Non-English Windows OS regional settings cause large masses (e10+ Da) in QDa spectra with Empower 3 (PCS 56694) - WKB16125

SYMPTOMS

• When an ACQUITY QDa detector is under Empower 3 control on a PC with non-English regional settings in Windows OS, extremely large masses (e10+ Da) are reported in MS spectra.

ENVIRONMENT

• Empower 3
• ACQUITY QDa
• Windows OS regional settings

CAUSE

Regional settings are configured to use a comma instead of a decimal place for numbers.

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Change the regional settings to English (United States). In Windows OS, navigate to Control Panel > Clock, Language, and Region.
2. In the Formats tab, set format to "English (United States)" in the drop-down list.
3. Click the "Additional settings..." button.
4. In the Numbers tab, set "Decimal symbol" to a decimal point.
5. Change "List separator" to a comma.
6. Apply > OK.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An official PCS 56694 has been raised to investigate this issue.