# Troubleshooting an Unable to Generate a Focus Model Error on the NovaSeq 6000

**Error message**: "Unable to generate a focus model for the flow cell, which requires an onsite correction. Contact Technical Support for help."

![](/files/YTrxITKfwbhteMsQFhcz)

Figure 1. Example Error message in NovaSeq Control Software

The focus model is generated by the Focus Tracking Module (FTM) and Line Generation Module (LGM). The FTM is a secondary onboard laser diode separate from main Red and Green lasers of the LGM. Failure to generate a focus model is related to either low intensities of the lasers on the Focus Tracking Module (FTM), a consumable issue with the flow cell, fluidics, temperature, or other optical issues.

**Troubleshooting steps:**\* ### Power cycle the instrument

* #### For more information on power cycle, search for Knowledge Base articles **How to Power Cycle the NovaSeq 6000 System?**
* #### Once the instrument initializes successfully, perform a system check
  * #### For more information on power cycle, search for Knowledge Base articles **How to perform system checks on the NovaSeq 6000.**
* #### Inspect flow cell quality and check for any debris/glass shards.
* #### Collect the following files and contact [Illumina Technical Support](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com) (<techsupport@illumina.com>) for instructions on how to upload the compressed Alignment folder to a secure FTP site for review and next steps.
  * #### **Logs folder**: C:\ProgramData\Illumina\NovaSeq\NovaSeqTemp\[run folder]\Logs
  * #### **Alignment folder**: C:\ProgramData\Illumina\NovaSeq\NovaSeqTemp\[run folder]\Alignment.

####

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1306), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000001306%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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