Clearing Your Browser Cache: A Complete Guide to Fixing Loading Issues

Introduction

Ever visited a website and noticed that it’s not updating or displaying incorrectly? This could be due to cached data stored in your browser. Browser caching is designed to speed up browsing by storing copies of web pages, images, and scripts, but sometimes it can cause problems by serving outdated content. Clearing your browser cache can fix issues like broken layouts, login errors, and pages not updating properly.

In this guide, we’ll explore different methods to clear your browser cache across major browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.


Why Should You Clear Your Browser Cache?

Here are some common reasons to clear your cache:

  • Fix loading or formatting issues (broken images, missing elements, or outdated content).
  • Resolve login problems (especially when credentials don’t update).
  • Ensure you’re viewing the latest website content (great for developers or website owners).
  • Improve browser performance by removing old data.
  • Fix issues after updating your website (WordPress users often experience caching problems).

How to Clear Cache in Different Browsers

1. Google Chrome (Windows & Mac)

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut (Quickest Way)

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
  2. A pop-up window will appear titled “Clear browsing data.”
  3. Select “Cached images and files” (you can also check cookies if needed).
  4. Choose Time Range: Select “All time” for a complete reset.
  5. Click “Clear data” and restart your browser.

Method 2: Manually via Settings

  1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
  3. Click “Clear browsing data.”
  4. Follow the steps mentioned in Method 1 above.

Method 3: Force Refresh Without Clearing Cache

If you want to check a website for updates without clearing all cache:

  • Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + F5 or Shift + F5.
  • Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + R.

2. Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac)

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
  2. Select “Cache” from the options.
  3. Choose “Everything” as the time range.
  4. Click “Clear Now” and restart Firefox.

Method 2: Clearing Cache Manually

  1. Click the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right.
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
  3. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click “Clear Data.”
  4. Select “Cached Web Content” and clear it.

Method 3: Hard Refresh (Force Reload)

  • Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + R.
  • Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + R.

3. Microsoft Edge (Windows)

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
  2. Check “Cached images and files.”
  3. Select “All time” as the time range.
  4. Click “Clear now” and restart Edge.

Method 2: Clearing Cache from Settings

  1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right.
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
  3. Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear.”
  4. Select “Cached images and files” and clear.

Method 3: Hard Refresh

  • Windows: Press Ctrl + F5.

4. Safari (Mac)

Method 1: Clear Cache from Preferences

  1. Open Safari and click “Safari” > “Preferences.”
  2. Go to the “Advanced” tab and check “Show Develop menu in menu bar.”
  3. Close Preferences and click “Develop” > “Empty Caches.”
  4. Restart Safari.

Method 2: Clearing Full Browsing History

  1. Click “Safari” > “Clear History.”
  2. Select “All history” and confirm.

Method 3: Hard Refresh

  • Mac: Press Cmd + Option + R.

Additional Fixes If Clearing Cache Doesn’t Work

Sometimes clearing the cache alone isn’t enough. Here are a few extra troubleshooting steps:

1. Try Incognito/Private Mode

If a website is still not updating, open an Incognito or Private window and check if the issue persists.

  • Chrome/Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N
  • Firefox/Safari: Ctrl + Shift + P

2. Disable Browser Extensions

Some extensions (like ad blockers or privacy tools) may interfere with website functionality. Temporarily disable them and test the site.

3. Flush DNS Cache

If a website isn’t loading correctly, try flushing your computer’s DNS cache:

  • Windows: Open Command Prompt and run:powershellCopyEditipconfig /flushdns
  • Mac: Open Terminal and run:bashCopyEditsudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

4. Restart Your Device

If nothing works, restart your browser or reboot your computer to apply the changes fully.


Conclusion

Clearing your browser cache is a simple yet effective way to fix many browsing issues. Whether you’re troubleshooting website errors, login problems, or just ensuring you’re viewing the latest updates, the methods above will help you clear cache effectively in any browser. If problems persist, consider advanced fixes like disabling extensions, flushing DNS, or restarting your system.

