User Account Control (UAC) is a feature in Windows that can help prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. UAC does this by asking you for permission or an administrator password before performing actions that could potentially affect your computer's operation or that change settings that affect other users. When you see a UAC message, read it carefully, and then make sure the name of the action or program that's about to start is one that you intended to start.
By verifying these actions before they start, UAC can help prevent malicious software (malware) and spyware from installing or making changes to your computer without permission.
When your permission or password is needed to complete a task, UAC will alert you with one of the following messages:
Windows needs your permission to continue
A Windows function or program that can affect other users of this computer needs your permission to start. Check the name of the action to ensure that it's a function or program you want to run.
A program needs your permission to continue
A program that's not part of Windows needs your permission to start. It has a valid digital signature indicating its name and its publisher, which helps to ensure that the program is what it claims to be. Make sure that this is a program that you intended to run.
An unidentified program wants access to your computer
An unidentified program is one that doesn't have a valid digital signature from its publisher to ensure that the program is what it claims to be. This doesn't necessarily indicate danger, as many older, legitimate programs lack signatures. However, you should use extra caution and only allow this program to run if you obtained it from a trusted source, such as the original CD or a publisher's website.
This program has been blocked
This is a program that your administrator has specifically blocked from running on your computer. To run this program, you must contact your administrator and ask to have the program unblocked.
Due to this UAC features most of the installed programs when you try to open, might not launch. This is where most of us disable this UAC feature. If you are having issues opening any particular application on your Pc, then you may disable UAC feature to isolate if UAC is blocking the access, or is it due to some other reason.
Disabling UAC:
1. Click on Start,
2. Click Control Panel, and type in UAC into the search box. You'll see a link for Turn User Account Control (UAC) on or off:
3. On the next screen you should uncheck the box for Use User Account Control (UAC), and then click on the OK button.
4. You'll need to reboot your computer before the changes take effect.
Alternate steps to disable UAC:
1. Click Start, Control Panel.
2. Under User Account and Family settings click on the Add or remove user account.
3. Click on one of the user accounts, for example you can use the Guest account.
4. Under the user account click on the Go to the main User Account page link.
5. Under Make changes to your user account click on the Change security settings link.
6. In the Turn on User Account Control (UAC) to make your computer more secure click to unselect the Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer. Click on the OK button.
7. You will be prompted to reboot your computer. Do so when ready.
You are done.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Recyle Bin Missing from Desktop
Creating a new Recycle Bin on the Desktop (XP):
1. Right click on the Desktop and select New > Folder.
2. Right click on the newly created Folder and select Rename.
3. Now copy the below entry and paste it under the Rename section, such that only this entry shows up there.
Recyclebin.{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
Make sure there is no space before or after this entry.
4. Now click anywhere outside, on the Desktop screen.
And VIOLA!! Recycle Bin is created.
Note: Works in XP and not Vista.
For more information on troubleshooting Recycle Bin in XP and Vista, refer this web page.
1. Right click on the Desktop and select New > Folder.
2. Right click on the newly created Folder and select Rename.
3. Now copy the below entry and paste it under the Rename section, such that only this entry shows up there.
Recyclebin.{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
Make sure there is no space before or after this entry.
4. Now click anywhere outside, on the Desktop screen.
And VIOLA!! Recycle Bin is created.
Note: Works in XP and not Vista.
For more information on troubleshooting Recycle Bin in XP and Vista, refer this web page.
CD/DVD drive icon missing from Explorer and error code 39 or 19 in Device Manager for CD/DVD drive
In rare cases when you install 2 or more CD/DVD burner software in your PC, your optical drive might not read any discs and you check to see CD/DVD drive icon missing from Explorer window (My Computer/Computer) and also there is a yellow exclamation mark next to CD/DVD drive entry in Device Manager.
If the above mentioned symptoms are true with your Pc, then just run this Fixit to fix the issue. This Fixit will clear the upper and lower registry filters for CD/DVD drive to prepare it to function.
Click here to run this Fixit.
