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Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
newbienic said:
Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
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Click to collapse
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Awesome! Thanks for the info... Really glad to know I can convert if need be. Thanks again!
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
newbienic said:
Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
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Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
ITGuy11 said:
Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
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Click to collapse
And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Hypathetically, if I didn't want root or anything custom at all, do you think that relocking the bootloader could cause an issue while using the Stock Google image on a Verizon Pixel? I wish I had more knowledge on this, but I'm pretty in the dark on this stuff as of late... Thanks for your help!
Should be fine if all stock I think, just know that you may not be able to unlock later.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
newbienic said:
One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
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Click to collapse
Contrary to what people are saying. You CAN relock your bootloader and then unlock it again later. However, keep in mind that at some point there will likely be an update that blocks the use of dePixel8 and you will no longer be able to unlock the bootloader unless someone writes another exploit.
I would like to find a way to permanently unlock VZW Pixels but until I get one from the Google Store to compare with my Verizon one I don't think I will make much progress.
Relocking your bootloader is as simple as running the "fastboot oem lock" command from the terminal window.
Lastly. If you want to relock the bootloader, make sure your phone is 100% stock image or you risk bricking the phone
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
b316kane said:
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
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This is exactly what I did, and I am curious as well... We'll see next month I guess, but I'm guessing it will take the OTA just fine. My wife has a Pixel from the Google store, and mine is from Verizon. I've compared everything (including booloaders) since flashing the Google store Pixel image, and every informational detail is identical. Not sure if there is some other place hidden to me that might indicate a difference, but I'm thinking that Verizon's Pixel is only different in its official software image... And, that may be it. Please don't take my word for it, I'm no developer, and know very little about any of this, but in my comparisons, they are identical now since flashing Googles official (Non Verizon, Non European) image.
Sidenote, I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking. I think Verizon used Googles "Allow OEM Unlocking" software toggle in developer options as the only method to actually keep people from unlocking the bootloader (again speculative), and now that I'm on Googles image, that software "block" should no longer be present, so I should in theory, be free to lock/unlock the same as Pixels purchased from the Google store... Again, I've got no proof, or actual skill to back this up, but it's a theory I have, and if I end up locking my BL again, I'll post what I find...
newbienic said:
I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking.
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In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
alluringreality said:
In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
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Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
newbienic said:
Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
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Click to collapse
I forget where, but I saw written or implied that the "checking for updates" screen about third of way through initial setup of first boot uses WiFi AND sim carrier data to install Verizon custom restrictions and settings that among other effects make depixel8 required.
Even on "non Verizon phones" (which you are saying use the same build images byte to byte?)... You have to either use a SIM card or wifi and google account to allow the developer options to enable OEM unlock.
My theory: In other words, if you don't allow via SIM and a network wifi or data connect, for Verizon to mark your phone, or another carrier, then the phone can not be unlocked. So carrier models may indeed be differentiated from current factory images AFTER boot and setup.
There is a post in Q&A of someone trying to unlock bootloader without loading into the device, not having luck. This is why oem unlock toggle is so important and why people are bricking from locked bootloaders that won't unlock (so no wipe and factory images cannot be flashed.)
Another thing to consider: SIM network lock will not be flashed over.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
Hey all, just got my pixel. Wanna stay on stock, but maybe root? I want to get my hotspot enabled, so do I need to root to do this? I'm on sprint. Any guidance! Thank you!
If you don't or can't get hotspot enable you may have to root to get it. Plenty of info on how.
FYI
Since you are on Sprint I'm going to guess you bought directly from Google. To my knowledge you can disregard any convos about updates locking you down. That only seems to affect devices bought through Verizon.
FernBch said:
If you don't or can't get hotspot enable you may have to root to get it. Plenty of info on how.
FYI
Since you are on Sprint I'm going to guess you bought directly from Google. To my knowledge you can disregard any convos about updates locking you down. That only seems to affect devices bought through Verizon.
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Click to collapse
Yes sprint and bought directly from play store.
Guess I'll start with this tool eH?
forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/development/tool-skipsoft-android--google-t3482761
Problem is, I already updated via OTA to latest version. Am I screwed?
Screwed?? If you mean BL locked, no. I have the Verizon branded variant but unlocked, rooted, and flashed SU. When I saw NMF26Q was available from Google I downloaded it, installed via flash-all from fastboot, then rerooted and flashed SU again no problem.
chugger93 said:
Hey all, just got my pixel. Wanna stay on stock, but maybe root? I want to get my hotspot enabled, so do I need to root to do this? I'm on sprint. Any guidance! Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please look at OP install instructions in this thread.
Please look at OP install instruction in TWRP thread.
I guess you aren't on Telus in Canada or your hotspot would work. When you give no information, too hard to help. But I read this forum so even though I don't have Sprint or Verizon as my provider, I know there are many threads about turning hotspot on for unlimited data plans. Guidance: read those threads too!
