just flashed the stock firmware without rooting it or anything.What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash everything with a full (not modified) stock firmware. That's because you flashed file that not corresponding the stock firmware you installed, so the OTA update will break.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
krasCGQ said:
Reflash everything with a full (not modified) stock firmware. That's because you flashed file that not corresponding the stock firmware you installed, so the OTA update will break.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed a stock frimware! First I wiped everything from my phone except storage and flashed the stock firmware from sammobile.It is completely stock right now...
In order for OTA updates to function, the parts of the firmware must match each other, and the firmware must have the same CSC as originally installed on the device. For example, my S4 originally was from O2 (CSC O2U), but when I got it off Swappa it had the CSC of SIM installed. I would need to install the O2-branded firmware back on to the device in order for OTA updates to function.
If you do not know what the original CSC was, either because the phone was a "hand-me-down" or was purchased used, then OTA updates will not function and you will need to use Odin to update.
calinoii said:
So last night I flashed stock firmware from sammobile,after that I flashed the appropriate modem for the wifi to work.Everything is good but I tried from curiousness the Update Software button.It says my software is modified and I can't update it.Why?! I just flashed the stock firmware without rooting it or anything.What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u share the release date of the stock firmware u downloaded?? Coz last stock firmware was released on 17.4.15 for 5.0.1 for i9500..
Ankit0141 said:
Can u share the release date of the stock firmware u downloaded?? Coz last stock firmware was released on 17.4.15 for 5.0.1 for i9500..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter. Because we look on firmware version, not release date.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA One
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
In order for OTA updates to function, the parts of the firmware must match each other, and the firmware must have the same CSC as originally installed on the device. For example, my S4 originally was from O2 (CSC O2U), but when I got it off Swappa it had the CSC of SIM installed. I would need to install the O2-branded firmware back on to the device in order for OTA updates to function.
If you do not know what the original CSC was, either because the phone was a "hand-me-down" or was purchased used, then OTA updates will not function and you will need to use Odin to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ,can I change my CSC ? Or is there any way to find out what was the original one? Any other things that need to match in order to update via OTA? Or you kinda say it's impossible to do that if I already modified the original software.Btw I have a i9505
krasCGQ said:
It doesn't matter. Because we look on firmware version, not release date.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I achieve what I want? Or it's kinda impossible now that I modified the software before?
calinoii said:
So can I achieve what I want? Or it's kinda impossible now that I modified the software before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To identify what's the latest firmware for your region, use your hometown's CSC code (region code) and look for a new version available.
Like I9500UBUHOI1 for region ARO, I9500XXUHOH7 for region SER, and many more. If you're unsure, check your CSC code by entering Recovery mode or use an app like Phone Info.
@calinoii: Many S4 boxes will have the CSC on them as part of the Samsung merchandising code, though mine did not. If the box does not have it, or you don't have the box, the only way to get the correct CSC is by parsing the IMEI and finding out which carrier purchased that device. imeidata.net used to have that option available, and it was how I found out that my device was originally from O2. They took it out, and I'm not aware of any replacements. Try contacting your carrier, as they may be able to provide that information.
krasCGQ said:
To identify what's the latest firmware for your region, use your hometown's CSC code (region code) and look for a new version available.
Like I9500UBUHOI1 for region ARO, I9500XXUHOH7 for region SER, and many more. If you're unsure, check your CSC code by entering Recovery mode or use an app like Phone Info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I checked on sammobile and the csc for my firmware (I9505XXUHOJ2) is I9505XXHOJ1. Maybe it has been installed with the firmware?
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@calinoii: Many S4 boxes will have the CSC on them as part of the Samsung merchandising code, though mine did not. If the box does not have it, or you don't have the box, the only way to get the correct CSC is by parsing the IMEI and finding out which carrier purchased that device. imeidata.net used to have that option available, and it was how I found out that my device was originally from O2. They took it out, and I'm not aware of any replacements. Try contacting your carrier, as they may be able to provide that information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I checked on sammobile and the csc for my firmware (I9505XXUHOJ2) is I9505XXHOJ1. Maybe it has been installed with the firmware?
I guess I wasn't clear. When I say "CSC of the phone", I'm referring to the three digit carrier code some of the devices have. For example, my phone I discovered had the model number of GT-I9505ZKAO2U. The carrier code of my phone is the last three digits of the model number. It therefore is O2U, and on sammobile.com I would narrow down my search for ROMs using that code to get the correct ROM for the device.
The firmware has its own CSC code, but that cannot be used to determine the phone's CSC. You either need the model number of the phone as printed on the box, or you need to find someone who can research the IMEI and tell you what carrier the phone was originally sold to.
calinoii said:
so I checked on sammobile and the csc for my firmware (I9505XXUHOJ2) is I9505XXHOJ1. Maybe it has been installed with the firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's probably modem or baseband version. Like Strephon said before, it refers on latest 3 digits on your phone box. Like my Galaxy S4 is GT-I9500ZWAXSE, so this phone is for Indonesian markets. Third party app might refer it into installed CSC codes like I install Latin American firmware into my phone and it's changed into GT-I9500ZWATTT. It mostly refers to region like region CHN for China, ARO for Argentina, etc.
CSC that always mentioned on the firmware details is actually multi-CSC. Like on SEA I9500XXUHOH7, it's multi-CSC version is I9500OLBHOH1 and Latin American I9500UBUHOI1 is I9500UUBHOE2. Multi-CSC applies one of CSC codes that matches your phone (like I download ARO firmware but after installing and wipe cache, CSC code installed is TTT instead of ARO).
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA One

