"Set as Desktop Background" missing from context menu

markaz

Power User
I have no idea when this occurred. I lost the onboard video a few weeks ago and installed an nVidea card. But that's about it. If I right click any image type in Windows, the above message does not appear in the context menu. If I right click an image within any browser, I get the option in the context menu.

I've searched and read most threads pertaining to this issue here, but none have helped. I'd wouldn't mind a SysRestore, but I don't know a date when this began don't want to go back so far that a number of installs/uninstalls would be affected.

Any help is appreciated.
 

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In the RUN Box type in "regsvr32 shimgvw.dll" (Without the quotes).
 

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In the RUN Box type in "regsvr32 shimgvw.dll" (Without the quotes).
Thanks for the response, tanuj_chadha. Upon running it I get the following:

runcommand.jpg


Suggestions?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion s3700y (PC)
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    AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Acacia
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    3GB Micron Technology (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 8400GS
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
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    Compaq WF1907
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    1360x768
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    Western Digital 320GB
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    Slimline
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Unfortunately, I have the same problem as a result of a recent MS Windows Update on my media server.

I have fought all night to find the information to repair the missing Context Menu data, but after a dozen or more hits on admins complaining about 'locking down their users from being able to change backgrounds', and various work-arounds for how they accomplished locking users out of the Context Menu, or locking them out by group policy or other settings, I cannot find a single article telling me how to restore the Context Menu to where it has the simple 'Set as desktop background' command in the context menu, not a single person knows how to rebuild this command line either - although there are some nice videos on YouTube on how to custom build OTHER functions for custom Context Menus.

Even Microsoft only has a one-direction 'how to disable' tech article. Seems everyone expects you to disable it, but no one expects it to be destroyed by a hacker, bad program, or over-zealous Microsoft update, so they aren't going to tell you how to fix it. Great target for a virus or malicious program, that's for sure. Then again, that's PROBABLY how mine was blown away to begin with.

The solution you were given on reinitiating the DLL was for situations where you disabled the DLL to start with, and is part of the 'high school system administrator' method of disabling Context Menu background settings, once a group policy of a 'system-set' background is in place. If you didn't intentionally do this to your system, and you own and are the administrator of your system, then no person on earth has a fix for you, unless the famous 'reinstall your operating system' comment wasn't expected.

In my case, I'm just leaving the context menu dead, since microsoft doesn't care, I don't change my background that much, I am NOT reinstalling my operating system after I just reinstalled it 2-months ago due to another over-zealous 'security update' from Microsoft, and the subsequent 27-gb of programs on 112 disks that I have to repeat over an 11-hour timespan, just to accomplish the rebuild. It just isn't worth it.

If anyone DOES have the intelligence to know how to actually rebuild a command to allow me to replace the missing 'Set as Desktop Background' command, so that I can right-click a link in Windows Explorer, and send a jpg to the desktop as a wallpaper, please, reply. Obviously, everyone seems capable of destruction of systems - doesn't anyone know how to replace this handy menu item, without a lost-day reinstalling a menu item that is most-likely going to get wiped out after it once-again updates with the hundred or more 'Microsoft Security Updates' that destroyed it to begin with?

Thanks for the response, tanuj_chadha. Upon running it I get the following:

runcommand.jpg


Suggestions?
 

My Computer

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    Dell
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    3.0 Ghz
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    Dell 24
First, what browser are you using. Version?

Second, I'm not familiar with the contents of the Media Server. Does it have a control panel as you would find in Vista, 7 or 8?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion s3700y (PC)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Acacia
    Memory
    3GB Micron Technology (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 8400GS
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Compaq WF1907
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 320GB
    Case
    Slimline
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    A little fan
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    eMachines Enhanced Multimedia
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    Logitech M305
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    2703 kbps
First, what browser are you using. Version?

Second, I'm not familiar with the contents of the Media Server. Does it have a control panel as you would find in Vista, 7 or 8?

I use the latest version of Google Chrome Browser, and Media Server (or Media Edition) was really nothing but a low volume issue version of Vista Home Premium, tweaked for TV and Media Center apps. I have not found any differences in the mechanics between the two, yet.

As for the issue, it exists in BOTH browser AND Windows Explorer. I have used a program (FreshDevices UI), much like the old TweakUI, to check the settings - all are as they should be. I still don't have three line items in my Context menu - they are PREVIEW, SET AS DESKTOP BACKGROUND and either ROTATE, RESTORE or NEW (not sure on that last one, had to go by the context menu on my wife's laptop, which is running 7 to figure out what was missing).