On the window that pops up on your screen, click on Run. Once you Run it, you might receive a message something as "Settings have been saved to the Registry". Once you get this message, go to Device Manager window and uninstall the entry under CD/DVD drive section. Once the CD/DVD drive section disappears, click on Actions and then Scan for hardware changes. If not, restart the Pc for the Optical disc drivers to re-install and you should be good to go.
If the above mentioned symptoms are true with your Pc, then just run this Fixit to fix the issue. This Fixit will clear the upper and lower registry filters for CD/DVD drive to prepare it to function.
Click here to run this Fixit.
On the window that pops up on your screen, click on Run. Once you Run it, you might receive a message something as "Settings have been saved to the Registry". Once you get this message, go to Device Manager window and uninstall the entry under CD/DVD drive section. Once the CD/DVD drive section disappears, click on Actions and then Scan for hardware changes. If not, restart the Pc for the Optical disc drivers to re-install and you should be good to go.
Windows Media Player does not open, or you receive an error: WMPLOC.DLL missing
These steps apply if one of the following symptoms are true:
You receive the following error message when you try to open Windows Media Player:
- An internal application error has occurred
- Windows Media Player does not start.
- Some Windows Media Player user interface (UI) elements are blank. For example, user-defined menus are blank.
- Error: WMPLOC.DLL missing
Step: 1. End Windows Media Player Task from Task Manager:
1. Right click on Task Bar and select Task Manager.
Alternate steps: Press CTRL + ALT + DEL key simultaneously and then click on Task Manager
2. In Task Manager window, click on Processes tab.
3. Find and click on wmplayer.exe entry in the list and click on End Process
4. Close Task Manager window and re-open Windows Media Player.
If the issue continues to persists, follow the next steps.
Step: 2. Run this Fixit to automatically fix the problem.
Click here to run the Fixit. On the window that pops up, click on RUN and follow the onscreen instructions
Step: 3. Manual steps to delete Media Player registry keys are mentioned below, if the above Fixit does not resolve the issue.
1. Click Start, Run, and type the following:
regedit
2. Click OK. The registry editor appears.
3. Click File, Export, type a filename that is easy for you to remember, and click Save.
A copy of the registry has been saved for back-up purposes. You can double-click the export file to restore the registry in the event of a problem.
4. Click the plus sign (+) next to the following items in the listed order:
1. Please click on the + sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
2. Please click on the + sign next to SOFTWARE
3. Please click on the + sign next to Microsoft
4. Please click on the + sign next to MediaPlayer
5. Please click on the + sign next to Setup
6. Click to select Installed Versions folder
7. On the right pane, select and delete the following entries:
wmp.dll
wmploc.dll
wmplayer.exe
8. Close Registry window and restart the PC. After the restart try opening Windows Media Player.
Step: 4 Reregister the Jscript.dll and Vbscript.dll files.
In XP:
1. Click Start, click Run, type regsvr32 jscript.dll and then click OK.
2. Click Start, click Run, type regsvr32 vbscript.dll and then click OK.
In Vista and Windows 7:
1. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories.
2. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
Click on Continue if you get the User Account Control window asking for authorization to continue.
3. Now in the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each command is executed.
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
4. Close Command Prompt window and try to open Media Player. If the issue persists, restart the PC.
You receive the following error message when you try to open Windows Media Player:
- An internal application error has occurred
- Windows Media Player does not start.
- Some Windows Media Player user interface (UI) elements are blank. For example, user-defined menus are blank.
- Error: WMPLOC.DLL missing
Step: 1. End Windows Media Player Task from Task Manager:
1. Right click on Task Bar and select Task Manager.
Alternate steps: Press CTRL + ALT + DEL key simultaneously and then click on Task Manager
2. In Task Manager window, click on Processes tab.
3. Find and click on wmplayer.exe entry in the list and click on End Process
4. Close Task Manager window and re-open Windows Media Player.
If the issue continues to persists, follow the next steps.
Step: 2. Run this Fixit to automatically fix the problem.
Click here to run the Fixit. On the window that pops up, click on RUN and follow the onscreen instructions
Step: 3. Manual steps to delete Media Player registry keys are mentioned below, if the above Fixit does not resolve the issue.
