Alienware 15 R3 Service Manual
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Alienware 15 R3 Service Manual

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Alienware 13 R3

Service Manual

Computer Model: Alienware 13 R3
Regulatory Model: P81G
Regulatory Type: P81G001

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Summary of Contents for Alienware 15 R3

  • Page 1: Service Manual

    Alienware 13 R3 Service Manual Computer Model: Alienware 13 R3 Regulatory Model: P81G Regulatory Type: P81G001...
  • Page 2 Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Before working inside your computer......10 ................10 Before you begin ................10 Safety instructions ................ 11 Recommended tools ..................12 Screw list After working inside your computer......14 Removing the base cover..........15 ..................15 Procedure Replacing the base cover..........17 ..................17 Procedure Removing the wireless card.........18 ...................
  • Page 4 Replacing the solid-state drive........24 ..................24 Procedure ................25 Post-requisites Removing the memory modules........26 .................. 26 Prerequisites ..................26 Procedure Replacing the memory modules........28 ..................28 Procedure ................29 Post-requisites Removing the rear-I/O cover........30 .................. 30 Prerequisites ..................30 Procedure Replacing the rear-I/O cover........
  • Page 5 Replacing the coin-cell battery........39 ..................39 Procedure ................39 Post-requisites Removing the heat-sink assembly......40 .................. 40 Prerequisites ..................40 Procedure Replacing the heat-sink assembly......42 ..................42 Procedure ................42 Post-requisites Removing the battery..........43 .................. 43 Prerequisites ..................43 Procedure Replacing the battery..........45 ..................45 Procedure ................
  • Page 6 Replacing the system board........55 ..................55 Procedure ................56 Post-requisites Removing the speakers..........57 ...................57 Prerequisites ..................57 Procedure Replacing the speakers..........59 ..................59 Procedure ................59 Post-requisites Removing the power-adapter port......60 .................. 60 Prerequisites ..................60 Procedure Replacing the power-adapter port......62 ..................
  • Page 7 Replacing the keyboard..........69 ..................69 Procedure ................69 Post-requisites Removing the display assembly........71 ................... 71 Prerequisites ..................71 Procedure Replacing the display assembly........74 ..................74 Procedure ................74 Post-requisites Removing the palm rest..........76 ...................76 Prerequisites ..................76 Procedure Replacing the palm rest..........78 ..................
  • Page 8 Replacing the camera cable........85 ..................85 Procedure ................85 Post-requisites Removing the camera..........86 .................. 86 Prerequisites ..................86 Procedure Replacing the camera..........88 ..................88 Procedure ................88 Post-requisites Removing the display panel........89 .................. 89 Prerequisites ..................89 Procedure Replacing the display panel........92 ..................
  • Page 9 System setup options ............109 Clearing forgotten passwords ............... 109 Clearing CMOS settings ................110 Flashing the BIOS ..................110 Boot menu ...............111 Boot menu enhancements Diagnostics..............112 Flashing the BIOS............114 Getting help and contacting Alienware....115 ................115 Self-help resources ..............115 Contacting Alienware...

  • Page 10: Before Working Inside Your Computer

    Before working inside your computer NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Before you begin Save and close all open files and exit all open applications. Shut down your computer. The shut-down instruction varies depending on the operating system installed on your computer.

  • Page 11: Recommended Tools

    WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet. CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat and clean.

  • Page 12: Screw List

    Screw list Table 1. Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Wireless card Computer base M2x3 Solid-state Computer base M2x3 drive Rear-I/O cover Palm-rest M2.5x6L assembly Computer base Palm-rest M2x3 assembly Computer base Palm-rest M2.5x6L assembly Computer base Palm-rest M2.5x6L assembly Heat-sink...
  • Page 13 Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Display Palm-rest M2.5x6L assembly assembly Display panel Display back- M1.6x2 cover and antenna assembly Display hinges Display back- M2.5x2.0L cover and antenna assembly USB Type-C System board M2.5x6L port bracket...

  • Page 14: After Working Inside Your Computer

    After working inside your computer CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.

  • Page 15: Removing The Base Cover

    Removing the base cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 16 Using a plastic scribe, disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

  • Page 17: Replacing The Base Cover

    Replacing the base cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 18: Removing The Wireless Card

    Removing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 19 Lift and slide the wireless card out of the wireless-card slot.

  • Page 20: Replacing The Wireless Card

    Replacing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 21: Post-Requisites

    Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the wireless card and the computer base. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.

