Airport Express no longer joins network

Greetings, I have a cable modem internet connection; I use an older Airport Extreme (802.11n, without Time Capsule) to make a local wifi network with WPA2 Personal security, and an older Airport Express (802.11 b/g, firmware 6.3) to connect a laser printer in a different room.
All was working well until two days ago when access to the internet disappeared. I reset the modem, confirmed that the cable connection was working by plugging a laptop directly into the modem by ethernet, determining that the problem was the Airport Extreme. I discovered the 7.5.2 firmware update which I uploaded, and all seemed well.
However, the 27" iMac upstairs only connected to Airport intermittently; it appeared to have been duplicated in name, as well as only recognized the Airport Express. I've since been able to correct that problem, however, now the Airport Express no longer connects to the Airport Extreme network.
I've tried soft resets (unplugging then plugging back in) and hard resets (pressing the reset button with a paperclip until the amber light flashes, then reconfiguring the device). I've tried setting the Airport Express both just to join the network (printer sharing) as well as extend the network; I also reverted the Airport Extreme's firmware to 7.4.2 which works perfectly well. However, now after each successive attempt to reconfigure the Airport Express to join the network, Airport Utility says that the Airport Express has been successfully updated and will restart, which it never does - it simply flashes an amber light, and Airport Utility eventually times out and says that it was unable to find the Airport Express after restarting, noting that the settings have been successfully updated, but that there is a problem re-joining the wireless network/finding the device. Notably, the Airport Express no longer appears in the left hand list of wireless devices in Airport Utility.
Help!!

Hi pslebow,
You make it sound like there was no change, then suddenly the Airport Express 802.11g lost connection to the wireless network and you can't get it back.
What network security is your wireless network using?
From the specification sheet, "…When joining an existing wireless network, AirPort Express only supports WPA-Personal."
AirPort Express - Technical Specifications
Please make sure your router security is set to match.
iOS and OS X: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support
If you have older Wi-Fi devices on your network that don't support WPA2 Personal (AES), a good second choice is WPA/WPA2 Mode (often referred to as WPA Mixed Mode). This mode will allow newer devices to use the stronger WPA2 AES encryption, while still allowing older devices to connect with older WPA TKIP-level encryption. If your Wi-Fi router doesn't support WPA/WPA2 Mode, WPA Personal (TKIP) mode is the next best choice.
Best,
Nubz

Similar Messages

Airport express won't join network

I use an airport express to extend my network. It is the last model in the old style - if that makes sense - (It supports 5Ghz networks) - bought about a year ago. It's been working fine but suddenly stopped connecting to my network. I suspect a hardware problem - but how can I know for sure? It's in range of my Time Capsule - I've tried resetting it - occasionally it works but then drops the connection. Any thoughts would be welcomed.

Hi Nicholas Pritchard,
Welcome to the Support Communities!
The articles below may be able to help you with this.
Click on the links to see more details and screenshots.
Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
Resetting an AirPort Base Station or AirPort Time Capsule FAQ
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3728
Cheers,
- Judy

Airport Express refuses to join network.

I have an existing wireless network consisting of a D-Link DGL-4500 router running a mixed 802.11g and 802.11n network. Everything has been working fine for ages. I just bought an Airport Express in order to stream iTunes to my receiver. I plug in the Airport, and get a blinking amber light. I fire up the Airport Utility app on my iPhone, and right away it sees the Airport. I configure the Airport for my network, and . . . nothing. Blinking amber light. The Airport Utility now cannot find the Airport, and eventually gives up with an error. I check the logs on the router, and I see no evidence that the Airport has tried to connect to the router (I can't find the MAC anywhere in the logs).
I also tried to configure the Airport using the Airport Utility on my PC (Widnows 7, 64-bit). I did a factory reset on the Airport. Thereafter, the Utility will not see the Airport. I connect the PC directly to the default wireless network created by the Airport, but the Utility still will not see the Airport. I have to choose "Configure other" from the drop-down and enter the default IP and password for the Airport. Once I have done so, I can edit the configuration settings, but after entering the correct information, the Airport resets itself, and . . . nothing. Again, just a blinking amber light. The Airport Utility cannot find the Airport, and eventually gives up with an error. I check the logs on the router, and I see no evidence that the Airport has tried to connect to the router (I can't find the MAC anywhere in the logs).
Is my Airport broken?

