Configuration System Failed to Initialize. ChemStation Will Shutdown Now

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent OpenLab ChemStation Edition Software (C.01.xx)

Issue

When your Agilent OpenLab ChemStation Edition software fails to launch with errors "Login failed with the following message: Configuration system failed to initialize. ChemStation will shutdown now", this article will provide you some basic steps in troubleshooting the issue.

Background

This error message is usually the result of a corruption in the user.config file or a corrupted instrument configuration (typically stemming from an unexpected shutdown or power outage).

Resolution 

Corrupted user.config file

Rename or delete the file. It will be recreated automatically during the next ChemStation launch process.

Tips: Hidden items will need to be enabled from the File Explorer View menu in order to see appdata

1. Close all OpenLab ChemStation software app.
2. Rename or delete the user.config file; it can be found at the following location:
   • Windows 7/ Windows 10 PC: c:\users\<logged on user>\appdata\local\agilent_technologies\chemmain.exe_url_xyz\2.0.0.0\user.config
   • Windows XP PC: C:\Documents and Settings\<logged_on_user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Agilent_Technologies\CHEMMAIN.EXE_Url_xlvsr1c1b5wijktns4g1gcbrae3dl030\2.0.0.0\user.config
   • On AIC (Agilent Instrument Controller): C:\Users\username\appdata\local/Agilent Technologies\ChemMain.exe_url_xyz….\’2.0.0.0\user.config
3. Reboot the computer. 
4. Launch the online session.

Tips: Sometimes, after deleting or renaming the user.config file, OpenLab ChemStation fails to launch with the associated error: "Autostart Macro failed, error #xxxx occurred", where #xxxx can be different numbers. Check out the article OpenLab ChemStation Autostart Macro Failed Error for further suggestions.

Corrupted instrument configuration

Rename or delete the RapidControl.InstrumentConfig.xml file. It will be recreated automatically during the next ChemStation launch process. 

1. Close all OpenLab ChemStation software app.
2. Rename or delete the RapidControl.InstrumentConfig.xml file; which can be found at the following location:
   • Windows 10 PC: C:\ProgramData\Agilent Technologies\Chemstation\# (where # is the instrument number)
   • Windows XP/ Windows 7 PC: C:\Chem32\# (where # is the instrument number)
3. Reboot the computer.
4. Launch the online session.
5. If it does not work, create a new instrument (see How to Configure an HPLC Instrument in the Agilent OpenLab Control Panel Using Auto Configuration or How to Add a GC Instrument in Agilent OpenLab CDS (Ver 2.x) ).

In case deleting the user.config and RapidControl.InstrumentConfig.xml files do not solve the issue, create a Windows user profile and try launching the instrument.

If the issue continues or further help is required, contact your local Agilent Support.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent OpenLab Chromatography Data System:  Agilent OpenLab Help & Learning Online