# Troubleshooting Unable to Start Real Time Analysis on the NovaSeq 6000

Users may experience an error regarding Real-Time Analysis (RTA) when attempting to start a run on the NovaSeq 6000. The error will read as follows:

**Unable to start Real-Time Analysis. Restart the control software and set up a new run.**

Typically this error is indicative of communications errors within the internal computer of the instrument and is resolvable with a complete power cycle of the system. Reagents are not typically marked as used with this error and a run can often be restarted with the same reagents, if the instrument initializes successfully following a power cycle. For complete instructions on power cycling the NovaSeq 6000, please review the article [How to Power Cycle the NovaSeq 6000 System.](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-6000/instrumentation-novaseq-6000-reference_material-list/000002470)

For this error, complete a slow power cycle, leaving the instrument completely powered down with the rear switch toggled off for a minimum of 5 minutes before attempting to reboot.

If after a slow power cycle RTA continues to fail, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support).

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #8431), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000008431%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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