This happened in the last week, unfortunately, I had installed several program updates (Java, google, yahoo, silverlight, and the ever-popular 'Microsoft Security Update'). I don't browse porn, I don't install unknown programs from unknown sources, and it's been several years since I have encountered a virus. This specific system is about as 'clean' as you would want in a computer system - it is hardwired into our home and runs security, TV, radio, printer spool, home surround sound, and more. I would have expected this on my laptop a lot more likely than this old system, but all of our other computers are up and running fine (on Win7), but this one Vista machine has this Context Menu issue. Other than the missing items from the Context Menu, it is working fine.

Oh, did I mention that if you go to Windows Explorer, and right-click on any JPG and select OPEN from the Context Menu, that it will NOT open the JPG? I then point it to MICROSOFT PHOTO EDITOR, and it will open it once, but won't remember the setting to open it a 2nd time. I set it to use MICROSOFT PHOTO EDITOR as default JPG handler, and it won't accept it. I open Windows Explorer 'run as Administrator', and it still won't accept it.

No hits on AV - and am convinced that SOMETHING is quite possibly damaged in the Registry, but that is a domain that I don't fool with.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
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    3.0 Ghz
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    4gb
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    nVidia
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    Soundblaster
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    Dell 24
If is was me, I'd go into the Control Panel > Programs and Features. In the upper left hand portion of Programs and Features look for "View installed updates" and click on it. It should list that particular Microsoft Security update. Uninstall it and then check to see if Set As Background has returned to your context menu. If it has, shut off automatic updates from Microsoft and set it Updates available. You'll get a message pretty quick that the one you just uninstalled is available. JUST PASS ON IT.
As gar as the other updates, I don't think you can uninstall those to check if they're the culprits unless you manually install them and use a program like Revo Uninstaller to install the update. Good Luck.

BTW....what does Microsoft say the purpose and need of the update is/was?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion s3700y (PC)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Acacia
    Memory
    3GB Micron Technology (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 8400GS
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Compaq WF1907
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 320GB
    Case
    Slimline
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    A little fan
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    eMachines Enhanced Multimedia
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    Logitech M305
    Internet Speed
    2703 kbps
Thanks for the comments. I already did your items, with no avail. It all started with a Netflix "can't play" prompt, an update check, and finding that Microsoft had released a major 170-mb update for security, photo viewer, live, and silverlight, all in one. It was the Silverlight update I needed to watch Netflix, so I installed it, and was when it all went downhill.

I've given up, moved 85-gb to a backpack drive, and going to do a complete system rebuild tonight-tomorrow. Probably time, anyhow.

GEESH, I hate Microsoft! It it wasn't on the media computer, I'd take it over to Linux.

Thanks for your help, though.

If is was me, I'd go into the Control Panel > Programs and Features. In the upper left hand portion of Programs and Features look for "View installed updates" and click on it. It should list that particular Microsoft Security update. Uninstall it and then check to see if Set As Background has returned to your context menu. If it has, shut off automatic updates from Microsoft and set it Updates available. You'll get a message pretty quick that the one you just uninstalled is available. JUST PASS ON IT.
As gar as the other updates, I don't think you can uninstall those to check if they're the culprits unless you manually install them and use a program like Revo Uninstaller to install the update. Good Luck.

BTW....what does Microsoft say the purpose and need of the update is/was?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    3.0 Ghz
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 24
I'm really sorry that you've got to go this route, but I would do the same. Spent countless hours trying to find the registry entry that I could add to the registry (Yes, I don't mind tinkering with the registry) but I could not find nor would anyone give it up (at Microsoft). I started this thread and feel your pain. My solution was to take everything I could off the computer onto flash drives and format/re-install Vista. I also **** off ALL autoupdates from Mircrosoft and software companies that I had installed their programs and chose to be notified when updates were available. I only update what I think is absolutely necessary. Haven't had a problem since.

Good luck to you and the time you have to waste to correct something out of your control.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion s3700y (PC)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Acacia
    Memory
    3GB Micron Technology (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 8400GS
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Compaq WF1907
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 320GB
    Case
    Slimline
    Cooling
    A little fan
    Keyboard
    eMachines Enhanced Multimedia
    Mouse
    Logitech M305
    Internet Speed
    2703 kbps

My Computer

System One

  • Operating System
    Vista Home Premium 64 bit SP2
    Manufacturer/Model
    Cyberpower
    CPU
    Intel Quad CPU Q6700 2.67 GHZ
    Motherboard
    NVIDIA 780i
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX 560 TI Twin Frozr
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster SB Audigy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VG2436
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080p
    Hard Drives
    Samsung HD 105SI
    WDC WD20
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    Apevia XJupiter
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    air
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    Logitech MX 3200
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    Logitech MX 600
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    30 Mbps
Yeah, thanks Wither, but the XP fix isn't apparently associated to the Vista fix, as the keys are different (or they don't look similar to have like-kind structure to follow the XP fix on the Vista registry, unfortunately).

