> 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-x-x-plus/instrumentation-novaseq-x-x-plus-reference_material-list/000008035.md).
# How to access network storage locations in Linux on the NovaSeq X Series
**Background**
The NovaSeq X Series instruments require configuring an External Storage and Output folder location prior to setting up a sequencing run.
On Control Software versions 1.3 and above, configuring an External Storage location in the Novaseq X Series Control Software creates an accessible network storage mount under the /mnt directory and is accessible through the **Files** application. The additional steps listed below are not required for mounting a network storage in Linux.
For instruments running Control Software versions 1.2.2 and below, the External Storage mount directory is not accessible through the Files application within the Linux OS without additional configuration steps. If access to the External Storage location from the instrument is required to manually transfer run files or confirm that transfer has completed, see the following steps:
*Server Message Block (SMB) Shares in Files Application*
1. Before beginning, consult with the local IT team to collect the following information:
1. The fully qualified Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path to the network share
2. The network login credentials, including:
* Username
* Domain (if applicable)
* Password
2. Minimize the **NovaSeq X Series Control Software** by selecting the **instrument icon**, then **Settings**, and then **Minimize Application**.
3. Select the **Activities** menu in the top left corner and then open the **Files** App.
4. Within **Files**, select the **Other Locations** bookmark from the panel on the left.
5. In the **Connect to Server** text field, input the following using the UNC path to the network share, then select **Connect**:
1. smb://server/share
6. In the following pop-up screen, select the **Registered User** radio button, then input the following information:
* Network Username
* \[DOMAIN] (if no Domain is used, leave field as SAMBA)
* Password for network Username
7. Select the **Remember forever** radio button.
8. Select the blue **Connect** button.
9. The network share is now accessible through the **Files** App by selecting the share in the bookmarks panel on the left.
*Network File System (NFS) Shares \[Temporary Mount]*
Note: The instructions below will create a temporary NFS mount for use on the NovaSeq X/X Plus system which will be lost upon reboot. For assistance creating a permanent NFS mount, contact [Illumina Tech Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html).
1. Before beginning, consult with the local IT team to collect the following information:
* IP address or server name for the server hosting the NFS share (Server\_IP).
* The path to the NFS share on the server (share\_path).
2. Minimize the **NovaSeq X Series Control Software** by selecting the **instrument icon**, then **Settings**, and then **Minimize Application**.
3. Select the **Activities** menu in the top left corner and then open the **Terminal** App.
4. If logged in as **ilmnuser**, input the **su ilmnadmin** command, press **Enter**, and then input the **ilmnadmin** user password.
5. Input the following commands to mount the NFS network share, pressing **Enter** after each command:
1. sudo mkdir /mnt/nfs\_share
2. sudo mount -t nfs \[Server\_IP]:/Share\_Path /mnt/nfs\_share
6. Select the **Activities** menu in the top left corner and then open the **Files** App.
7. Within **Files**, select the **Other Locations** bookmark from the panel on the left.
8. Select **Computer**, then /mnt, then the /nfs\_share directory to access the network share through the **Files** App.
\
\
\
| |
| :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #8035), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000008035%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-x-x-plus/instrumentation-novaseq-x-x-plus-reference_material-list/000008035.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.