Got any additional troubleshooting tips? Let us know in the comments!

SharePoint Online: A Comprehensive Guide to Migration, Site Creation, Collaboration, and Permissions Management

Introduction to SharePoint Online

SharePoint Online is a cloud-based collaboration platform within Microsoft 365 that enables organizations to store, share, and manage content efficiently. It provides a centralized hub for document management, team collaboration, and business process automation. Unlike traditional on-premises SharePoint, SharePoint Online eliminates infrastructure maintenance, offering scalability, security, and integration with Microsoft tools like OneDrive, Teams, and Power Automate.

This blog will cover:

  • Migrating on-premises data to SharePoint Online
  • Creating a SharePoint site
  • Collaborating effectively using SharePoint
  • Managing permissions for users and groups with best practices

Migrating On-Premises Data to SharePoint Online

Migrating from SharePoint Server (on-premises) to SharePoint Online requires careful planning. Below are the key steps:

1. Pre-Migration Preparation

  • Inventory Assessment: Identify all files, libraries, and sites to be migrated.
  • Data Cleanup: Remove obsolete or duplicate files to optimize migration.
  • User Communication: Inform users about the migration timeline and expected changes.
  • Permissions Audit: Document current permissions and review what needs to be retained.

2. Choosing a Migration Method

There are multiple ways to migrate data:

  1. SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) – Best for small to medium-sized migrations.
  2. Microsoft FastTrack – Ideal for large-scale migrations with Microsoft-assisted guidance.
  3. Third-Party Tools – Tools like ShareGate, AvePoint, and Metalogix offer more flexibility.
  4. PowerShell – For advanced migration needs using Move-SPFile and Import-SPWeb commands.

3. Performing the Migration

  • Using SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT):
    1. Download and install the SPMT.
    2. Launch SPMT and sign in with Microsoft 365 credentials.
    3. Select Source (on-prem file share or SharePoint Server) and Destination (SharePoint Online site).
    4. Configure migration settings (permissions, metadata, version history).
    5. Start migration and monitor progress.
  • PowerShell Migration Example:powershellCopyEditStart-SPMTMigration -ImportPath "C:\SPMigration\manifest.json" -TenantName "yourtenant.sharepoint.com"

4. Post-Migration Validation

  • Verify data integrity, permissions, and metadata.
  • Inform users of any changes and provide training if necessary.

How to Create a SharePoint Online Site

Creating a site in SharePoint Online allows teams to collaborate, store documents, and manage projects.

1. Steps to Create a Site

  1. Go to SharePoint Online (via Microsoft 365 Portal).
  2. Click “Create site”.
  3. Choose a site type:
    • Team Site (for collaboration with Microsoft Teams integration).
    • Communication Site (for broad announcements and content sharing).
  4. Configure settings:
    • Enter site name and description.
    • Select privacy settings (Public or Private).
    • Assign owners and members.
  5. Click Finish, and the site is ready.

2. Customizing the Site

  • Add document libraries and lists for structured content.
  • Create pages and news posts to share updates.
  • Enable versioning for document tracking.
  • Integrate Power Automate for workflows.

How to Collaborate in SharePoint Online

1. Document Management

  • Upload files to document libraries for centralized storage.
  • Use OneDrive Sync to work on files offline.
  • Enable co-authoring for real-time editing in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

2. Communication and Sharing

  • Share files with internal or external users via direct links.
  • Use Microsoft Teams integration for instant collaboration.
  • Create news posts to keep users updated.

3. Workflow Automation

  • Automate approvals and notifications using Power Automate.
  • Use Microsoft Lists for tracking tasks and issues.

Understanding SharePoint Online Permissions

Permissions in SharePoint Online control who can access, edit, and manage content. Poor permission management can lead to security risks and inefficiencies.