As for my 'anger quotient' over this whole thing, I think it was 90-percent driven by all the system admins asking, begging online for "how do you lock it down so you can't have users changing their desktop wallpaper?"

I mean, come on, if you have a group policy, then it is pretty simple to merely put a company wallpaper on the server, and have it 'set this' as the computer's wallpaper upon login, with users locked out of setting it. It was simple with 2000, simple with XP, I don't see why Vista caused them to go 'Secret Squirrel' on this lockout against sysops suddenly; yet everyone wants to know how to lock the school kiddies out with no concern to check and see if this lockout also damages the registry if applied to a non-domained network computer where the admin owns the system. That several have asked this same question, that I did, tells me it is being randomly used against computer owners, and that no one has responded how to 'stop it' or 'undo it, should it happen' tells me that most are probably not using their context menu frequently. I actually found it because that the system ALSO remapped my 'default handler program' for viewing JPGs, BMPs and GIFs to 'not selected', and furthermore, once you select your default handler program to view the selected images, it does NOT remember it, even when you are running in admin mode. MAJOR SYSTEM CORRUPTION.

Again, I did the virus scan, had only implemented MS updates, had only been on mainstream websites (google, yahoo, cnn, etc. - no 'low flow trash sites' or questionable material, about the lowest down the totem pole would be either Amazon or Netflix...nothing too 'questionable' to concern yourself with script kiddies' activities or anything).

Oh, well, I'll rebuild probably tomorrow - and test all menus then. If I have any 'unexpected' behavior, I'll report it back here for everyone. I think I'll also hold-off on that 'Silverlight' update this time, I don't care for 'Live' anyhow, so I'll just do the Silverlight stand-alone update if they still offer it. (gotta have the Netflix...god I wish they'd use SWF instead of Silverlight).

Thanks again, for everyone's help. If you happen to know how to reach Microsoft on this, it looks like its worthy to let them know this is a serious flaw that could be exploited by script-virus writers that can't be reset easily otherwise.

Take care.

P.S. - Anyone following this thread that might think the easiest thing to do would be to upgrade to at least Win 7 (which I also personally like at LEAST as much as XP) is because I have a lot of old engineering software that was last purchased or acquired when 32-bit systems were pretty-much 'the thing', and having already tested them on Win7 systems and finding they don't work, am forced to keep this one, single computer in my household on the Vista 32-bit system. I guess I could go down to XP Pro, but I can't find a whole install disk - only the 'upgrade' disk in my satchel of disks, so it is either keep the Vista on this one computer (which also runs a LOT of my home 'systems' - like lights, security, entertainment, etc.) or upgrade to Win7 and pay a LOT of money to upgrade a lot of other software, while actually losing some that is no longer updated or released. I really did think HARD about upgrading, before deciding to just do a wipe and reinstall.

I had posted a potential fix here last night and today I find it is gone. I can't find the exact page again. this one is for XP but you could do a comparison with your registry to see if there's a potential problem due to registry entries-

Options to change wallpaper may be missing or unavailable on a Windows XP-based computer
 

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System One

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    Dell
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    3.0 Ghz
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    Soundblaster
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    Dell 24
I had posted a potential fix here last night and today I find it is gone. I can't find the exact page again. this one is for XP but you could do a comparison with your registry to see if there's a potential problem due to registry entries-

Options to change wallpaper may be missing or unavailable on a Windows XP-based computer
I tried that as well on my Vista system months ago and it didn't work. Just wish Microsoft would resurrect Windows 2000. Not one crash or corruption in the 5 years I used it. Oh well!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion s3700y (PC)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Acacia
    Memory
    3GB Micron Technology (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 8400GS
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Compaq WF1907
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 320GB
    Case
    Slimline
    Cooling
    A little fan
    Keyboard
    eMachines Enhanced Multimedia
    Mouse
    Logitech M305
    Internet Speed
    2703 kbps
In Control Panel, Personalization, desktop background, select Browse. If you select an image file and say Open, are you able to set the image as the background?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Operating System
    Vista Home Premium 64 bit SP2
    Manufacturer/Model
    Cyberpower
    CPU
    Intel Quad CPU Q6700 2.67 GHZ
    Motherboard
    NVIDIA 780i
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX 560 TI Twin Frozr
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster SB Audigy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VG2436
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080p
    Hard Drives
    Samsung HD 105SI
    WDC WD20
    Case
    Apevia XJupiter
    Cooling
    air
    Keyboard
    Logitech MX 3200
    Mouse
    Logitech MX 600
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
In Control Panel, Personalization, desktop background, select Browse. If you select an image file and say Open, are you able to set the image as the background?


