> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/miseq-ruo/instrumentation-miseq-ruo-troubleshooting-list/000001658.md).

# How to access Windows on the MiSeq if there is black screen at boot up

If the MiSeq Control Software (MCS) does not launch at boot and a **black screen** is displayed, but the mouse is working, follow the steps below.

a. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL and open the **Task Manager**.

b. Select **New Task**.

![](https://761066130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGM9W2DuBTgEXv1ClCm8H%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c6c568f1e7bdf849dd0bdce07519f31ae61c6a37%2Fimage1.png?alt=media\&token=7344d89c-5e87-4459-b32c-2873f7e29e53)

c. Enter "explorer" into the text box and select **OK**.

![](https://761066130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGM9W2DuBTgEXv1ClCm8H%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-695c27451a18b9d81d7db0ed1494d7288e4370b1%2Fimage2.png?alt=media\&token=0e7c3f48-8577-435e-8cf8-89412c3c7a23)

d. Windows Explorer will boot up and bring you to the Windows desktop.\
e. **Launch** MCS by double-clicking the MiSeq Control Software icon on the desktop.\
f. If MCS stalls or initialization fails:

* **Quit** MCS if you have an error by acknowledging the error and closing the software.
* **Navigate** to D:\Illumina Maintenance Logs.
* **Rename** the "WashLog.xml" file to "WashLog\_archive.xml".
* **Re-launch** the MCS from the desktop.

If the issue still persists, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support) for further assistance.

**Note:** If the message appears that "there is another application open," see the steps below to terminate duplicate instances of MCS.

a. In **Task Manager**, select the **Processes** tab.

![](https://761066130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGM9W2DuBTgEXv1ClCm8H%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6f146b3d10fca21b336be80f8b2fca7f47e11973%2Fimage3.png?alt=media\&token=eb297ed0-866e-4f0c-bb0e-ee7eda404887)

b. If "MiSeqSoftware.exe" is listed, **highlight** and select "**End Process**"

![](https://761066130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGM9W2DuBTgEXv1ClCm8H%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8f0d064037e20d1888d361d00ba1802441bbe714%2Fimage4.png?alt=media\&token=6d9ee053-5eb6-42a1-a8c7-c503478ee98f)

c. When prompted to confirm, select **End Process**.

![](https://761066130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGM9W2DuBTgEXv1ClCm8H%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-287e2b5c893356484dea1f5f58222d5862a53023%2Fimage5.png?alt=media\&token=db8a9ba0-0c5e-44c3-bbb1-171d47e6c86a)

d. Re-attempt launch of MCS from the desktop by double-clicking the MCS icon.

\
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| :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1658), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000001658%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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