Net Framework error (when opening the MS console in MassLynx): Object reference not set to an instance of an object - WKB23234

SYMPTOMS

• Error on opening the MS console
• Missing the MS or an ACQUITY component from the console
• .Net Framework error: "Object reference not set to an instance of an object"

NOTE - .NetFramework errors are almost never caused by .NetFramework itself. Usually they are caused by a process that makes use of .NetFramework. In this case the ACQUITY console is making use of .NetFramework.

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY console
• MS console
• ACQUITY SQD
• ACQUITY TQD
• ACQUITY UPLC
• MassLynx 4.1
• MassLynx 4.2
• SYNAPT G2
• SYNAPT G2-S
• SYNAPT G2-Si
• SQD2
• Xevo QTof MS
• Xevo G2 QTof
• Xevo G2-S QTof
• Xevo G2-XS
• Xevo TQ-S
• Xevo TQ MS
• Xevo TQD

CAUSE

A component of the ACQUITY Console is not correctly registered in the Windows registry

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Exit MassLynx and run stopAcquityProcesses or StopProcesses.
2. Browse to the deployment manager used to install the ACQUITY ICS.
   • If the drivers within MassLynx were used, browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Micromass Utilities\ICOP\Sources\Support Files
   • It is better to use the disk that the ICS was loaded from, Disk drive:\Sources\Support Files, and copy the ICSCompanionSetup.exe file locally (to the C drive)
3. Run ICSCompanionSetup.exe.
   • Open a command prompt (Windows Start > cmd, right click on CMD and select Run as Administrator)
   • Type cd followed by the address of the folder where the ICSCompanionSetup.exe resides, for example cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Micromass Utilities\ICOP\Sources\Support Files
   • Type ICSCompanionSetup.exe /v"SKIP=TRUE"
   • Press Return
4. Open MassLynx and the MS console.
5. If error persists reload ICOPS and Masslynx

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If this does not resolve the issue, try ACQUITY or MS missing from the console in MassLynx.