1. Permission Levels in SharePoint

SharePoint provides built-in permission levels:

  • Full Control – Manage everything in the site.
  • Edit – Add, edit, and delete items.
  • Contribute – Add and edit items but not delete them.
  • Read – View content only.
  • Restricted View – Can view but not download files.

2. Managing Permissions for Users and Groups

  • Assign permissions at site, library, or item level.
  • Use Microsoft 365 Groups for simplified permission management.
  • Avoid direct user assignments—use SharePoint groups instead.

3. Best Practices for Permission Management

Follow the Principle of Least Privilege – Assign only the necessary permissions.
Use Groups Instead of Individual Users – Easier to manage at scale.
Avoid Breaking Inheritance – Keep permissions at the site level unless necessary.
Regularly Review Permissions – Audit user access periodically.
Enable External Sharing Controls – Prevent unauthorized data leaks.


Conclusion

SharePoint Online is a powerful platform for collaboration, document management, and business process automation. Migrating from an on-premises SharePoint environment requires careful planning, while site creation and permission management are crucial for security and efficient teamwork. Following best practices for collaboration and permissions ensures a secure and productive environment.

Automating SharePoint Online Site Creation with PowerShell

Introduction

Creating SharePoint Online sites manually through the Microsoft 365 portal is efficient for small-scale needs. However, when deploying multiple sites across an organization or ensuring consistency in configurations, PowerShell automation becomes essential.

This guide will show how to use PowerShell to:

  • Connect to SharePoint Online
  • Create a new SharePoint Team Site or Communication Site
  • Set permissions and assign users
  • Customize site settings

Prerequisites

Before running the PowerShell scripts, ensure you meet the following requirements:

1. Install SharePoint Online PowerShell Module

If you haven’t already installed the SharePoint Online Management Shell, run:

powershellCopyEditInstall-Module -Name Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell -Force -AllowClobber

2. Connect to SharePoint Online

To authenticate, use:

powershellCopyEdit$AdminSiteURL = "https://yourtenant-admin.sharepoint.com"
Connect-SPOService -Url $AdminSiteURL -Credential (Get-Credential)

You’ll be prompted to enter your Microsoft 365 credentials.


Creating a SharePoint Online Team Site

A Team Site is used for collaboration, file sharing, and Microsoft Teams integration.

PowerShell Script to Create a Team Site

powershellCopyEdit# Define Variables
$SiteURL = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/NewTeamSite"
$SiteTitle = "New Team Site"
$Owner = "[email protected]"
$Template = "STS#3" # STS#3 is used for Modern Team Sites
$StorageQuota = 2048

# Create the Site
New-SPOSite -Url $SiteURL -Owner $Owner -StorageQuota $StorageQuota -Title $SiteTitle -Template $Template

Write-Host "SharePoint Online Team Site Created Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Explanation of Parameters

  • $SiteURL → Defines the site URL.
  • $SiteTitle → Name of the SharePoint site.
  • $Owner → The primary administrator for the site.
  • $Template"STS#3" is used for modern team sites.
  • $StorageQuota → Allocates 2GB (modify as needed).

Creating a SharePoint Online Communication Site

A Communication Site is used for sharing information broadly, such as for company news or an intranet.

PowerShell Script to Create a Communication Site

powershellCopyEdit# Define Variables
$SiteURL = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/CompanyNews"
$SiteTitle = "Company News"
$Owner = "[email protected]"

# Create the Communication Site
New-SPOSite -Url $SiteURL -Owner $Owner -Title $SiteTitle -Template "SITEPAGEPUBLISHING#0"

Write-Host "SharePoint Online Communication Site Created Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Template Reference

  • "SITEPAGEPUBLISHING#0" → Used for Communication Sites.

Assigning Permissions to SharePoint Online Sites

Permissions are critical for defining who can view, edit, and manage the SharePoint site.

