# 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 will boot up.\
e. Launch MCS by double-clicking the MiSeq Control Software icon on the desktop.\
f. If the issue persists, rename the WashLog with the steps below.

* Navigate to: D:\Illumina Maintenance Logs.
* Rename the WashLog.xml file to WashLog\_archive.xml.
* Re-launch the MCS from desktop.

If 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 MCS.

To terminate MCS:

a. 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. Reattempt launch of MCS from the desktop by double-clicking the MCS icon.

\
\
\ <br>

|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| *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)*.* |


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/miseq/instrumentation-miseq-troubleshooting-list/000001658.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.