# Setting external hard drives as the default output folder on NextSeq 1000/2000

The NextSeq 1000/2000 system can output data directly to an external hard drive. As Instrument Orchestrator and Universal Copy Service run as ilmnuser, the workflows for setting an external hard drive as the default output folder will differ between the ilmnuser and ilmnadmin accounts.

**Instructions for ilmnuser Account**

1. Plug in an external portable drive using the 3.0 USB port on the side or back of the instrument.
2. Create a new folder on the external portable drive. This folder will become the default output folder location on the external hard drive.
3. From the Control Software dropdown menu in the top left corner, select **Settings**.
4. Under Instrument Customization, select **Default Output Folder**, select the existing folder path, and navigate to the new folder on the external portable drive.

* The external will typically mount to /run/media/ilmnuser/\[HDD name]

5. \[Optional] If **Online Run Setup** is selected, select a **Hosting Location** from the drop-down menu.
6. Select **Save**.

Reference: Sequencing systems guide can be found in [English](https://support-docs.illumina.com/IN/NextSeq10002000/Content/IN/FrontPages/NextSeq10002000.htm) and [other languages](https://support.illumina.com/sequencing/sequencing_instruments/nextseq-1000-2000/documentation.html).

Per the [NextSeq 1000/2000 Sequencing System Guide](https://support-docs.illumina.com/IN/NextSeq10002000/Content/IN/FrontPages/NextSeq10002000.htm), the `ilmnadmin` account is intended for applying system updates or for use by IT staff to mount a persistent network drive. All other actions, including sequencing, must be performed from ilmnuser. It is **STRONGLY** encouraged to switch to `ilmnuser` for sequencing.

If workflow mandates sequencing from `ilmnadmin` account and outputting to an external hard drive, [contact Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support) for further assistance.

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