Singapore stock firmware G935FD

Hi,
I tried to flash Germany firmware for my S7 Edge however after finding out that the gear VR require local region firmware in order to function, i couldnt find the original firmware anywhere (ie sammobile).
The closest that I have found is the following, however it is not the original firmware as well. I did not record my phone CSC and it is now missing in the phone information. Could anyone share the firmware?
The country for the phone should be Singapore (Singtel). Million thanks ahead!
http://samfirm.net/threads/g935fd-xsp-rom-full-galaxy-s7-edge-sm-g935fd-g935fxxu1apb6-xsp-android-6-0-1-marshmallow.80/
hellcommando said:
Hi,
I tried to flash Germany firmware for my S7 Edge however after finding out that the gear VR require local region firmware in order to function, i couldnt find the original firmware anywhere (ie sammobile).
The closest that I have found is the following, however it is not the original firmware as well. I did not record my phone CSC and it is now missing in the phone information. Could anyone share the firmware?
The country for the phone should be Singapore (Singtel). Million thanks ahead!
http://samfirm.net/threads/g935fd-xsp-rom-full-galaxy-s7-edge-sm-g935fd-g935fxxu1apb6-xsp-android-6-0-1-marshmallow.80/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought it from Singapore so it should be XSP right?
gyoung said:
You bought it from Singapore so it should be XSP right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried flashing the XSP firmware in the link on my first post, however it doesnt show CSC code/VoLTE either, hence I'm suspecting there may have multiple variant of Singapore firmware.
In order to change Active CSC your phone need to be wipe which odin does this automatically when flashing CSC file.(not HOME_CSC file)
Also XSP is part of OLB multi-csc which contain CSC for Malaysia/Philippines/Singapore/Thailand/Vietnam. So when you flash this CSC-file it will randomize the CSC. For example, you flash OLB-CSC expecting XSP-CSC but you might get THL-CSC instead.
is there a way to flash directly to XSP -CSC (singapore)? figured more people would be interested in this since Samsung Pay is expected to be released within this quarter
runeyus said:
is there a way to flash directly to XSP -CSC (singapore)? figured more people would be interested in this since Samsung Pay is expected to be released within this quarter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate any advice on this as well, my gear vr is giving me "network error" and I cant find any singapore(singtel) firmware around
Apparently there is no way you can flash the firmware and get Singapore CSC. It will always go to THL which is default CSC in OLB.
Just bumping this thread up if anyone's figured a way to get the Singapore CSC back. Unfortunately I decided to try out the Nougat beta and now I'm stuck with the Thai version of Samsung Pay.
Found this thread. I just tried android N and went back to marshmallow and having TH CSC. Hope someone can figure out and share
Go to Samsung at Plaza Singapura and have it restored. They do that in lesa than 2hrs.

Help! Not getting ota updates

Hi
I got my galaxy j500f rooted. While I was trying to flash a custom rom It got bootlooped. I flashed the stock rom for Sri Lanka( where I live ) . My phone was bought from Qatar. Now I am not getting software updates. Please help me to find the correct region for my phone
Nuzaikm said:
Hi
I got my galaxy j500f rooted. While I was trying to flash a custom rom It got bootlooped. I flashed the stock rom for Sri Lanka( where I live ) . My phone was bought from Qatar. Now I am not getting software updates. Please help me to find the correct region for my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your original CSC ought to be XSG(UAE). Nevertheless, since you've flashed the SLK firmware, there is no need of worry. By the way, you may not be getting new update since the firmware might be already latest, as last update to Sri Lankan firmware arrived way back in January. Just see the attachment.
Amijaz said:
Your original CSC ought to be XSG(UAE). Nevertheless, since you've flashed the SLK firmware, there is no need of worry. By the way, you may not be getting new update since the firmware might be already latest, as last update to Sri Lankan firmware arrived way back in January. Just see the attachment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help. Will I get be able to get the updates if I flash the UAE rom?
SLK firmware is fulled with bloatware and I am not planning to root my phone again.
Nuzaikm said:
Thanks for the help. Will I get be able to get the updates if I flash the UAE rom?
SLK firmware is fulled with bloatware and I am not planning to root my phone again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get updates, provided Samsung releases a new one in the UAE region. Which I think won't probably happen as Galaxy J5's two year support period is nearly over.
Nevertheless, I'd recommend you to change the CSC to INS(INDIA) by dialing *#272*imei 1# on your phone dialer and then choosing INS as the Sales code. Keep in mind that by doing so your device'll reboot and wipe all the datas.
As far as I know, J500F used to get more frequent updates in India than any other country.
Tnx.
Hi
Which android version do you have?
J5 is not getting many updates.After the 6.0.1 update there may not be anymore.
Plus if your phone is not official then it wont get any more updates.

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