Adding a User to the Site

powershellCopyEdit$SiteURL = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/NewTeamSite"
$UserEmail = "[email protected]"
$GroupName = "Members"  # Options: Owners, Members, Visitors

# Add User to SharePoint Site Group
Add-SPOUser -Site $SiteURL -LoginName $UserEmail -Group $GroupName

Write-Host "User added successfully to $GroupName" -ForegroundColor Green

Granting Permissions Directly

powershellCopyEditSet-SPOUser -Site $SiteURL -LoginName $UserEmail -IsSiteCollectionAdmin $true
Write-Host "User has been granted site collection admin access." -ForegroundColor Green

Modifying Storage Quotas for SharePoint Sites

If you need to change the storage quota for an existing SharePoint site:

powershellCopyEditSet-SPOSite -Identity $SiteURL -StorageQuota 5000
Write-Host "Storage quota updated to 5GB." -ForegroundColor Green

Automating Site Creation for Multiple Sites

If you need to bulk create multiple SharePoint sites, use a CSV file.

Step 1: Create a CSV File

Save this as “SitesToCreate.csv”:

perlCopyEditSiteURL,Title,Owner,Template
https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/HR,HR Site,[email protected],STS#3
https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/Finance,Finance Site,[email protected],SITEPAGEPUBLISHING#0

Step 2: PowerShell Script to Bulk Create SharePoint Sites

powershellCopyEdit$Sites = Import-Csv "C:\Path\To\SitesToCreate.csv"

foreach ($Site in $Sites) {
    New-SPOSite -Url $Site.SiteURL -Owner $Site.Owner -Title $Site.Title -Template $Site.Template
    Write-Host "Created SharePoint Site: $($Site.Title)" -ForegroundColor Green
}

Best Practices for SharePoint Online Site Management

Use Site Templates Consistently – Choose the right type of site (STS#3 for Team, SITEPAGEPUBLISHING#0 for Communication).
Implement Governance Policies – Control who can create sites, set expiration policies, and define storage limits.
Use Power Automate for Workflow Automation – Automate notifications, approvals, and document workflows.
Regularly Audit Permissions – Ensure users have appropriate access without over-permissioning.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Secure SharePoint access for administrators and users.


Conclusion

PowerShell is a powerful tool for automating SharePoint Online site creation, permissions, and management. Using these scripts, IT administrators can reduce manual workload, ensure consistency, and enhance security.

Managing SharePoint Online Lists and Libraries with PowerShell

Introduction

SharePoint Online lists and libraries are essential tools for storing, organizing, and sharing data. While they can be managed through the UI, PowerShell automation provides greater flexibility and efficiency.

This guide covers:

  • Creating SharePoint lists and libraries with PowerShell
  • Managing list columns, permissions, and views
  • Bulk importing data into SharePoint lists
  • Best practices for list and library management

Prerequisites

Before running the PowerShell scripts, ensure you have:

  1. SharePoint Online Management Shell installed:powershellCopyEditInstall-Module -Name Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell -Force -AllowClobber
  2. Connected to SharePoint Online:powershellCopyEdit$AdminSiteURL = "https://yourtenant-admin.sharepoint.com" Connect-SPOService -Url $AdminSiteURL -Credential (Get-Credential)

Creating a SharePoint Online List

A list in SharePoint is used for storing structured data like tasks, contacts, or project tracking.

PowerShell Script to Create a List

powershellCopyEdit# Define Variables
$SiteURL = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/YourSite"
$ListTitle = "Project Tracker"
$ListDescription = "This list tracks project progress"
$TemplateType = "GenericList" # Options: GenericList, Contacts, Tasks, Announcements

# Create the List
Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteURL -UseWebLogin
New-PnPList -Title $ListTitle -Template $TemplateType -Description $ListDescription -OnQuickLaunch

Write-Host "SharePoint Online List '$ListTitle' Created Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Available List Templates

Template NameType
GenericListCustom List
ContactsContacts List
TasksTask List
AnnouncementsAnnouncement List

Adding Columns to a SharePoint List

Columns define the type of data stored in the list.