  • Page 22: Removing The Solid-State Drive

    Removing the solid-state drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 23 Lift and slide the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.

  • Page 24: Replacing The Solid-State Drive

    Replacing the solid-state drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 25: Post-Requisites

    Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.

  • Page 26: Removing The Memory Modules

    Removing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 27 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.

  • Page 28: Replacing The Memory Modules

    Replacing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 29: Post-Requisites

    Press the memory module down until it clicks into place. NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.

  • Page 30: Removing The Rear-I/O Cover

    Removing the rear-I/O cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 31 Slide and remove the rear-I/O cover from the computer base.

  • Page 32: Replacing The Rear-I/O Cover

    Replacing the rear-I/O cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 33: Removing The Computer Base

    Removing the computer base WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 34 Remove the two (M2.5x6L) screws that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 35 Lift the computer base from the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 36: Replacing The Computer Base

    Replacing the computer base WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 37: Removing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Removing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 38 Gently peel off the coin-cell battery along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 39: Replacing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Replacing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 40: Removing The Heat-Sink Assembly

    Removing the heat-sink assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 41 Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board.

  • Page 42: Replacing The Heat-Sink Assembly

    Replacing the heat-sink assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 43: Removing The Battery

    Removing the battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 44 Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 45: Replacing The Battery

    Replacing the battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 46: Removing The Touch Pad

    Removing the touch pad WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 47 Peel off the touch-pad cable from the touch-pad bracket. Open the latch and disconnect the touch-pad buttons cable from the touch pad. Remove the five screws (M2x3) that secure the touch-pad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 48 Using a plastic scribe, lift the touch-pad bracket off the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 49 Lift the touch pad off the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 50: Replacing The Touch Pad

    Replacing the touch pad WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 51: Removing The System Board

    Removing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 52: Procedure

    Procedure CAUTION: Place the computer on a clean, flat surface. Turn the computer over. Disconnect the logo-board cable from the system board. Using the pull-tab, disconnect the power-button board cable from the system board. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board. Turn the computer over.
  • Page 53 11 Open the latch and disconnect the touch-pad cable from the system board. 12 Remove the screw (M2.5x6L) that secures the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board and lift the USB Type-C port bracket off the system board. 13 Remove the two screws (M2.5x6L) that secure the system board to the palm- rest assembly.
  • Page 54 14 Lift the system board off the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 55: Replacing The System Board

    Replacing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 56: Post-Requisites

    10 Turn the computer over. 11 Slide the display cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable. 12 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board. 13 Connect the logo-board cable to the system board. Post-requisites Replace the heat-sink...

  • Page 57: Removing The Speakers

    Removing the speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 58 Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 59: Replacing The Speakers

    Replacing the speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 60: Removing The Power-Adapter Port

    Removing the power-adapter port WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 61 Remove the cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 62: Replacing The Power-Adapter Port

    Replacing the power-adapter port WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 63: Removing The Power-Button Board

    Removing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 64 Peel the power-button board cable from the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 65: Replacing The Power-Button Board

    Replacing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 66: Removing The Keyboard

    Removing the keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 67 Lift the keyboard bracket off the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 68 Lift the keyboard at an angle and remove it from the tabs on the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 69: Replacing The Keyboard

    Replacing the keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 70 11 Replace the wireless card. 12 Replace the base cover.

  • Page 71: Removing The Display Assembly

    Removing the display assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 72 Remove the display cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. CAUTION: Place the computer on a clean, flat surface. Turn the computer over. Remove the four screws (M2.5x6L) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 73 Remove the cables from the routing holes on the palm-rest assembly. Place the display assembly on a clean, flat surface.

  • Page 74: Replacing The Display Assembly

    Replacing the display assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 75 Replace the wireless card. 10 Replace the base cover.

  • Page 76: Removing The Palm Rest

    Removing the palm rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 78: Replacing The Palm Rest

    Replacing the palm rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 79: Removing The Display Bezel

    Removing the display bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 80 Carefully lift the display bezel and turn it over. Open the latch and disconnect the alien head logo-board cable from the logo board. Peel off the tape that secures the logo-board cable to the logo board and disconnect the logo-board cable from the logo board.
  • Page 81 Lift the display bezel off the display assembly.

  • Page 82: Replacing The Display Bezel

    Replacing the display bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 83: Removing The Camera Cable

    Removing the camera cable WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 84 Note the camera cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

  • Page 85: Replacing The Camera Cable

    Replacing the camera cable WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 86: Removing The Camera

    Removing the camera WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 87 Lift the camera module from the display back-cover and antenna assembly. Follow the procedure in step 2 in Removing the display back-cover and antenna assembly to remove the camera cable.