Bob:
Thanks for the reply. My understanding is that the iPhone Airport Utility app passes on the network settings to the Airport. Since the iPhone connects successfully to the router and can access the internet (and therefore presumably "knows" the network), I would think that it is providing the proper information to the Airport.
However, when using the Airport Utility on my PC, I have double (triple) checked that I am entering the correct settings. I've lost count of the number of tries. The D-Link is using WPA2-Personal security.
What makes me wonder if the AIrport is faulty is this: I did a factory reset on the Airport. When it restarts, it thinks it is a base station. I configure my PC to "join" the Airport network. However, the Airport Utility still cannot see the Airport, even when connected directly to it.
I did try to connect to the Airport from my Windows XP netbook using an ethernet cable. The Airport Utility saw the Airport, and allowed me to configure it, but when the Airport restarted, it disappeared. The Utility could not thereafter find the Airport, and it did not appear in the router logs.

Airport Express won't join network and disappears from view once configured

Hi. I am having trouble getting my brand new Airport Express to connect to my network. I would appreciate any help you can provide. Here are the details:
Computer: iMac, G5 running OS X Tiger.
Network: Cable modem hooked to a netgear wireless b/g router. The router is configured to use WEP 128 bit encryption. I have connectivity on the router throughout the house on several computers and handheld devices (iPhone, etc).
Airport Express Version: 5.3.1
My goal is to add the AE to my current network in order to stream music from iTunes to my receiver.
When I initially opened up the airtunes utility to set up the AE the setup program was able to find the AE and walk through the configuration process. I followed the steps, entered the correct network name, encryption algorithm, password, etc. When I completed setup and hit the update AE button the AE disappeared from the setup application and the device began to flash yellow. While troubleshooting I have reset the AE dozens of times over the past couple of days. I have done both the reset with power on (press reset for 10 seconds waiting for the quickflash) and the hard reset (plugging the AE in with the reset button depressed until the quickflash starts). In either case, the AE is rarely detected by the setup utility (about 1 in 10 times). When it is detected, I walk through the set up and get the same results. I have attempted configuration using both the manual configuration option and the automatic "wizard-like" method.
I have tried to configure the AE wirelessly with it plugged in next to the computer and using a direct hookup via ethernet cable. Both methods produce the same results - flashing yellow light with AE undetectable by any Airport applications.
I have also tried to load an older version of the firmware (5.3) on the AE. When I hit the update AE button after configuring the update to go from the current version to version 5.3 I get an error message stating that "an error occured while attempting to update."
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Hi guys,
I think I'm having the same problem as you all, and its driving me crazzzzy!. I added an AX to my existing network with a AEX all thru gigabyte switch, including the new AX. I set the brand new AX up with all the settings, hit update, all settings were configured and its working fine (i can see it in iTunes, stream music to it, all works fine) EXCEPT when i go to AU and try to go into the manual setting of the AX it just hangs, and after about 2 min, i get an error message:
"An error occurred while reading the configuration. Please make sure your Apple wireless device is plugged in and in range of your computer or connected via Ethernet and try again. (-6722)"
I have tried resetting it hard/soft/default but not sure if it really does reset it, still keeps same password, and network settings. Tried connecting it next to my existing AEX incase the AX is trying to communicate via WIFI instead of the hard wired ethernet. I'll try hard wiring it directly to my mac as some have had success.
I have tried using OX 10.5.3, but still misbehaves as b4 with OSX.4.11. So its not my mac setup.
I'll try to find the old firmwares as some have described, that might work....????
This seems a common problem to many, I hope that Steve & the Apple engineers have got these messages and are fixing the problem as we speak.
marc

Airport Express Won't Join Network Anymore

I had my Airport Express set up in my house as a range extender for my Airport Extreme. It was working fine until I recently updated the Airport software (or firmware, I don't remember). Now the AP Express is blinking amber. I went through all the trouble shooting steps, including hard and factory reset. My Airport utulity (6.0) sees the AP Express, and it takes me through all the steps setting it up as a range extender for my basestation on my wireless network, but at the very last step it says there's an error connecting. When I connect via ethernet only it's yellow on the utility, with status saying there no valid IP address. Tried the same IP settings as my basestation, but no luck. It also says the wireless network can't be found.
Is this a software problem, or a hardware issue? I feel like I'm missing something simple. I would appreciate any help anyone can offer. Thanks!

