Troubleshooting ChemStation Method File or Sequence File Error Preventing the Software from Starting

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent OpenLab ChemStation Software - Standalone Workstation

Issue

The following error messages are generated when the start method or sequence defined in the ChemStation.ini file is missing or invalid. The full error message reads one of the following: 

• '_Meth(od)File$' key in section [PCS,X] of ChemStation.INI not valid or specified file does not exist
• '_Seq(uence)File$' key in section [PCS,X] of ChemStation.INI not valid or specified file does not exist
• MethFile$ method not found in PCS section of Chemstation.ini will not load or not found

Typically, the error is followed by a "File System Initialization failed" error message.

Background

The software loads the last method and sequence used every time it is started. This information is stored in the ChemStation.ini file. If any of the method or sequence files are not found, the error is shown during the software initialization. 

Steps to Follow

1. Go to the ChemStation.ini file
   • For versions C.01.08 to C.01.10 the file can be found in C:\ProgramData\Agilent Technologies\Chemstation\
   • For versions until revision C.01.07 it can be found in C:\Windows\.
     
     

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

      

2. Within the file, locate the section [PCS,X] mentioned in the error message that is referring to your device. X is a number from 1 onwards in the order that you created your instruments in the software. Look for the defined method (_METHFILE$=…) and directory (_CONFIGMETPATH$=…) or SEQ respectively for the sequence file, compare with figure 1 (older ChemStation versions) and figure 2 (newer ChemStation versions):
   

    

   
   
   Figure 1: ChemStation.ini file for a ChemStation C.01.07 version opened with a text editing software.
   
   

   
   
   Figure 2: ChemStation.ini file for a ChemStation C.01.10 (Update 4) version opened with a text editing software.
   
   

3. On your PC, check whether the defined method or sequence folder path actually exists. Move the defined method or sequence file back into the directory according to Figure 1 (highlighted in red). Alternatively, you can define another method (e.g. the default method for HPLC systems DEF_LC.M or default sequence DEF_LC.S) and change ChemStation.ini accordingly.

    

   Tips: Using the default files is always recommended.

    

4. The default method should be located in the following folder, where X represents your instrument (for GC instruments, the method folder will be called def_GC.m):
   • For version C.01.08 and higher: C:\Users\Public\Documents\ChemStation\X\Methods\def_LC.m
   • For older versions (C.01.07 and before): C:\Chem32\X\Methods\def_LC.m)

If this article does not solve your issue, please contact your local Agilent Support representative. If you encounter other error messages that prevent ChemStation from starting, you might try out the following article for basic troubleshooting.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent OpenLab CDS Software: Agilent CDS Software user manual on Agilent.com