# Can a run be started on the NextSeq 1000/2000 without an active DRAGEN license?

A DRAGEN License **MUST** be installed on the instrument to run BCLconvert even if the license is expired. BCLconvert is free and does not require an active\* DRAGEN license, but BCLconvert will not run if license is not present.

BCLconvert is the DRAGEN equivalent of generateFASTQ.

\*Caveats:

* NextSeq 1000/2000 Control Software v1.2 and later: do not have hardware license expiration dates and user can running BCLconvert locally even if license is expired.
* NextSeq 1000/2000 control software 1.1 and earlier: included a hardware expiration date. This results in users being unable to run BCLconvert on the local DRAGEN when the license is expired. If instrument does not have an active DRAGEN license, it is possible to set up a run in either cloud or local mode with BCLconvert or in standalone mode. Fastq files will not be generated from the local DRAGEN. The workaround/solution is to contact [Illumina Customer Care](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/customer-care) for a temporary license extension.

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #3224), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000003224%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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