# FAQ.3 — Maya connector does not start automatically

## Overview

The connector files can be installed, and Maya can still be missing from SkinLayer Studio.  
A plugin or setting you installed can stop Maya from running the startup script in the scripts folder.

Turn the connector on yourself with the script below.  
Run it **once each time you start Maya**.

---

## When this happens

- Clicking **[Re]** in SkinLayer Studio does not show Maya, and `DCC Connection Lost` stays on screen.
- **OS Tools** is missing from the Maya menu bar.
- Install Connector shows `up to date`. You do not need to install again.

## 1. Open the Script Editor

In Maya, open **Windows → General Editors → Script Editor**.  
Choose the **Python** tab in the bottom input area. Not the **MEL** tab.

If any text is selected, click once to clear the selection.  
Running only part of the script can show `Invalid Code Fragment`.

---

## 2. Paste the script and run it

Paste **all** of the following and press **Ctrl + Enter**.

```python
import os
import sys
import maya.cmds as cmds

scripts = os.path.normpath(cmds.internalVar(userScriptDir=True))
if scripts not in sys.path:
    sys.path.insert(0, scripts)

from os_skinLayerStudio_connector import boot, open_window
boot()
open_window()
```

The script finds Maya’s scripts folder, adds that path, starts the connector, and opens its window.

## 3. Confirm the window opened

On success, the **skinLayer_connector** window opens.

- **SkinLayer Studio — Connector** under the title
- **IPC: Starting...**
- An **OS Tools** menu at the top of Maya

Then click **[Re]** once in SkinLayer Studio.  
Maya in the DCC bar with a green light means it is connected.

![Maya connector window after the script runs](img_01_connector_window.png)

The red outline in the picture is only an example of a shelf button. It is not part of the product.

---

## 4. Keep it on a shelf

While auto-start is blocked, run the script once every time you open Maya.  
In the Script Editor, **select the whole script**, then middle-mouse-drag it onto the **Shelf**.  
The button type must be **Python**. A MEL button will not run it.

---

## If it still fails

- You are on the **Python** tab and ran the whole script
- No partial text was selected when you ran it
- You clicked **[Re]** in SkinLayer Studio

Send a screenshot of the Script Editor output and we will check it.

This step **connects**. It does not install. It starts the connector that is already installed and opens its window.

To help us see the cause, run the script in [FAQ.4 — send a check log](../faq04-maya-connection-check/) and email the full output.