Nope, antivirus deactivated nothing worked either. There was NO way to install this game on my computer. My son is an IT and didn't either. So I'll buy the file from the site - I have the two others yet, which workd perfectly.

Not the first time I faced this problem with GODC game - and it's started when they added that .gdc file. Doesn't work with and without antivirus :)

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Sorry to hear you've been having problems installing giveaway games.

I do hope you can appreciate why the gcd file was added (i.e. community members ripping off the game by hacking the wrapper and gaining access to an executable that could be installed as a registered game at any time, plus uploading to peer to peer sites). Knowing this would have stopped developers from giving games away. Initially it wasn't much of an issue, but, as more community members became aware of how easy it was to hack the wrapper through hackers posting how to do it on You tube and other sites, (basically by going into the hidden temporary folder found in the AppData folder they could hijack the executable while it was being installed. Thankfully that isn't possible now).

There has to be other fixes that would allow you to install the game. Have you checked the FAQ's thread for other fixes, for example checking to see if I.E. is set to online working (even if you don't use I.E.) or checking your event logs for clues as to why it won't install (best to check the event log as soon as you've attempted to install), going into compatibility settings and making sure you are running in Admin mode and maybe changing to XP or Win 7 modes. Rebooting your modem and/or router and making sure your router settings are not blocking the installation. Do you have more than one security software installed? if so, you'd beed to turn both off temporarily. There are other possible fixes that you will find in the FAQ's thread, which you'll find a link to in the problems section of my review above.

It's nuts that these games run just fine on win 7 or even XP, but you have to have win 8 to install them from this site.

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Hi Ansty, this game runs on more than just win 8 and 10. Check my review. :)

I'm sorry. I have a feeling that last may be misunderstood. So let me put it a different way. My point is this: If anyone is still using software that is no longer supported by it's manufacturer, which means it's no longer trying to plug it's security holes, and, especially when it's security vulnerable software like Windows or IE, then I'd humbly suggest those folks should be worried about more important things than whether they can download games. Like the safety of their computers.

I stand by what I said. I'm unemployed and found a Windows 7 computer that somebody else discarded. XPSP2 is no longer supported by Microsoft. Period. So why is it surprising that GGOTD should no longer support i? Their standards would reasonably have to change because they can't depend on the security of outdated software either. The expectations that a piece of software that's as far out of support as IE6 would work perpetually are just unrealistic. I am saying that folks who try to stay up to date, and not drive the roads on Model Ts, will have less of these unpleasant surprises. Life is rough all over. Why make it rougher for yourself? In any case, it's sometimes rough for me, so I'm afraid any further explanation on your part just isn't going to sway me.

You have a point Avid. I didn't take into account that Lorraine may be having the same problem you're having. In my defense, however, there's nothing from that post that gives any of us any clue as to what kind of problem she's having, as Bob rightly pointed out. However, my base point, and that of many others is the same. If people need a download manager because of flaky internet problems, I know you'd agree that still can't be GGOTD's fault.

Hi Stephen,

Was so happy this morning to see our old friend Austin back with a new game. Immediately downloaded without problem and played briefly before a friend came over to help do some work. Have now played a bunch of levels (these games really are addictive) and I do like that there are some variations from other games, like the tasks required in some levels (i.e. repair or clean something) and I find most of them have sufficient instruction, unlike Mansion Makeover. The photo album and achievements are also fun. However, I think the HOG scenes are a little harder to find thins compared to some other games, in some cases it seems like the lighting in the scene is uneven, dark in some parts but reasonable in others. This is not to say that it is impossible to find things (using some hints) or that this should be changed for future games, just my observation. This game is absolutely a thumbs up for me, with tremendous thanks to Playrix, GGOTD and of course to you Stephen.

Cara in NC

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Thank you for your feedback Cara :)

Nice game. It would be nice to have more options for the garden plants and decorations.

@Lorraine I didn't see anything that indicated exactly what the problem is with you obtaining the games here.
A detailed description of what you do and what happens would help everyone here try to figure out the problem and help you succeed in getting these games again.

As WhiteRabbit said, thousands of people are participating without problems, so there's probably a fairly simple solution to whatever's happening, if only we had some idea what is wrong.

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Good point Bob. :)

Just delightful and fun! Love these wonderful "find and design" games---and my ancient machine likes them, too. Downloaded and installed in under 16 minutes on Windows XP 32-bit via Firefox. As mentioned above, Gardenscapes 2 adds more fun and challenge to the series by having you perform tasks as you go. My favorite part though is finding those little hidden coins. I find some, and I wanna get up and clap like Austin :-) LOL. Yes, I am easily amused

I like the other two in this series, but I was actually ready to dislike this one thinking it was going to be identical to the others. After playing it for awhile I think this edition is an improvement over the others. For one thing, it's got better controls in Options. Sparkle on/off and relaxed mode were happy discoveries. :)

They also add occasional puzzles to the scenes in this one, adding some variety, and they've tweaked a few other areas compared to the others. The Spyglass bonus is new, I think. I really like what they've done with this, and it's HOGs of this quality (along with Whiterabbit's steady advocacy, haha) that got me to recently start liking the genre. Hats off to Playrix & GGOTD!

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Thank you for your feedback Dan :)

Hi!

I have enjoyed most every Playrix game and the 2 previous Garden giveaways! Just finished the mansion one yesterday! Seemed shorter than
expected, but still enjoyable, and can play again! This one uploaded in a couple of minutes on 8.1. Set up was easy. It does have
extra in it this time, like fixing shelves and the phone album. Its very easy to find what to do and can use hints if have trouble.
Play runs smooth and the graphics are great! Am looking forward to more from Playrix like this! and hoping they continue to become
more interactive!!
Thank you for another great game!

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Lee :)

Hey Wrascally Wabbit,

Just got back from camping for a LONNNNGGGG time. Got to have some time in the sun and fun before the snowy times begin. I had most the games offered but Barn Yarn...Oh well. Such is life.

As you know I am not a HOG fan but these type of games are cute, bright and cheery and with a relaxed mode, I don't mind them. They are perfect for a good time.

Huggles to family and you. Thanks GGOTD and Playrix for the game.

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Thanks Delenn, I really miss camping. Not done so since my accident. We still have all the equipment including a nice large family tent, but its all up in the loft boxed and probably never going to be used again. :(

Thnx for another great game! I love these by playrix. I have the mansion one they gaveaway before. The only one I couldn't get was the 1st gardenscapes. Wouldn't connect to their servers. Anyway glad to have this one too. Wish they had them like this for free on Android.

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:)

Ditto, Has anyone found a fix ?

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Hi Jenny, check the FAQ's thread that I link to in the problem section (see comment number 1), also read the comments from The Watcher and Avid Gamer. :)

Yes. I rather regret that Austin's mother is so substantial, especially when Austin is so spare, like his father.

I don't know if you get the same thing I do, but sometimes during gameplay, I get letters in the game offering me the chance to get Playrix games for a substantial discount. This letter opens a tab in my Firefox which details an offer from Playrix. I'm talking about all of their games for less than $70 (I don't remember the exact amount. They also offered all the Gardenscapes series, including the Barn Yarns and H2OFishdom for less than $30.) All you have to do is buy direct from them for this excellent price.

If you're interested, to get some of their games, they have several different offers on the same page. Just explore their offers and pick the one which best satisfies you.

Whiterabbit, sorry for that rather commercial comment, but since it directly concerns the company which has recently and graciously provided us with three of their great games, I thought it would not be wrong of me to pass along the offer.

Like I said, it may not necessarily show up during your game; I only know that it showed up during my playing today's game. But then again, I did not get today's game through GGOTD, so it may be only during my game.

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Not a problem Bart. apart from Alawar, Playrix have been one of our longest serving contributors. They have given many games away over the past 8 years (as have Alawar)

I too had the problem with the game not installing. Turning off AVG for 10 minutes did the trick. Thanks to Irene & others for that hint.

I LOVE THESE GAMES!! I have officially spent my ENTIRE Sunday playing this and watching football in the background. Woo-Hoo!!! :) Honestly, it doesn't get any better than this! Same thing happened when you gave away Gardenscapes and the Farm one... spent my entire Sunday playing them! Thank you... I just LOVE these games!! (I actually cringed this morning when I woke up and saw this game... I knew exactly what it meant: I said to myself "Well, you aren't going to get ANYTHING else done today except playing this..." And, that is exactly what has happened! (I did take out the garbage, however. Does that count as getting something else done? hahaha!)

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:)

A big THANK YOU To GGOTD and Playrix for this one. I loved Gardenscapes, Mansion Makeover and Barn Yarn (Though the idea of a farmer turning his animal filled barn into a lavish living room space seemed a bit odd.) And now this one. My comment is just this: These are not just clones of one another, but though similar, each game offers some new minor twists and developments, the way a good movie sequel should. In this case the need to do repairs before holding the sales.
And I do enjoy the verbal trickery - a 'bow' can be a ribbon, an archery bow or a violin bow.
These are among my all time favorite GGOTD games, right behind the various Fishdoms and just ahead of the various Rescue games.
.
Every week the comments section here has complaints about failed installations. It takes time for the memo to circulate, I guess, and everyone has different systems and different anti-virus software. I have an HP Pavilion with Windows 7 upgraded to Windows 10 and I use Avira anti-virus. I briefly disable "real time protection" only for the time it takes to run the game "set up", and the games install fine. Others may have different systems, different protections and different terminology, but I think that should basically work to solve most troubles.

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Thank you for your feedback Napoleon Park, appreciated. :)

If I may, once again, comment Whiterabbit... :)
Holly, the gcd is not the installer; what you're looking for is a file called "setup.exe". If you don't see it, your antivirus possibly automatically deleted the file thinking it was something bad it needed to protect you from (but it isn't as Whiterabbit mentions every weekend :) )
If you don't see the setup.exe you likely will have to disable your antivirus temporarily until you get it downloaded and installed. I say downloaded as it may even remove the exe during downloading? I've seen that before many times...

As for every one having trouble on newer systems, I wonder if it could be a side-effect bug of the new wrapper requirement?

@everyone: Just wondering if you managed to install yesterdays game on today's problematic computer? Was it yesterday and today or just today? I'm curious now...

......................................Moderator comment.................................

Thanks for your continued advice. :)

@Whiterabbit,
Correct. Internet Explorer 8 or above. I quote ChrisS:

"you now need to be using at least XP SP3 and IE 8 or your PC won't have sufficient security credentials to connect to the activation server. These are somewhat recent changes. "

I was running XP SP3 (have been for years) but hated IE8 and was still 'using' (by using I mean it was installed BUT I was actually using Firefox for a browser) IE6 (default installed on XP). That's been working fine for years until yesterday... The wrapper apparently now requires IE8 (or above) to communicate through and will not work with IE 6 or apparently 7 (not tested but ChrisS mentioned 8 specifically).

I beg to disagree with you watcher on this one, at least in my case. I use a wireless Internet connection- antennae on my 40 foot tower that shoots through a 1/4 mile of trees. The signal isn't very good during the spring, summer and fall but gets pretty good during the winter when the leaves drop. I ALWAYS have to use download managers. Wish I had a simple life as you do 'cause even with my computer taken back to factory (pristine and new) the Internet is STILL flaky... At least for me, which was my suggestion as I have friends who are on a local DSL provider (whom I won't name) and are ALWAYS having slow internet or no internet, dropouts etc. at no fault to them or their computers. I will agree that some computer users will have the problem you describe but not in my part of the world. My 2 cents.

@watcher13
No offense taken. I know XP is long outdated but haven't the money to purchase a newer one.
As for IE, I've hated IE8 since I first saw it.
And for the alternatives, yes I know there are other alternatives. I have been using Firefox for years but that doesn't change the issue here: IE8 is REQUIRED no matter what browser you use! Doesn't matter!
And it wouldn't have bothered me quite as much if the GOTD team would've been nice enough to say "hey, as of today you need IE8"; no, I had to work at it and experiment for hours and finally eliminate everything BUT IE8. As I said, I had IE6 still installed (no IE8 BUT was using Firefox for a browser) Friday and the GOTD installed just fine. Would've saved me some sleep if I'd known the requirements for GOTD had changed. Literally.... I finally gave it up and went to bed 2 hours late! (and continued the next day researching)
And until yesterday my old model T, as you put it, was running just fine! :)

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Thanks avid Gamer. appreciated. I'll add an extra line to the installation paragraph in my reviews to include the IE8 requirement. I presume that would mean I.E. 8 or above?

worst game i ever downloaded from giveaway. It starts with 3 cobwebs and a broken window, then surprises you with an extra cobweb. Not fun what else, fix the broken rail and then the banister breaks??

Not up to the usual standard.

Terry

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Sorry to hear the game doesn't come up to your standards Terry. Thankfully most community members (at least 85% of those who have used the thumbs up feature) are happy with the game.

I downloaded this game using a poor internet connection which meant it took hours, rather than minutes. Our fault, I think, something to do with the router or the bit of wire that connects the house to the world rather than the browser - Firefox. I also use AVG.

The game has installed with no problems - using Vista.

So far it seems fun to play. There are a few extras from previous Gardenscapes because sometimes a 'customer' asks to have things repaired or replaced, such as 'put a brick in the wall'. I also like the Fishdom-type 'achievements' because it gives something else to aim for than just items to put in a garden.

A keeper!

Thanks GGOTD and, of course, Playrix. :)

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:)

Sad, my computer doesn't recognize the .gcd file (setup.gcd).

Is there any way to use a normal extension for that kind of files? I searched on the Internet for a way to make my computer accept that extension to no avail :(


....................................Moderator comment....................................

Hi Holly,
No, the gcd file has been included to protect the game from being hacked. The only way round this assuming your security is blocking the file, is to configure your security to accept the file. If you aren't able to do that the other way is to temporarily turn off your security, but you do so at your own risk.

Read The Avid Games (above and below) and The Watchers comments above. They explain the problems some community members are having. Also check the FAQ's thread as there may be fixes found there.

Downloaded and played without any hitches on my Win 10 pc. I've got the other 2 Gardenscape games and have had a good time with both. I played the first 3 little levels of this and am looking forward to seeing what else it has to offer. Thank you again GGAOTD and Whiterabbit. Its always a bit like Christmas morning each weekend just to see what you guys are offering.

#6 Lorraine. I tried 3 times to download this game on Chrome, and it just wouldn't work. So I switched to the "old dinosaur" IE 11, it took longer, but worked like a charm. I think it was the Dreamatorium game that I also had trouble with downloading with Chrome. It took several tries but I finally got it to work.

No offense, especially to you personally Avid, but Windows is now divorced from Internet Explorer and has the new Edge browser on Windows 10. IE 6 is long out of date and security compromised and IE was at at least 10 before they dropped it. I forget how long, but 8 was out of date LONG ago. Many, many years. I'm a fan of simplicity, but you can't run a Model T well on modern roads. Plenty of good alternatives out there to the under performing IE: Firefox, Opera, Chrome (the "Comodo Dragon" clone of Chrome is better and safer IMHO), Safari, and the sometimes less featured but simpler hybrids made from some of these. Don't think that just because Microsoft ships you a browser with Windows, it's your best an only alternative. But, anyway, folks shouldn't expect something as old as IE 6 or even 8 to be the best available solution. Even in terms of keeping things simple, I'm old enough to remember rotary dial phones, and, if you had to make a lot of calls, you fingers would be "screaming" pretty quickly. Sorry, but push buttons are just, well, better. You can't hold on to the past forever. If you never update your software, don't be surprised when the web passes you by.

I have to comment on this. I feel for Lorraine and the others in this boat. But, let me assure you all, the problem is on your end. That's unfair to you, and it's certainly no fault of yours, but nobody can make it not be your reality when it is the reality on your end. I have had maybe one problem, can't even remember for sure, in the over 100 to 200 games I've downloaded from this site over the years. Partly this is because I have a slight tech background and know how to keep my computers simple and clean. Clean not in the malware sense, but in the sense of realizing that operating systems, especially Windows, can easily get mucked up with unnecessary items which conflict with each other. I highly recommend that folks not be tempted by bells and whistles and shiny objects. Most of what the computer faddists say you need, you don't need. To paraphrase the phone myth, because it applies somewhat to non-phones too, even if there's an app for everything, you don't need 99% of them.
There are simpler ways to do things. You really can get by with a simple decent firewall, simple decent anti-virus, simple decent anti-malware, and simple apps. I myself use mainly "free standing" or "portable" apps whenever possible. (Portable apps are free standing by definition.) These are apps which don't install to your computer, because they don't need to, but work essentially on top of your operating system. Like driving your car/auto. You don't have to be "installed" into the car to drive it. The more you install into your computer, the more settings you change, the more parts of the software you get you may not need, the more "useful extras" you get that aren't really all that useful and people often don't know about and wouldn't want if they did, the more potential conflicts you get, and the harder it all is to clean up when there's a problem.
The problem most of you are having is either: an internet protocol setting that needs to be changed, a conflict with windows or other software that needs to be found and, if possible, cleaned up (sometimes related to which and how many un-zip programs you have installed), or a problem with some part of the anti virus/malware/hacking protocols/softwares that have been installed. Unfortunately, finding which is which is often very complicated. GGOTD is very sympathetic, but just doesn't have a magic wand that can prevent all your problems.
Good luck, I hope everyone can isolate the difficulties, and, in the future, I highly recommend folks think "simple computing". Shiny objects are fun to look at, but often not very useful. Again, you have my sincere sympathies.

.....................................Moderator comment...............................

As always, thank you for your comments Watcher. Much appreciated. :)

I'm also getting the same "setup.exe has stopped working" followed by the "successfully activated" window.

Win 7 - SP1
64bit

And to respond to the "fix" I keep seeing in the comments above - I'm running IE11, which is set to install new versions automatically, so unless I HAVE to be running IE8, that's not the problem/fix.

I will also check the GGOTD forums.

Such a fun game! Thank you Playrix and GGOTD!

This game is part of the Gardenscape series that I purchased. Gamescapes, Barn Yarns, and the Fishdom/Aquascapes franchises are all quite similar in game play, visuals, and overall feel. They are all enjoyable ways to pass the time. Enough for me to purchase the games in hope it would encourage the developers to continue coming up with new games.

I like that the colors in the HOG scenes are brighter, more of a normal lighting rather than drab dungeon like setting. It it much easier on those of us with less than perfect eyesight.

It would be nice to have more flexibility in the decorating of the garden and home. Perhaps once the initial goal is met it could unlock a freestyle mode allowing the player to delete unwanted items and add additional items. IE. I don't want a golf area or statues in the garden but I would like multiple benches in various parts of the garden.

Another first rate game. Thank you ever so much Playrix and GAOTD!!!

Seriously you know how to keep me busy gaming ;-)

As usual downloaded fast and installed without a problem (don't mention stupid me forgot to re-activate Avira after last weekends installation *sighs*).

Just this morning I finished Crop Buster - ha!

Game is cute and running fine on Win10 like all the others from this group.

Thank you very much!

Same story here. Running Win7, rarely had this problem before. It downloaded slowly (but I'm used to that) and I HAVE sufficient space on my hard drive, and do meet the requirements for installation and to run. I was (and AM) really looking forward to this sequel to Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover, and will KEEP TRYING to get it properly downloaded and installed.
I'm NOT blaming the website, but would ask if ANYONE has any suggestions for resolving this issue that myself and others are having with this game.
Thanks for any positive input any of you might have to offer.

I think that MSIE 8 probably means Windows XP, I just checked my Windows Vista installation and the last version available for that OS is MSIE 9.

Possibly antivirus/antimalware like Swamp Thing? Maybe? I would personally reboot again, (run no other programs other than the NECESSARY things); meaning close all programs that are running in the background (System tray for example) that you can for a temporary trial: printer programs, antimalware, screenshot programs- everything you can including temporarily your antivirus and try yet again. If still unsuccessful, I would reboot and then do full scans with your antivirus and all antimalware programs you have (run antivirus first to get the worst of the bunch), then Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, etc. and have them remove all infections found; reboot and try again. At least, if it was a computer I was working on, that's what *I* would do (and have done many times). That's my recommendation.
On a side note, you might try right-clicking on the "setup.exe" and choose "Run as administrator"? Not sure that'll help as it's mostly needed for antivirus and other control-intensive programs that need maximum administrator rights to install...

I really like the tasks being involved in the game. The graphics really stand out. They are clear and cheerful. I especially like the contrast. Another thing I like about Gardenscapes 2 is the entire screen is shown in the playing area.

I love the game. Who wouldn't, it's from Playrix. Thanks Stephen for everything.

This kinda sounds like an antivirus (silently) prevented the wrapper from running? Try disabling the antivirus/antimalware running and try again?

I love Playrix games and they always work well for me. I will download this with pleasure. Thank you GGOTD and Stephen.

@Lorraine:
I would recommend either going to a friend's house and attempt to download it there (laptop makes things easier here) or a coffee shop will work as well. My internet connection has always been unstable and have experienced the same problem myself time and time again. My solution on these larger downloads was go to a friend's/relatives house or a coffee shop downloading it to my laptop, then return home and use a flash drive to transfer the zip file to my desktop, that way I could successfully download / install it. That's my personal recommendation. If you don't have a laptop but have a USB flash drive, you could download it at a friend/relative's house using their computer and then transfer to your flash drive BUT if they have infections (virus, trojans, etc.) your USB flash drive (not to mention the file you transfer) can become infected thereby infecting your computer when connected and used... Hope that helps!

Maybe you've got AVG installed? With me the setup file didn't want to start either, I turned AVG off for 10 minutes and the installation went very well. Must be something they done with their last update.
My PC runs on windows 7 prof.

Having problems installing this one. Usually the GGotD programs install without a hitch. I've downloaded it twice (once with IE8, just in case) and the same thing happened both times: The file downloads, I extract it without a problem, and click on the setup.exe file. The GGotD activation box pops up, after a second the 'successfully activated' box appears, and that's it. The game doesn't actually install itself. I've checked my computer for the game and can't find it. Any advice? I'm using Windows 7, 64-bit.

Thank you, thank you,, thank you. I missed the first Gardenscapes when it was given away and am happy to have this one. Loving these and Barn Yarn. My compliments to GGOTD and Playrix for these excellent games with bright, cheerful graphics. I can't wait to play.

Ringer for Yarn Barn which was ok so worth a try. Some of these do get bit annoying as game goes on. Gets bit hard to find objects in time, esp if they use a little verbal trickery like bow (3). Two could be conventional bow/arrow while third is a dress bow, ha ha. Thanks GOTD.

Although I'm not a mega-fan of hidden object games, I enjoy the Gardenscapes series. They are relaxing, with clear and pleasant graphics, and occasionally amusing dialogue. (Austin: "With this watering can, I personify the rain.") The house sale concept is original and well executed, and it's fun to choose between the various garden features.

Sincere thanks to GGOTD and Playrix. You're making a lot of people very happy. :)

PS Just one issue with Gardenscapes 2; I would have preferred to see Austin's mother portrayed as a charming, lively and whimsical character like the rest of her family.

.....................................Moderator comment...............................

:)

Oh, and you guys don't skip over the into to the game. It is a nice to see Austin getting ready for his trip.

I really appreciate GOTD taking the time to locate these games and also writing comments and trying to help those having problems downloading. With everything else in our lives, that takes a commitment and it is not lost on me. I do thank you so much for your time. I loved Gardenscapes and know I will enjoy this game as well.. Downloaded on WIN 7 64 bit and is working flawlessly. Playrix are some of my favorite games.

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Thank you Emmy (I call my daughter Emmy) :)

You shouldn't blame the website. It's your computer because 99% of these games download for everybody else. I appreciate GGOTD.

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Exactly :)