# Program could not run to completion

## Before you move on

You are here because you tried to run a program (e.g., *Measure* or *Clean*) but it gave the *Program could not run to completion* error message.

Is this not the case? Then let's take a step back. [Does your BactoBox® not power on](/troubleshooting/power-on-fails.md)? [Does the *QC test* program give errors](/troubleshooting/qualification-fails/i-get-error-40xx.md)?

See also [BactoBox® acting up?](/troubleshooting/bactobox-r-acting-up.md).

<img src="/files/4YvqkQVU1cELIaUHIgWW" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## It says *Program could not run to completion*

You run a program and it says *Program could not run to completion* either right away or at some point during the program.

It is the same message for all programs. E.g., *Clean*, *Measure*, *QC test, Measure with low conductivity*, etc.

**This is a software issue with your BactoBox®.** In other words, a [design defect (aka a *bug*)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_bug) in the programming.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Update BactoBox® software

Maybe we fixed it already. [Update BactoBox® software](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md) to get the latest features and fixes.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Report the issue

Let us know about the issue so that we can fix it. [Contact our support team](/troubleshooting/contact-our-support-team.md) and make sure to include a device data bundle.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

# Agent Instructions: 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:

```
GET https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/power-on-works-but.../program-could-not-run-to-completion.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
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.