  • Page 88: Replacing The Camera

    Replacing the camera WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 89: Removing The Display Panel

    Removing the display panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 90 Gently lift the display panel and turn it over. Peel the tape that secures the display cable to the display panel. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the display panel.
  • Page 91 Lift the display panel off the display back-cover.

  • Page 92: Replacing The Display Panel

    Replacing the display panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 93 11 Replace the solid-state drive. 12 Replace the wireless card. 13 Replace the base cover.

  • Page 94: Removing The Display Hinges

    Removing the display hinges WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 95 Remove the hinge caps off the hinges. Remove the display cable from the routing guide on the display back-cover and antenna assembly. Remove the logo-board cable from the routing guide on the display back- cover and antenna assembly.
  • Page 96 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guide on the display back-cover and antenna assembly. Remove the eight screws (M2.5x2.0L) that secure the hinges to the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
  • Page 97 Lift the hinges from the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

  • Page 98: Replacing The Display Hinges

    Replacing the display hinges WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 99 Replace the rear-I/O cover. 10 Replace the memory modules. 11 Replace the solid-state drive. 12 Replace the wireless card. 13 Replace the base cover.

  • Page 100: Assembly

    Removing the display back-cover and antenna assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 101: Procedure

    Procedure After performing the steps in prerequisites we are left with the display back-cover and antenna assembly .

  • Page 102: Assembly

    Replacing the display back-cover and antenna assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 103: Bios Overview

    BIOS overview The BIOS manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer. Entering the BIOS setup program Turn on or restart your computer. Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program.
  • Page 104 Table 3. Main tab Main System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format. System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/ yyyy format. BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version. Product Name Displays the model number of your computer. Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer.
  • Page 105 Main M.2 PCIe SSD-1 Displays the type of primary SSD installed. M.2 PCIe SSD-2 Displays the type of secondary SSD installed. M.2 PCIe SSD-3 Displays the type of third SSD installed. Table 4. Advanced tab Advanced Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel (R) Speedstep Technology.
  • Page 106 Advanced NOTE: You cannot boot any type of USB device (floppy, hard drive, or memory key) when this option is off. Default: Enabled USB PowerShare Allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is turned off or in standby mode. Default: Enabled USB Wake Support Allows you to enable USB devices to...
  • Page 107 Advanced Touchpad Backlight Allows you to configure the touchpad backlight option. Battery Health Displays the battery health. Intel Software Guard Extensions Allows you to enable of disable the Intel Software Guard Extensions Default: Disabled BIOS Recovery Enable the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive...
  • Page 108 Security controls access to the system setup utility. System Password Allows you to set the system password. The system password controls access to the computer at boot. HDD password Allows you to set, change or delete the hard-disk drive password. Password Change Allows you to permit or deny system password or HDD password changes.

  • Page 109: Clearing Forgotten Passwords

    Boot Boot Option #2 Displays the available second boot option. Boot Option #3 Displays the available third boot option. Table 7. Exit tab Exit Save Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and save your changes. Discard Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and load previous values for all system setup options.

  • Page 110: Flashing The Bios

    Replace the coin-cell battery. 10 Replace the battery. 11 Replace the computer base. 12 Replace the rear I/O cover 13 Replace the solid-state drive. 14 Replace the wireless card. 15 Replace the base cover. Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.

  • Page 111: Boot Menu Enhancements

    Boot menu enhancements The boot menu enhancements are as follows: • Easier access — Press F12 to access the boot selection menu. • User prompting — The user is prompted to use the keystroke on the BIOS screen. • Diagnostics options — The boot menu includes the ePSA diagnostic options.

  • Page 112: Diagnostics

    Diagnostics Power and battery-status light: Indicates the power and battery-charge status. Solid amber – Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 10 percent charge. User-defined color (AC mode) – Power adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
  • Page 113 Light Pattern Problem description Recovery image found but invalid Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use. • Solid white – Camera is in use. • Off – Camera is not in use. Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled. •...

  • Page 114: Flashing The Bios

    Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. To flash the BIOS: Turn on your computer. Go to www.dell.com/support. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.

  • Page 115: Getting Help And Contacting Alienware

    Getting help and contacting Alienware Self-help resources You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources: Table 9. Alienware products and online self-help resources Information about Alienware products www.alienware.com and services Dell Help & Support app...
  • Page 116 NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country. NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

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