How to Recover TimeClock Data From a Crashed Computer

If your TimeClock computer crashes, it is important to make sure you know all your options before moving forward. This article will help you determine what you need to get your TimeClock up and running again.

Step 1: Determine your version and edition of Virtual TimeClock
      - Network edition: If the crashed computer is only running the Pro Client or User Client and NOT the Server Manager, you did not lose any data. Follow the steps in our guide for moving your Pro or User Client to a new computer. If your Virtual TimeClock server computer died, continue to step 2.
      - Pro Edition: If your Pro edition crashed, continue to step 2.
      - Basic Edition: If your Basic edition crashed, continue to step 2.

Step 2: Locate any backup files
      - Option 1: If you have TimeClock's automatic backup feature set up, locate the TimeClock's backup location and retrieve the file. If you set backups using our guide to Virtual TimeClock backups, the backup file may be on a thumb drive plugged into the computer, on your personal cloud account (iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.), or on a Network Attached Storage (NAS).  The backup file will have a .vtcBackup extension.
      - Option 2: If you backup your entire computer using another method, you can find your TimeClock database by following our guide to locating your database file. The file will have a .vtcData extension.
      - Option 3: If you do not have any backups of your database, you may still be able to recover your TimeClock data. Consult a qualified IT technician to recover any data. While not guaranteed, this method is your best shot at recovering your database. In a best-case scenario, they may be able to save ALL the data from your computer. In the worst case, the data may be corrupted and nothing is salvageable. If only part of the computer's data is recoverable, reference our guide to locating your database file and ask if they can locate the database. The file will have a .vtcData extension.

Step 3: Reinstall the TimeClock
Follow our guides below for your corresponding software.
      - Network edition: Install Virtual TimeClock Network Edition.
      - Pro edition: Install Virtual TimeClock Pro Edition.
      - Basic edition: Install Virtual TimeClock Basic Edition.

Standard Support customers: If your version was purchased less than five years ago, you will find installer files on our Downloads page. If it has been six or more years since your last upgrade, your software has reached End-of-Life and you will need your installer file in order to reinstall it. If you are interested in upgrading your TimeClock and migrating your data to our latest release, visit our store and request an upgrade code from us.

Still have questions? Search our Knowledge Base or Contact Us. We're here to help.