Download and use Airport Utility 5.6
This was release the same day as 6.0 but 6.0 is quirky and exhibits strange behavior at times.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
Do a Factory reset again and set it up using 5.6

After the Airport update today, Airport Utility no longer sees my new Extreme or my 2 new Airport Express relay stations (same network); however, my internet is working and all Airports are green?

After the Airport update today, Airport Utility 6.0 no longer sees my new Extreme or my 2 new Airport Express relay stations (same network); however, my internet is working and all Airports are green? I'm running Lion on my iMac and updated when Airport Utility prompted me to do so a few hours ago. After applying the updates is when Airport Utility stopped seeing my routers. But they are working? Thoughts?

Did you remember to completely power cycle the entire network?
You would want to do this after any update or change to the network.
If you did not do this yet......things are out of sequence.
Power off everything on the network.....all devices.....power down order is not important
Wait a few minutes
Start the modem first and let it run a minute or two by itself
Start the next device connected to the modem the same way
Work your way out on the network starting each device about a minute apart
Check the network

With my Airport Express, I can join the network but not extend it.

I just bought a new Airport Express to extend the network I have setup with my Airport Extreme. At first, it seemed the Express was unable to get a correct IP address, I think because I had my DHCP server running from the cable modem, and the Extreme was just acting as a bridge. I switched the Extreme to run a DHCP server and now the Express correctly receives an IP address. However, it still tells me that it cannot extend the network, but gives no details why. It just tells me to make sure I have the correct password and to be sure I am in range.
Clearly I am in range and have the correct password, because when I switch to "join network", all works fine. Though when I do switch, I still get an amber blinking light and Airport Utility still thinks the Express is in Extend mode. When I unplug and replug the Express, then it comes up with a green light and Airport Utility shows it in Join mode and all works fine.
I am thinking there might be something wrong with my Express and am considering exchanging it. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas as to why this may be happening?
Thanks.

However, it still tells me that it cannot extend the network, but gives no details why.
Suggest that you check your AirPort Extreme to make sure that you have enabled the wireless network to be extended.
Open AirPort Utility, select the AirPort Extreme, and click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Just under the setting for Wireless Network name......make sure that there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be exended".
Update to save changes
Now, try the configuration with the AirPort Express set to "Extend a wireless network"

How to Connect Airport Express to Existing Wireless Network (Client Mode)

