TimePilot Troubleshooting and Upgrade Questions (Page 3 Q&A)

This article continues our legacy documentation of common TimePilot questions and technical troubleshooting topics. TimePilot was widely deployed as a PC-based time and attendance solution, and many systems remain in service today. The topics below address upgrade concerns, USB communication issues, report errors, and software reinstall prompts.

Will I Lose Data When Upgrading or Reinstalling TimePilot?

No. Reinstalling or upgrading the TimePilot software does not delete employee records or transaction history, provided the database file remains intact. The employee and transaction data are stored separately from the application program files. Before performing major upgrades, however, it is always recommended to create a backup of your database file for additional protection.

“No Communications” Message on the Clock

If the time clock displays a “No Communications” message, the issue is typically related to the connection between the clock and the computer.

Check the following:

• Verify that all cables between the PC, the TimePilot USB adaptor, and the time clock station are securely connected.
• Disable computer power-saving features, especially USB power management settings.
• On Windows systems, open Device Manager, locate “USB Root Hub” entries, and disable the option that allows the computer to turn off the device to save power.

On some systems, unstable USB ports can cause communication problems. In those cases, connecting the TimePilot USB adaptor through a powered USB hub (one with its own electrical supply) can improve stability by reducing electronic interference.

Error Running Reports in Current Transactions

If an error occurs while running reports, it is often due to unextracted old transactions. TimePilot requires regular extraction of transaction data after each pay period. Transactions older than approximately 30 days should be extracted or deleted to maintain proper database performance.

Why Don’t Transactions Appear Immediately?

The Transaction Manager does not refresh automatically. If it is already open, new clock-ins or clock-outs will not appear until the display is refreshed. To update the view, click on another employee and then return to the original employee. The new transactions should then display.

Also note that the “On Site” and “Off Site” buttons do not create payroll transactions. Only “In” and “Out” buttons generate entries used to calculate hours worked.

Software Reinstall Prompt at Startup

If TimePilot unexpectedly begins a reinstall process and prompts for the installation disk, the issue may be caused by security or anti-spyware software removing essential program files. In some historical cases, certain security applications misidentified legitimate TimePilot files as unwanted software.

To prevent this, configure your security software to exclude or allow TimePilot program files. The exact steps vary depending on the security program and version in use.