Pin to Start Files in Windows 8

How to Add or Remove Pin to Start Context Menu for Files in Windows 8 and 8.1

information   Information
By default, Windows 8 will let you Pin to Start apps , folders, drives, libraries, management consoles (.msc files), and shortcuts to any of these.

This tutorial will let you add or remove "Pin to Start" from the context menu of all files for all users to be able to pin any file to their Start screen and not just the default ones listed above in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.


EXAMPLE: "Pin to Start" for All Files
Pin_to_Start_Files.jpg





OPTION ONE

Add or Remove "Pin to Start" in Windows 8 and Windows RT


1. Do step 2, 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do.​
2. To Add "Pin to Start" to Context Menu of All Files in Windows 8/RT
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​
Add_8_Pin_to_Start_to_Files_Context_Menu.reg
download


3. To Remove "Pin to Start" from Context Menu of All Files
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​
Remove_Pin_to_Start_from_Files_Context_Menu.reg
download

4. To Restore Default "Pin to Start" Context Menu in Windows 8/RT
NOTE: This is the default setting.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​
Restore_8_Default_Pin-to_Start.reg
download

5. Save the .reg file to your Desktop.​
6. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.​
7. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted to approve merging the .reg file.​
8. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​







OPTION TWO

Add or Remove "Pin to Start" in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1



NOTE: This includes Windows 8.1 Update as well.
1. Do step 2, 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do.​
2. To Add "Pin to Start" to Context Menu of All Files in Windows 8.1/RT 8.1
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​
Add_8-1_Pin_to_Start_to_Files_Context_Menu.reg
download


3. To Remove "Pin to Start" from Context Menu of All Files
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​
Remove_Pin_to_Start_from_Files_Context_Menu.reg
download

4. To Restore Default "Pin to Start" Context Menu in Windows 8.1/RT 8.1
NOTE: This is the default setting.​
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​
Restore_8-1_Default_Pin-to_Start.reg
download

5. Save the .reg file to your Desktop.​
6. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.​
7. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted to approve merging the .reg file.​
8. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​



That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

  • Remove_Pin_to_Start_from_Files_Context_Menu..reg
    1.5 KB · Views: 4,348
  • Add_8-1_Pin_to_Start_to_Files_Context_Menu.reg
    1 KB · Views: 2,341
  • Add_8_Pin_to_Start_to_Files_Context_Menu.reg
    3.8 KB · Views: 2,541
  • Restore_8-1_Default_Pin_to_Start_to_Files_Context_Menu.reg
    1.7 KB · Views: 1,598
  • Restore_8_Default_Pin-to_Start.reg
    4.6 KB · Views: 1,555
  • Pin-to-Start.png
    Pin-to-Start.png
    1.7 KB · Views: 346
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks Shawn.

Here's another one to remove when you are at the Desktop.

The ones you gave do not remove "Pin to Start" when I right click a folder.

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\pintostartscreen]
"MUIVerb"="@shell32.dll,-51201"
"NeverDefault"=""
"Description"="@shell32.dll,-51202"
"MultiSelectModel"="Single"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\pintostartscreen\command]
"DelegateExecute"="{470C0EBD-5D73-4d58-9CED-E91E22E23282}"

Ron
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Pack
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thank you Ron. I've updated the files for that, and added a few more items as well. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Thanks Shawn for the update.

It's funny, but I don't have this key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\pintostartscreen]

I have the rest of the keys but that one.

But in the end, "Pin to start" is aaalll gone. :cool:

:thumb:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Pack
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
You're not imagining things. The [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\pintostartscreen] registry entry is not there by default. This is the entry that allows all file types to have the "Pin to Start" option other than just the default application files. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Java browser - Interface not allowed...

Hello Folks...
in Windows pro 8 ist a nice tool, it runs my own Java browser from start.
But in WindowsBlue 8.1 prwiew.. i got the message...
Interface not allowed...
but with a Folder from Desktop it works.

Any Ideas ??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8, 8.1 ,7 , xp, cent os
    Computer type
    Tablet
    CPU
    core2 duo, ip4, atomes
    Memory
    up to 8 gb
Hello Scarli,

I've updated the tutorial so that it will work in Windows 8.1 Preview as well now. Please try, and let me know how it works for you. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
worked.PNG

hello brink....thx ist marvellous n best regards from most watch nsa Country...
greetz
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8, 8.1 ,7 , xp, cent os
    Computer type
    Tablet
    CPU
    core2 duo, ip4, atomes
    Memory
    up to 8 gb
You're most welcome Scarli. Thank you for posting back. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
This simply isn't working for me on my 8 side. I followed the tute to the T, rebooted, and nothing has changed on the context menu. I performed it 3 times to no avail. It's such a simple thing, yet when it doesn't work it's frustrating. Any ideas?

In the mean time, I'll go over to my 8.1 side to see if it works there. I can see where this will be quite handy. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
This simply isn't working for me on my 8 side. I followed the tute to the T, rebooted, and nothing has changed on the context menu. I performed it 3 times to no avail. It's such a simple thing, yet when it doesn't work it's frustrating. Any ideas?

In the mean time, I'll go over to my 8.1 side to see if it works there. I can see where this will be quite handy. :)

Hey Tony,

I found what the issue was with Windows 8, and will be updating the tutorial soon after a bit more testing, and will post back when it's ready. :)

Currently, it works fine in Windows 8.1.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Lol! Thank the gods! I'm not nuts after all! I wrote this in between you deleting your post to change it and me F5ing the thread page.

Hi Shawn,

Lol! Am I living in a different dimension?!! I was just on my 8.1 Preview side, had this thread open to install this, and saw your post answering mine. Now on my 8 side I don't see your post. Please tell me you deleted it otherwise I really am ready for the lunie bin! :D

Anywho, to answer your question in your post no longer there??; No, it's not within the context menu on my 8 side as in the snip below. It worked on my 8.1 side, though.

Ok. Thanks :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Ok Tony. Tutorial fully updated and tested to work. Please let me know how it works for you. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Magnifico, Shawn. Thank you very much! :)

Did it change because of updates? I see it's two separate files for each edition now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Not sure what was the cause, but 8 and 8.1 uses different default registry entries now under the HKCU key for this. Neither works with the other.

Glad to hear it's working for you now though. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
anyway to remove "pin to start" from context menu only for disk drives? ie C:\ D:\ etc..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 and server 2012 R2
Hello m18xr2,

You could remove "Pin to Start" from the context menu, but it would be from both drives and folder since drives are considered the same as folders.

If that's ok, then let me know and I'll post back with a .reg file that will remove "Pin to Start" for only all drives and folders. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
ah man microsoft needs to allow more customization lol
btw, back in window 7 the "pin to startmenu" and "pin to taskbar" were together the same area and heres a screen shot

New Bitmap image.jpg


but now in windows 8 they are separate. anyway to make the two stick together?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 and server 2012 R2
bump.. sorry for the bump. if theres no way around the above then i give up asking lol, but if theres a work around please do tell
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 and server 2012 R2
Once again another very useful tweak. Thanks a lot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba L305-s5919
    CPU
    Core2Duo T8100
    Memory
    4G
    Graphics Card(s)
    Weaksauce
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 and Mechanical mod in cd bay
    Antivirus
    Defender
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