1. Click Start, Run, and type the following:
regedit
2. Click OK. The registry editor appears.
3. Click File, Export, type a filename that is easy for you to remember, and click Save.
A copy of the registry has been saved for back-up purposes. You can double-click the export file to restore the registry in the event of a problem.
4. Click the plus sign (+) next to the following items in the listed order:
1. Please click on the + sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
2. Please click on the + sign next to SOFTWARE
3. Please click on the + sign next to Microsoft
4. Please click on the + sign next to MediaPlayer
5. Please click on the + sign next to Setup
6. Click to select Installed Versions folder
7. On the right pane, select and delete the following entries:
wmp.dll
wmploc.dll
wmplayer.exe
8. Close Registry window and restart the PC. After the restart try opening Windows Media Player.
Step: 4 Reregister the Jscript.dll and Vbscript.dll files.
In XP:
1. Click Start, click Run, type regsvr32 jscript.dll and then click OK.
2. Click Start, click Run, type regsvr32 vbscript.dll and then click OK.
In Vista and Windows 7:
1. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories.
2. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
Click on Continue if you get the User Account Control window asking for authorization to continue.
3. Now in the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each command is executed.
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
4. Close Command Prompt window and try to open Media Player. If the issue persists, restart the PC.
Error: Internet Explorer has Encountered a problem and needs to close
Perform the following steps to make few changes in Internet Explorer.
1) In Vista: Click Start, then Control Panel, and then Network and Internet Connections, click Internet Options.
In XP: Click Start, Run. Type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.
The Internet Properties dialog box pops up.
2) Select the Advanced Tab.
3) Uncheck the box Enable Third Party Browser Extensions.
4) Uncheck the box for Display a notification about every script error.
5) Check the box for Disable script debugging.
6) Click Apply and OK.
1) In Vista: Click Start, then Control Panel, and then Network and Internet Connections, click Internet Options.
In XP: Click Start, Run. Type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.
The Internet Properties dialog box pops up.
2) Select the Advanced Tab.
3) Uncheck the box Enable Third Party Browser Extensions.
4) Uncheck the box for Display a notification about every script error.
5) Check the box for Disable script debugging.
6) Click Apply and OK.
Increasing Virtual Memory in Vista
At times you may receive an error on the PC saying the PC is Low on Virtual Memory or Low Memory. This usually occurs when the physical memory (RAM) installed on your PC is less for the applications to run which you might be trying to install or run. To fix this problem, we may try increasing Virtual Memory (This is system memory that is simulated by the hard drive. When all the RAM is being used the computer will swap data to the hard drive and back to give the impression that there is slightly more memory). This is just a workaround. The ideal way is to increase the physical RAM of the PC.
1. Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
2. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory, click Change.
5. Clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
6. Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change (Eg: C:\ drive if the OS is installed in C Drive).
7. Click Custom size, type 2000 in the Initial size (MB) 6000 in the Maximum size (MB) box, click Set, and then click OK.
Note: Initial Size would be close to the physical RAM installed, and the maximum size at 3 times the amount of RAM installed on your computer. The above size which is selected assumes 2GB RAM installed in the PC.
Increases in size usually don't require a restart, but if you decrease the size, you'll need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
1. Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
2. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory, click Change.
5. Clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
6. Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change (Eg: C:\ drive if the OS is installed in C Drive).
7. Click Custom size, type 2000 in the Initial size (MB) 6000 in the Maximum size (MB) box, click Set, and then click OK.
Note: Initial Size would be close to the physical RAM installed, and the maximum size at 3 times the amount of RAM installed on your computer. The above size which is selected assumes 2GB RAM installed in the PC.
Increases in size usually don't require a restart, but if you decrease the size, you'll need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Unable to change Desktop Wallpaper
In this cyber world of Viruses and Spyware, your Pc might get infected with spyware and adware anytime that may change the system settings and disable some options, one of which is changing background. This issue is probably caused by any Virus/Spyware installed in your Pc which has changed your Admin rights to be able to make changes on the Pc.
To fix it, run a simple registry patch from the below link which will do the trick.
1. Click here if you are unable to change Desktop Screen and if it is Greyed Out
2. Click on Run on the window that pops up to run the patch.
3. Restart the Pc.
Haven't tried on Vista Pc. However, you may try it and let me know if it works. Have tried in XP and works like a charm.
To fix it, run a simple registry patch from the below link which will do the trick.
1. Click here if you are unable to change Desktop Screen and if it is Greyed Out
2. Click on Run on the window that pops up to run the patch.
3. Restart the Pc.
Haven't tried on Vista Pc. However, you may try it and let me know if it works. Have tried in XP and works like a charm.
Error: Windows Media Center has stopped working & needs to close
When you open Windows Media Center application in Vista Pcs shipped with Media Center, you may receive an error which says Windows Media Center has stopped working & needs to close
Resolution:
1. Close Media Center
2. Click Start -> Computer
3. Click on Tools (if tools not visible, click on ALT button) > select Folder Options.
4. Click on the View tab.
5. Under Hidden Files section: select Show hidden file and folders.
6. Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Browse to the following location on the C Drive, or click on Start, and then Run. Paste the following command in the Run box.
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\eHome
Manual steps to browse to this location:
a. Double click on C:\ drive to open it
b. Double click on ProgramData folder.
c. Double click on Microsoft folder.
d. Double click on eHome folder
8. Under the eHome folder you will find some files and subfolders, ensure that you delete all the files under each and every folder.
Note - Do not delete the eHome folder, delete only the contents inside the ehome folder. (Just the files under eHome folder and the files under the subfolders).
Also Note: This will delete the default settings and TV recordings done by Media Center in the past. So backup the recordings prior to deleting these files.
9. Close the Windows Explorer
10. Restart Media Center
Resolution:
1. Close Media Center
2. Click Start -> Computer
3. Click on Tools (if tools not visible, click on ALT button) > select Folder Options.
4. Click on the View tab.
5. Under Hidden Files section: select Show hidden file and folders.
6. Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Browse to the following location on the C Drive, or click on Start, and then Run. Paste the following command in the Run box.
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\eHome
Manual steps to browse to this location:
a. Double click on C:\ drive to open it
b. Double click on ProgramData folder.
c. Double click on Microsoft folder.
d. Double click on eHome folder
8. Under the eHome folder you will find some files and subfolders, ensure that you delete all the files under each and every folder.
Note - Do not delete the eHome folder, delete only the contents inside the ehome folder. (Just the files under eHome folder and the files under the subfolders).
Also Note: This will delete the default settings and TV recordings done by Media Center in the past. So backup the recordings prior to deleting these files.
9. Close the Windows Explorer
10. Restart Media Center
Microsoft Fix it Solution Center
Fix it is a one stop web page where you can find solutions for most of the issues.
Fix it provides a way to apply automated fixes, workarounds, or configuration changes so you don’t have to perform a long list of manual steps yourself.
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main
Fix it provides a way to apply automated fixes, workarounds, or configuration changes so you don’t have to perform a long list of manual steps yourself.
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main
Creating new user in Windows Vista
1. Click Start, and click Control Panel.
2. Click User Accounts and Family Safety.
3. Under User Accounts, click Add or remove user accounts.
4. Click Create a new account.
5. Type in the desired account name. Select the account type: Standard or Administrator.
6. Click Create Account.
7. Select the account you just created. Click Create a password.
8. Type in a password for the newly created user account and a password hint.
9. Click Create password.
You will now be able to log on to the computer using the account name and password you specified.
2. Click User Accounts and Family Safety.
3. Under User Accounts, click Add or remove user accounts.
4. Click Create a new account.
5. Type in the desired account name. Select the account type: Standard or Administrator.
6. Click Create Account.
7. Select the account you just created. Click Create a password.
8. Type in a password for the newly created user account and a password hint.
9. Click Create password.
You will now be able to log on to the computer using the account name and password you specified.
Adjusting Screen Resolution in Windows Vista
1. Open Display Settings by clicking the Start (Windows Peral) button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, clicking Personalization, and then clicking Display Settings.