Then ask for specific guidance. I don't want to reread for 25 min to find and copy and paste to spoonfeed when you should read. Much nicer to fill in a few missing spots than hold your hand not having a clue of your technical knowledge and skills.
Happy holidays.
Specific guidance: update SDK tools before you start!
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent? or can I now relock bootloader since I'm rooted?
chugger93 said:
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just means your bootloader is unlocked and isn't anything to be worried about. As long as your bootloader is unlocked it will show.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
chugger93 said:
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joetheshmo said:
It just means your bootloader is unlocked and isn't anything to be worried about. As long as your bootloader is unlocked it will show.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Nothing to worry about. I just ignore it.
joetheshmo said:
It just means your bootloader is unlocked and isn't anything to be worried about. As long as your bootloader is unlocked it will show.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's Verizon's equivalence of "Sorry sucka, you're on your own!"
chugger93 said:
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent? or can I now relock bootloader since I'm rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not relock your bootloader unless you are fully 100% stock or you run the risk of bricking your phone
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
joetheshmo said:
Do not relock your bootloader unless you are fully 100% stock or you run the risk of bricking your phone
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. Ya havnt used a ROM or anything, do not plan on it. So for now I'm stock. So I can relock it though, get rid of that message but still maintain SuperSU/root right?
My only goal is to get hotspot working (sprint)
chugger93 said:
That makes sense. Ya havnt used a ROM or anything, do not plan on it. So for now I'm stock. So I can relock it though, get rid of that message but still maintain SuperSU/root right?
My only goal is to get hotspot working (sprint)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're rooted and have done the tether hack you're no longer stock. Don't lock the bootloader unless you are COMPLETELY stock.
robocuff said:
If you're rooted and have done the tether hack you're no longer stock. Don't lock the bootloader unless you are COMPLETELY stock.
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Click to collapse
Which tether hack? This one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/themes/mod-tethermod-systemless-install-guide-t3501448
If so, I have not done any tether hack yet....still reading since there are multiple ways to do it. (sprint variant/google play store)
chugger93 said:
That makes sense. Ya havnt used a ROM or anything, do not plan on it. So for now I'm stock. So I can relock it though, get rid of that message but still maintain SuperSU/root right?
My only goal is to get hotspot working (sprint)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, having SuperSU means you are no longer stock. You need all stock images to lock bootloader.
If you need a locked bootloader for Android Pay or some other apps. Install one of the customer kernels, they hide it. You still need to remove SuperSU though. From what I've seen its a bit harder to hide that for now. So you can root, make change for hotspot and remove root.
Otherwise nothing hurts to have your bootloader unlocked. It gives you more options if anything ever goes wrong. You need unlocked bootloader to even load Google factory images.
PS. I'd recommend Franco kernel as it imporoves battery life.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
chugger93 said:
Hey all, just got my pixel. Wanna stay on stock, but maybe root? I want to get my hotspot enabled, so do I need to root to do this? I'm on sprint. Any guidance! Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't have to root to have hotspot enabled, it's a build-in function. Simply set it up in “wireless & networks” and you are ready to go:laugh:
eos9d said:
No you don't have to root to have hotspot enabled, it's a build-in function. Simply set it up in �wireless & networks� and you are ready to go[emoji23]
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Depending on his plan, he may not have that option. Many do not, hence still need the tether hack.
Hello guys.
I'm going to buy used and bootloader unlocked Verizon Pixel tomorrow and I'm interested in couple of things:
1. Can I flash all the ROMs that are available for Pixel on Verizon version too?
2. Can I properly install TWRP, root using Magisk, etc?
3. Can I properly flash (and downgrade if needed) official system images (and are they ever available for Verizon models?)
4. Can I take part in Android Beta program?
5. Is there anything I should be afraid of?
Thanks in advance.
Make sure it is bootloader unlocked, and not just SIM unlocked. There are not many VZ ones around that are bootloader unlocked. You need that to do the items on you list.
TonikJDK said:
Make sure it is bootloader unlocked, and not just SIM unlocked. There are not many VZ ones around that area bootloader unlocked. You need that to do the items on you list.
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Click to collapse
As I already stated, bootloader is already unlocked.
No one has an answer?
If it's bootloader u locked then yeah u can do all those things. Just do not ever for any reason ever relock the bootloader. Also I believe there have been a few cases where ppl have had semibricks or other issues which required locked stock to fix or somehow resulted in locked stock
I got a replacement about a month ago on my small Pixel and that one was unlocked. However, the one I got from Verizon in store did not have an unlocked bootloader. I'm not sure what the deal is, but maybe getting a replacement from an "accidental" break might do the trick. just to clarify, my first Pixels' usb port got completely fried and started to smell bad whenever it charged, and the phone would get really hot. I am now on 8.1 with an unlocked bootloader but have yet to actually root the phone
KittyRgnarok said:
If it's bootloader u locked then yeah u can do all those things. Just do not ever for any reason ever relock the bootloader. Also I believe there have been a few cases where ppl have had semibricks or other issues which required locked stock to fix or somehow resulted in locked stock
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Click to collapse
Thank you!
gb_14 said:
Thank you!