I am posting this for everyone tearing their hair out trying to connect the Airport Express to your own existing home wireless network. After spending 2 hours last night installing this on my father-in-law's home network, I hope to be able to save someone else the agony we went through.
So here's the situation:
Say you already have your own home network set up, and all you want is to be able to use AirTunes to play music off iTunes into your speaker system. And, you don't need the printer sharing capability nor creation of another wireless network (2 of the features of Airport Express). Then this solution is for you - read on.
Unfortunately, Apple's user manual is very unclear how to connect Airport Express to your own network. When you look at the picture diagram they provide, they show Airport Express picking up its signal from another Apple-oriented base. This can make you think you need to buy another piece of hardware to make it work. DON'T If you read through the manual, the Support section here, etc., you will hear lots of talk about "Client Mode" - and that this is the only way to get it to work. Nice - but no one really tells you how to set up the Airport in client mode.
Do yourself a favor, toss that user manual aside and run these steps.
(Note: These directions assume your DSL/Cable Modem is hooked up to a wireless router or acts as its own wireless router)
1. Get a cat5 Ethernet cable (anything but an orange cable - that's a crossover cable) like you would use to connect your PC to your router to pick up the Internet.
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the router on one end, and to the Airport Express unit on the other end.
3. Plug in your Airport Express unit to the wall (this will not necessarily become its permanent location - you will be able to move it later). The light will glow solid Amber for about 30-45 seconds while it starts up, then blink Amber. At this point, the unit is ready to operate.
4. Install the CD to the PC where your iTunes music is stored. This should be painless. Once you open the program, it should detect the Airport unit.
5. At this point, the on-screen wizard will present you with your options, and walk you through the setup. This is much like the user manual describes - and you should be good to go form here forward.
Some pointers:
- When asked if you want to create a new network, join an existing network, or connect via Ethernet, choose the middle option for joining an existing network. You will need to know the name of your network, the password to connect to the network (if present), and the type of encryption used on the network (e.g. WEP, WPA, etc.). Side note, WPA is recommended, as it is a higher level of security than WEP. You will be able to configure the Airport Express unit to automatically login to your network.
- I would recommend, when creating a password for the Airport Express unit, use the same password as your network, to avoid confusion.
6. The very last step will ask you to save the settings to the Airport Express. Here's the kicker - when you save the settings, you are TRICKING the Airport Express into no longer acting as a network broadcaster, but instead being a "slave" to your own network. What do I mean? You will lose the connection from your PC to the Airport Express - an error message will pop up telling you the unit can no longer be found. While you might think you did something wrong, you actually were successful!
7. Unplug your Airport Express, and disconnect the Ethernet cable from your router and the Airport unit. This will no longer be needed.
8. Go to your desired location where you want to plug in your Airport Express unit. Before plugging it in, connect your Audio cable from the Airport Express to your audio receiver. Once that is connected, then plug in the Airport Express unit. The light will glow solid Amber for 30-45 seconds while it loads, and then will blink Amber for a brief period of time before turning solid GREEN. When this happens, you have successfully connected the Airport Express to your home network!
9. Go back to your PC with iTunes. Open the Airport software - you should now have a listing for your Airport Express unit in the upper left. Click on this, and the wizard will guide you through connecting - you will need the password you created for the unit. You only need to go through this wizard once, and when finished, the software will tell you that can now use iTunes with your Airport unit.
10. Open iTunes. On the lower right, you will see a dropdown for Speakers, and it should be defaulted to My Computer. Click on that drop-down, and you will see the name of your Airport unit. Click on that name, and now your music will broadcast to the Airport unit!
11. Play a song in iTunes. Go to your audio receiver, and connect it to the channel for your external connection to the Airport Express unit. You should hear your music from iTunes. CONGRATULATIONS! =)
I hope these instructions were helpful - I am happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact me, *******************@*****.**.
<Edited by Moderator>

Thanks for the detailed directions. You are absolutely correct in stating that people should toss the user manual; it's pretty worthless. I have had a problem setting up my new Airport Express as I have described in an earlier post - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1839873&tstart=45
One quick question - does using your setup process set the AE up as part of a distributed network where the AE is acting as a wireless router where it is extending the range of your network? Or, is it simply a wireless connection to your stereo for iTunes? I am interested in having both, since my AE will be at the other end of the house from the main wireless router.
Thanks

My airport express no longer shows up in Airport Utility since I got a new router.

Hi all, I'm scratching my head at this one.
For years I've had an Airport Express and it has worked fine. I was using it simply to stream music from iTunes on my PC as well as my iPhone and iPad to my home theater which is in a different room. I had a Linksys WRT150N wireless router, and the Airport Express would join my existing network and stream music via Airplay.
A few days ago I replaced my Linksys router with a Netgear WNDR3800, and the Airport Express no longer connected. I assumed I had to set it up again, but it is not even recognized by Airport Utility, so I can't get to the setup screen. I tried performing a soft reset, hard reset, and attaching the Airport Express to one of my Netgear's LAN ports via Ethernet cable, but it still won't show up in Airport Utility. The amber light just flashes on the unit and I can't access any setup screens.
Am I missing something obvious? All of the help tips assume the Airport Express at least shows up in Airport Utility. In my Airport Utility there is nothing to select and it says "AirPort Utility was unable to find any AirPort wireless devices. Make sure the AirPort wireless device you want to set up is plugged in and in range of your computer, and then click rescan to try again."
I am running a PC with Windows 7 and using Airport Utility v. 5.6.1 for Windows.
Thanks for any help!
-Rob