PowerShell Script to Add Columns

powershellCopyEdit# Define Variables
$Column1 = "Project Name"
$Column2 = "Due Date"
$Column3 = "Status"

# Add Columns
Add-PnPField -List $ListTitle -DisplayName $Column1 -InternalName "ProjectName" -Type Text
Add-PnPField -List $ListTitle -DisplayName $Column2 -InternalName "DueDate" -Type DateTime
Add-PnPField -List $ListTitle -DisplayName $Column3 -InternalName "Status" -Type Choice -Choices "Not Started", "In Progress", "Completed"

Write-Host "Columns Added Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Creating a SharePoint Online Document Library

A document library is used to store files and manage document collaboration.

PowerShell Script to Create a Library

powershellCopyEdit# Define Variables
$LibraryTitle = "Project Documents"
$LibraryDescription = "Library for storing project-related files"

# Create the Library
New-PnPList -Title $LibraryTitle -Template DocumentLibrary -Description $LibraryDescription -OnQuickLaunch

Write-Host "Document Library '$LibraryTitle' Created Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Uploading Files to a Document Library

To upload a file into a document library:

powershellCopyEdit# Define Variables
$LibraryName = "Project Documents"
$FilePath = "C:\Users\YourUser\Desktop\SampleFile.pdf"
$DestinationURL = "/sites/YourSite/$LibraryName"

# Upload the File
Add-PnPFile -Path $FilePath -Folder $DestinationURL

Write-Host "File Uploaded Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Bulk Import Data into a SharePoint List

If you have Excel or CSV data, you can bulk import it into SharePoint.

Step 1: Create a CSV File

Save as ProjectData.csv:

mathematicaCopyEditProjectName,DueDate,Status
Migration to Azure,2024-06-15,In Progress
SharePoint Redesign,2024-07-01,Not Started
Security Audit,2024-05-20,Completed

Step 2: PowerShell Script to Import Data

powershellCopyEdit# Import CSV
$ListName = "Project Tracker"
$CSVFile = "C:\Path\To\ProjectData.csv"
$Data = Import-Csv -Path $CSVFile

# Loop through each row and add to SharePoint list
foreach ($Item in $Data) {
    Add-PnPListItem -List $ListName -Values @{
        "Project Name" = $Item.ProjectName
        "Due Date" = $Item.DueDate
        "Status" = $Item.Status
    }
}

Write-Host "Data Imported Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Managing SharePoint List Permissions

You can restrict access to a list or library.

Grant User Permissions

powershellCopyEdit$UserEmail = "[email protected]"
$Permission = "Contribute"

Grant-PnPListPermissions -Identity $ListTitle -User $UserEmail -Role $Permission

Write-Host "User granted $Permission access to the list." -ForegroundColor Green

Remove User Permissions

powershellCopyEditRevoke-PnPListPermissions -Identity $ListTitle -User $UserEmail
Write-Host "User removed from the list." -ForegroundColor Green

Deleting a SharePoint List or Library

To delete a list:

powershellCopyEditRemove-PnPList -Identity $ListTitle -Force
Write-Host "List Deleted Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Red

To delete a document library:

powershellCopyEditRemove-PnPList -Identity $LibraryTitle -Force
Write-Host "Library Deleted Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Red

Best Practices for Managing SharePoint Lists & Libraries

Use Managed Metadata – Standardize data entry and improve searchability.
Enable Versioning – Keep track of document changes in libraries.
Restrict Permissions – Assign the least privilege access necessary.
Automate Workflows – Use Power Automate to notify users when items are updated.
Regularly Audit Lists – Remove outdated lists and optimize storage.


Conclusion

By leveraging PowerShell, SharePoint Online lists and libraries can be automated, secured, and optimized. Whether you are managing user permissions, bulk importing data, or creating document libraries, these scripts will enhance your efficiency.