Yes, Wither, after realizing that the context menu was 'modified', that was the next thing I did. It DID let me change the background, and it held it on reboot. I am not locked out from changing the background/wallpaper, apparently this 'modification' was simply a function of a Microsoft Update contained within the 'MS Live/Silverlight' latest update to remove those controls from the context menu, being as it has also removed the ability to permanently set a default program handler for JPG, BMP and GIF files, as well (which is normally controlled within the same areas of the Registry as the wallpaper settings).

In summary, I'll be the first to throw a rock at Microsoft on this one and say, "Thanks - your latest update not only damaged the context menu for owners-administrators of their own system, but has taken away the ability to set default image program handlers as well. Thanks for giving us the work-around or information to return our systems to their original configuration."

Being almost 60-years old, and having worked on 8088s and 286SX's in the day, I find the 'stupid user' syndrome beyond insulting anymore. In the military, we used to say, "make it too difficult for the enemy to enter, and you make it impossible to leave." Likewise to Microsoft, make it too difficult for me to maintain my system, and I'll have no choice but to seek Linux as an alternative. For every dollar used to attract first-time buyers, it normally takes 10-dollars to keep a customer, and 500-dollars to regain the trust of a buyer you pushed away with bad products. You'd think after Apple, Microsoft would have learned this lesson. Obviously not.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    3.0 Ghz
    Memory
    4gb
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    nVidia
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 24
Well that sounds like good news. Regardless of the opinions of those I highly respect on this forum, I would still change the method of Updates from Microsoft to 'advise me when updates are available' instead of automatic updates where you have no control (if that option exists on Media Server). At least if you opt to download and install an Update and it changes certain setting you can at least uninstall the offending Update. That is only my opinion from 2 serious corruptions caused by Microsoft updates.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion s3700y (PC)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Acacia
    Memory
    3GB Micron Technology (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 8400GS
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Compaq WF1907
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 320GB
    Case
    Slimline
    Cooling
    A little fan
    Keyboard
    eMachines Enhanced Multimedia
    Mouse
    Logitech M305
    Internet Speed
    2703 kbps
I wonder what's different about dustdevil's system. I don't have that problem and the only updates I haven't installed is IE 9 and the Bing toolbar.

The registry is full of wallpaper settings.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Operating System
    Vista Home Premium 64 bit SP2
    Manufacturer/Model
    Cyberpower
    CPU
    Intel Quad CPU Q6700 2.67 GHZ
    Motherboard
    NVIDIA 780i
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX 560 TI Twin Frozr
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster SB Audigy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VG2436
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080p
    Hard Drives
    Samsung HD 105SI
    WDC WD20
    Case
    Apevia XJupiter
    Cooling
    air
    Keyboard
    Logitech MX 3200
    Mouse
    Logitech MX 600
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
Ok, update:

I have done a complete format on the C: partition, reinstalled Vista (kinda - still an on-going process, as I type this), and all looks like it should.

A note for the repeated recommendation on 'choose to select the updates you install', this is VERY wise advice, unfortunately, it is advice I already followed BEFORE this happened. I (sheepishly admit) selected this particular update, again, because I required the Silverlight update to play Netflix, and it was wrapped up in the 177-mb update from MS on the Live-Silverlight packaged update. Auto or manual, this would have been in my system either way...it just so happens, I CHOSE to put it in.

With that said, I hadn't heard a lot about this prior, though there ARE complaints out there in the Internet-land about others who have had IDENTICAL events happen to them. I don't know if they were running Media Server, or Home Premium, they didn't say - but not even Microsoft has addressed a 'repair' event or process, should it happen.

For those who might like to build an interesting 'Vista Media Center', might I recommend looking on E-Bay for the 'Vista Media Server' software, if you can find it. I paid $50 for the computer I put it into, bought the software and key new for $75, memory, vid card, sound card, 2-Tb hard drives x 3, a DVD-Writer and 3-Gb of RAM, and for about $ 340 invested, built a true HD TV, Radio, Internet Browser system out of this box that is running a 24-inch monitor, 7.1 surround sound, wireless mouse and keyboard, that when you are tired of TV, you can browse the internet - all while it controls most house lighting, heating, cooling and alarm systems.

This is actually the first 'problem' I've encountered with this limited edition version of Vista that I hadn't found in normal Home or Home Premium versions.

Oh, well, seems that reinstall definitely works, if nothing else does.


I wonder what's different about dustdevil's system. I don't have that problem and the only updates I haven't installed is IE 9 and the Bing toolbar.

The registry is full of wallpaper settings.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    3.0 Ghz
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 24
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