Did you try temporarily connecting an Ethernet cable from your PC to the AirPort Express to see if AirPort Utillty could "see" the AirPort Express that way? This method will work virtually all of the time unless the Windows Firewall or the PC's anti-virus program is blocking the connection attempt from your PC to the AirPort Express.
If you want to configure the Express using wireless only, you need to remember that when you reset the Expess back to default settings, it is now producing a wireless network with a name like Apple Network xxxxxx.
You must log on to the Apple Network xxxxxx wireless network first....no password is required.....and then open AirPort Utility so that your PC will establish a connection to the AirPort Express.
Once the AirPort Express has been configured to join your Netgear wireless network, you can log back on to your normal wireless network and all devices will be working with one another.

Airport Express Audio Drop and Network issue

I have a Dell Laptop, DLink G604T router and Airport Express. When I first bought the airport express I successfully got it to join my existing Dlink wireless network and I could happily stream music wirelessly to the airport express and maintain a wireless internet connection through the Dlink router.
Since then I started having issues with audio drops to the Airport express and despite doing a lot of searching on the discussion forums and internet and trying different things have never solved the issue.
The one thing that does seem to work is if I create a new wireless network with the Airport Express rather than joining the existing Dlink one. I can then stream music flawlessly all day long. The down side is I then can't get internet access wirelessly at the same time. I have to disconnect from one network and connect to the other.
If I connect the dlink router to the airport express by ethernet and use the Dlink router just as a modem I think the issue will be resolved but this is not convenient due to position of router and airport express.
So the question is, Can I get the Dlink router to join the Airport Express Wireless network wirlessly rather than the AE joining the Dlink wireless network? Any thoughts on whether this is possible and if so how?
Dell Inspiron 500m Windows XP Pro

I had one AE base unit, where network connection would disapear every other day. The light would still be green on the AE, but the signal from the AE could not be picked up nor seen by the computer. Only turning the AE off and back on, would make it appear and work again. I Changed the AE unit, and I dont have the problem any more. I didnt change any settings at all.
So in my case, it was the AE base unit that was malfunctioning.
I have also seen similar problems with a different cause: That the wifi network card in the computer wasnt connected properly. ..
I dont think its a software problem
good luck

Airport express connect to existing network problems

Hello everyone, my thanks in advance for any help you can provide. I know this issue has been raised in various forms both on this forum and elsewhere on the net, however no solution so far has worked for me.
I have been trying to add my airport express to my existing wireless network in order to extend wireless connectivity in my lounge room and provide airplay functionality to my stereo. Previously, with my last router and ISP i had the same setup working fine but now i cannot for the life of me get it working again.
I have BT infinty internet and am using a TPLink WR1043ND router in place of the home hub that BT supplies. My wireless internet connection is fully functionning and everything service-wise is fine.
I have tried to connect my airport express (n) to my network and all seems to go well but despite everything i try i always end up with an express with solid green light that is not recognised wirelessly by airport utility 6.0 or as an output option in itunes. If i connect the express to my MBP via ethernet i can access the express to configure manually but modifying the settings have thus far had no effect. The express is listed in the device list of the router menu and in the express settings has the correct ip issued via dhcp from router, as well as subnet mask and router address. Primary and secondary DNS have been copied from my router settings. Network mode is set to join existing network, correct wpa/wpa2 key is input, and airplay is enabled.
Despite all this seemingly being correct, when i disconnect ethernet connection betwein express and mbp - airport looses the express from ethernet connected devices (obvs) but when i select wifi connected devices it states no configured base stations can be found. The express remains listed in the dhcp client list of the router though and the express green light is there!
I have tried factory reset of the express a number of times and gone through the setup process and receive the same result. I have reset the modem, router, express and powered down the mac a number of times, still to be faced with same result.
I am at a loss and hope that you can help

Okay so i've fixed it....
Decided to bite the bullet and engage Apple support and although the agent i spoke to tried very hard he was as baffled as i was. In the end (after nearly an hour) i was put on to a support manager who simply told me that the Airport Express joining non-apple router hardware is just not supported. A very very disapointing cop out of an answer and a bit of a let down from Apple. So i expressed (no pun intended) my disatisfaction and left the conversation.
Determined not to be beaten i had one final go and lo and behold got it running. Problem was with the firmware on my router! After i updated to the very latest there now seems no problem with the Express.
It was an elementary mistake, i was trying so hard to fix the problem i forgot to check the basics!!!
Hope this helps anyone else who may be having the same difficulty

Hello I have 2 seperate airport express systems on my network, each connecting to a stereo in a different room. suddenly, the one in the living room will not stop flashing amber, but the one in the bedroom works fine. I have already tried resetting it

Hello
I have 2 seperate airport express systems on my network, each connecting to a stereo in a different room. suddenly, the one in the living room will not stop flashing amber, but the one in the bedroom works fine. I have already tried resetting it with a pin, resetting it while plugging it in, and trying to find it in airport express setup (the setup assistant can't find it at all).
What am i doing wrong?

How do I configure the AX to connect to the hub's wireless network? It will only scan one base station Airport Express at a time in the Airport Utility. I think what I am trying to do is use the hub as a router to the two AX's. Is there a specific way to set this up?
To set up the AX to join a wireless network as a "Wireless Client," using the AirPort Utility, either connect to the AX's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, try these settings:
Launch the AirPort Utility.
Select the AX.
If not already connected to the AX's wireless network, go ahead and switch to it when prompted.
AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless
Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
Network Name: <type in the network name/SSID of the wireless network that you want to join or select it from the pop-up menu>
Wireless Security: None OR, if you are using security on your wireless network:
Wireless Security: <Select the appropriate level of security for the existing wireless network: WPA/WPA2 Personal | WPA2 Personal>
Password: <enter your wireless network security password>
Verify Password: <re-enter the same security password>
Click Update to write the new settings to the AX.

I am trying to hook up my Airport Express to my current network and AirPort Extreme but keep getting the same error message: "This version of AirPort Utility doesn't support this base station. Go to AirPort Service and Support for more information."

I am trying to hook up my Airport Express to my current network and AirPort Extreme but keep getting the same error message: "This version of AirPort Utility doesn’t support this base station. Go to AirPort Service and Support for more information." Any thoughts?

This sounds as if you have an older AirPort Express that is no longer supported by the newer Mavericks operating system.
To check and see if that might be the case, locate the model number on the side of the AirPort Express. It will start with an "A" followed by four numbers. Hard to see in the faint print.....so you may need reading glasses or a magnifying class to see the model number clearly.
Model numbers A1084 and A1088 of the AirPort Express are no longer supported by AirPort Utility in Mavericks.
You will need to use a Mac running Leopard, Snow Leopard, or a PC to be able to administer the older AirPort Express.

I have tryed to connect an AirPort Express to my wireless network. But I alwais get the errocode -4. Can anybody help. I have reset the AirPort Express and updated the software.

I have tryed to connect an AirPort Express to my wireless network. But I alwais get the errocode -4. Can anybody help. I have reset the AirPort Express and updated the software.

The ZyXEL P-2601HN-F1, as you know, is a combination DSL modem & 802.11n wireless router (or gateway device).
For your goal you will want to take a look at this Apple Support article for details on how to configure an AX for iTunes.
If you are still having difficulties with the AX joining the ZyXEL's wireless network, you can try the following:
Temporarily disable wireless encryption.
If you are hidding the SSID, disable that feature.
Change the Mode Select setting to: 802.11g Only
Change the Channel Selection from "Auto" to a set channel, like 1, 6, or 11

Airport Express connected to 2 networks simultaneously

Hello all,
I have 2 wireless networks at my workplace..reason being - One was to be a backup incase the first was down for maintenance, etc.
The problem is we have 4 Macs in a Windows dominant environment and because of this, for some reason, Mac Outlook will not send emails on the "regular" network that everyone is using, so the Macs have to use the backup wifi network.
The printer is connected via an Airport Express (acting as a Print Server). It used to be the wireless part of the earlier network, but we switched to ADSL.
My question is - can the Airport Express log into/join both networks simultaneously so that everyone can use the printer/scanner without having to change over networks constantly?

can the Airport Express log into/join both networks simultaneously
no.

Airport Express no longer joins network

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