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Click to collapse
Np
I've been looking for a google purchased Pixel XL 128GB locally for a little while now and I've come across a verizon version that was unlocked when they were first released and is now updated to the latest OS.
Since the bootloader is unlocked is there any difference now between the verizon version and the google purchased version? Any chance to revert back on updated or once the bootloader is loaded it is good to go and nothing to worry about from that point forward?
Thanks for any input on this. I've searched, but couldn't find anything regarding this topic.
live4soccer7 said:
I've been looking for a google purchased Pixel XL 128GB locally for a little while now and I've come across a verizon version that was unlocked when they were first released and is now updated to the latest OS.
Since the bootloader is unlocked is there any difference now between the verizon version and the google purchased version? Any chance to revert back on updated or once the bootloader is loaded it is good to go and nothing to worry about from that point forward?
Thanks for any input on this. I've searched, but couldn't find anything regarding this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to worry about going forward except on thing. If YOU relock it you won't be able to unlock it again. They won't relock it.
TonikJDK said:
Nothing to worry about going forward except on thing. If YOU relock it you won't be able to unlock it again. They won't relock it.
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Click to collapse
Thanks! Is there a failsafe I could add in so that it WON'T LET ME LOCK IT?
live4soccer7 said:
Thanks! Is there a failsafe I could add in so that it WON'T LET ME LOCK IT?
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Click to collapse
It requires a manual command in fastboot. Doubt you'll do that accidently.
you definitely dont need a failsafe to avoid relocking it as its really not something you can do accidentally. since you are getting an unlocked version i also assume you will be loading custom firmware in which case it is common sense not to relock it or you will literally brick the phone anyways
KittyRgnarok said:
you definitely dont need a failsafe to avoid relocking it as its really not something you can do accidentally. since you are getting an unlocked version i also assume you will be loading custom firmware in which case it is common sense not to relock it or you will literally brick the phone anyways
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Click to collapse
Thanks everyone, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm curious, what happens if I toggle the OEM unlock option on/off?
live4soccer7 said:
I'm curious, what happens if I toggle the OEM unlock option on/off?
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Click to collapse
That switch has been grayed out after the Verizon unlock, and it reads "Bootloader is already unlocked", so as far as I know it's not possible to toggle.
Thanks! Much appreciated.
Enjoy your Pixel and happy modding mate
Getting an Unlocked Pixel 2 off EBay.
Once I unlock the bootloader, and put in my Verizon sim.......will Verizon lock my bootloader?
z
I don't think any carrier has control over locking the bootloader. They can however keep you from unlocking it, just not the other way around
zardiw said:
Getting an Unlocked Pixel 2 off EBay.
Once I unlock the bootloader, and put in my Verizon sim.......will Verizon lock my bootloader?
z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it actually was through Google and not a Verizon one you will be fine. Make sure it's not just carrier unlocked, since the Verizon ones will still be considered unlocked due to being able to use it on other carriers.
Keithn said:
As long as it actually was through Google and not a Verizon one you will be fine. Make sure it's not just carrier unlocked, since the Verizon ones will still be considered unlocked due to being able to use it on other carriers.
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Click to collapse
The op is talking about bootloader being unlocked and your talking about the carrier/sim lock... Verizon pixels that were on a certain firmware were able to have their bootloader unlocked, and then it was patched. So pretty much all Verizon pixel 2 are not able to have the bootloader unlocked. Pixels straight from Google are able to have the bootloader unlocked. Now as far as the carrier/sim lock, either version, Verizon or Google, they come unlocked and. I'm pretty sure they can't be relocked. I believe they would just blacklist the device.
ice711 said:
The op is talking about bootloader being unlocked and your talking about the carrier/sim lock... Verizon pixels that were on a certain firmware were able to have their bootloader unlocked, and then it was patched. So pretty much all Verizon pixel 2 are not able to have the bootloader unlocked. Pixels straight from Google are able to have the bootloader unlocked. Now as far as the carrier/sim lock, either version, Verizon or Google, they come unlocked and. I'm pretty sure they can't be relocked. I believe they would just blacklist the device.
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Click to collapse
No, I am talking about both. I only mentioned to be aware that the device may be listed as unlocked due to not having carrier restrictions, but might still be a "Verizon Edition" with a non unlockable bootloader.
Keithn said:
As long as it actually was through Google and not a Verizon one you will be fine. Make sure it's not just carrier unlocked, since the Verizon ones will still be considered unlocked due to being able to use it on other carriers.
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Click to collapse
Keithn said:
No, I am talking about both. I only mentioned to be aware that the device may be listed as unlocked due to not having carrier restrictions, but might still be a "Verizon Edition" with a non unlockable bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Ahh gotcha. Sorry didn't get that when I read it the first time. When you put it this way, I now get what you were saying. Good advise! :good: :good: