# Query string parameter being URL encoded in Sitecore 8


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There currently is a bug in the latest version of Sitecore ranging from around version 7.2 to 8.0 Update-4 (rev. 150621) with regards to the query string parameter on internal links using a link field.
 
![linkfield1](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1653483659035/E0pQ74Bze.png)
 
If you have chosen an item and entered something into the query string field and then try to retrieve the URL from code, you will not get the wanted result.

```csharp
var linkField = (LinkField) Sitecore.Context.Item.Fields["Link"];
linkField.GetFriendlyUrl(); // http://yoursite.com/?product%3D123
```
 
When you save the link Sitecore will actually URL encode the query string value which in this case replaces `=` with `%3D` and it no longer works as expected. You can see this by looking at the raw value of the field.
 
![linkfield2](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1653483660997/UVAZ2UBRY.png)
 
## Workarounds
 
The simple workaround is to just edit the raw value yourself to the correct value. However, it is a bit annoying and your editors may not be so technically inclined. If you contact Sitecore Support, though, they will be able to provide you with a fix which consists of a DLL and a minor change in the `core` database.
 
I’m told the bug was fixed in Sitecore 7.1 Update-1 (rev. 140130) but has not yet been implemented in Sitecore 8 for some reason but hopefully they will do that soon.
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