Managing SharePoint Online Retention Policies and Compliance with PowerShell

Introduction

Ensuring compliance and protecting critical business data is essential for every organization. Retention policies in SharePoint Online help safeguard information, prevent accidental deletion, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

This blog covers:

  • Understanding SharePoint Retention Policies
  • Configuring retention labels and policies using PowerShell
  • Setting up audit logs to track changes
  • Best practices for SharePoint compliance management

What Are SharePoint Online Retention Policies?

Retention policies define how long data should be stored before deletion. Policies can: ✅ Retain content for a specified time
Delete content automatically after a specific period
Prevent permanent deletion of critical records

Retention settings apply to:

  • SharePoint Sites
  • Document Libraries
  • Lists & Items
  • OneDrive for Business
  • Microsoft Teams Data (Files & Messages)

Prerequisites

Before configuring retention policies in SharePoint Online, ensure:

  1. You have Global Admin, Compliance Admin, or SharePoint Admin privileges.
  2. You have installed the PowerShell modules:powershellCopyEditInstall-Module ExchangeOnlineManagement -Scope CurrentUser Install-Module Microsoft.Graph -Scope CurrentUser
  3. Connect to Microsoft Compliance Center:powershellCopyEditConnect-IPPSSession

Creating a SharePoint Online Retention Policy

Retention policies can be created using PowerShell to automate policy enforcement.

Step 1: Define the Retention Policy

Set policy name, duration, and action (retain or delete).

powershellCopyEdit$PolicyName = "Finance Retention Policy"
$RetentionDays = 3650  # 10 years
$Action = "Retain"  # Options: "Retain" or "Delete"

New-RetentionCompliancePolicy -Name $PolicyName -RetentionDuration $RetentionDays -RetentionComplianceAction $Action

Write-Host "Retention Policy '$PolicyName' Created Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Step 2: Apply the Policy to a SharePoint Site

powershellCopyEdit$SiteURL = "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/FinanceSite"
Set-RetentionCompliancePolicy -Name $PolicyName -AddExchangeLocation $SiteURL

Write-Host "Retention Policy Applied to $SiteURL" -ForegroundColor Green

Creating Retention Labels for SharePoint Documents

Retention labels classify and enforce retention actions on documents.

Step 1: Create a Retention Label

powershellCopyEdit$LabelName = "Confidential Documents"
$RetentionPeriod = 1825  # 5 years

New-RetentionComplianceRule -Name $LabelName -RetentionDuration $RetentionPeriod -RetentionComplianceAction "Retain"

Write-Host "Retention Label '$LabelName' Created Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Step 2: Publish the Label to SharePoint

powershellCopyEdit$PolicyName = "Confidential Retention"
New-LabelPolicy -Name $PolicyName -Labels $LabelName -Sites "https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/Confidential"

Write-Host "Retention Label Published to SharePoint Site" -ForegroundColor Green

Enabling Auditing for SharePoint Compliance

Auditing tracks user activity, such as file modifications, deletions, and access attempts.

Enable Audit Logs via PowerShell

powershellCopyEditSet-AdminAuditLogConfig -UnifiedAuditLogIngestionEnabled $true
Write-Host "Unified Audit Log Enabled!" -ForegroundColor Green

Retrieve and Export Audit Logs

powershellCopyEditSearch-UnifiedAuditLog -StartDate (Get-Date).AddDays(-30) -EndDate (Get-Date) -RecordType SharePointFileOperation -ResultSize 5000 | Export-Csv "C:\AuditLogs.csv" -NoTypeInformation

Write-Host "Audit Logs Exported Successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green

Best Practices for SharePoint Retention & Compliance

Use retention labels instead of blanket retention policies for targeted control.
Apply different policies based on department needs (e.g., Finance, HR, Legal).
Monitor compliance using audit logs and adjust retention as needed.
Educate users on document classification and retention requirements.
Regularly review retention policies to align with business and regulatory changes.


Conclusion

Managing SharePoint Online retention policies ensures compliance, data security, and governance. Using PowerShell, IT admins can automate policy creation, apply retention labels, and monitor compliance efficiently.

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