> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-6000/instrumentation-novaseq-6000-troubleshooting-list/000006676.md).
# Troubleshooting "Instrument Shell has Stopped Working" on the NovaSeq 6000
The "Instrument Shell has Stopped Working" error on the NovaSeq 6000 is a Windows error that can indicate transient communications issues or hardware problems. This error manifests as the NovaSeq Control Software (NVCS) crashing, and the pop-up shown below appearing on the screen.
*"Instrument Shell has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Please close the program."*
**Troubleshooting:**
1. Select **Close the program** from the options shown in the pop-up window.
2. Power cycle the instrument.
1. For further information, see Knowledge Base article [How to Power Cycle the NovaSeq 6000.](/instrumentation/general/instrumentation-general-reference_material-list/000002470.md)
3. Attempt to restart NVCS.
4. If initialization fails or same error recurs, collectthe following log files:
* NovaSeq Control Software logs folder: C:\ProgramData\*\Illumina\NovaSeq\NovaSeq Control Software\Logs (zipped)
5. After collecting the logs, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support) to assist with the next steps.
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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #6676), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000006676%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |
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