# 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.

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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)*.* |