2. Under Resolution, move the slider to the resolution you want, and then click Apply.
Note: For the best view set the resolution to the optimal resolution of your Monitor. For optimal resolution of your monitor, check the specifications/manual of your monitor.
2. Under Resolution, move the slider to the resolution you want, and then click Apply.
Note: For the best view set the resolution to the optimal resolution of your Monitor. For optimal resolution of your monitor, check the specifications/manual of your monitor.
System Requirements for Windows 7
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:
■ 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
■ 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
■ 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
■ DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
■ Internet access (fees may apply)
■ Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
■ For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
■ Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
■ HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
■ DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
■ BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
■ BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
■ Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on.
■ Music and sound require audio output (Speakers)
For more information of different versions of Windows 7 and their differences click here
■ 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
■ 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
■ 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
■ DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
■ Internet access (fees may apply)
■ Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
■ For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
■ Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
■ HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
■ DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
■ BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
■ BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
■ Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on.
■ Music and sound require audio output (Speakers)
For more information of different versions of Windows 7 and their differences click here
Recommended minimum hardware requirements for Windows Vista
Info: The below mentioned details are the minimum system requirements to install Vista as per Microsoft. However, as we know Vista can be installed in the Pcs that meets these requirements or less, which are pretty much close to these requirements.
Windows Vista Home Basic:
* 800-megahertz (MHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 800-MHz 64-bit (x64) processor
* 512 megabytes (MB) of system memory
* Note On system configurations that use system memory as graphics memory, at least 448 MB of system memory must be available to the operating system after some memory is allocated for graphics.
* DirectX 9-class graphics card
* 32 MB of graphics memory
* 20-gigabyte (GB) hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space
* Internal or external DVD drive
* Internet access capability
* Audio output capability
Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, and Windows Vista Ultimate:
* 1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 1-GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
* 1 GB of system memory
* Windows Aero-capable graphics card
Note: This includes a DirectX 9-class graphics card that supports the following:
- A WDDM driver.
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel
* 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
* 40-GB hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space (the 15GB of free space provides room for temporary file storage during the install or upgrade.)
* Internal or external DVD drive
* Internet access capability
* Audio output capability
Note: A Windows Aero-capable graphics card is a graphics card that meets the following requirements:
* Supports a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) driver
* Has a DirectX 9-class graphics processor unit (GPU) that supports Pixel Shader 2.0
* Supports 32 bits per pixel
* Passes the Windows Aero acceptance test in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK)
For more information of different version of Windows Vista OS and their differences click here
Windows Vista Home Basic:
* 800-megahertz (MHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 800-MHz 64-bit (x64) processor
* 512 megabytes (MB) of system memory
* Note On system configurations that use system memory as graphics memory, at least 448 MB of system memory must be available to the operating system after some memory is allocated for graphics.
* DirectX 9-class graphics card
* 32 MB of graphics memory
* 20-gigabyte (GB) hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space
* Internal or external DVD drive
* Internet access capability
* Audio output capability
Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, and Windows Vista Ultimate:
* 1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 1-GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
* 1 GB of system memory
* Windows Aero-capable graphics card
Note: This includes a DirectX 9-class graphics card that supports the following:
- A WDDM driver.
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel
* 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
* 40-GB hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space (the 15GB of free space provides room for temporary file storage during the install or upgrade.)
* Internal or external DVD drive
* Internet access capability
* Audio output capability
Note: A Windows Aero-capable graphics card is a graphics card that meets the following requirements:
* Supports a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) driver
* Has a DirectX 9-class graphics processor unit (GPU) that supports Pixel Shader 2.0
* Supports 32 bits per pixel
* Passes the Windows Aero acceptance test in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK)
For more information of different version of Windows Vista OS and their differences click here
System requirements for Windows XP operating systems
System requirements for Windows XP operating systems:
* Intel Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
* At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
* At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
* CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive to insert OS disc
* Keyboard and a Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
* Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
* Sound card
* Speakers or headphones
* Intel Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
* At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
* At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
* CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive to insert OS disc
* Keyboard and a Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
* Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
* Sound card
* Speakers or headphones
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